Probationary Firefighters

The Corporation of The City of St. Thomas•St. Thomas, ON

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Corporation of the City of St. Thomas, Fire Services, is recruiting for Probationary Firefighters to maintain an adequate pool of qualified candidates and support anticipated vacancies. This recruitment process aims to replenish the Firefighter Holding List. Candidates on the list will have their eligibility remain active until November 12, 2026, but must reapply to remain eligible beyond that date. New and existing candidates will be assessed on education, certifications, experience, and other requirements, with successful candidates placed on the Holding List for up to 12 months. Placement on the list does not guarantee employment. Vacancies may arise due to retirement, resignation, or extended leaves of absence, with candidates selected from the Holding List. All required certifications must be valid at the time of a conditional offer of employment. Candidates appointed to vacancies from extended leaves may be subject to layoff upon the incumbent's return. The City of St. Thomas Fire Department operates out of two stations with 63 full-time staff across five divisions: Administration, Training, Fire Prevention/Public Safety Education, Communications, and Operations. Operational platoons include a Platoon Chief, two Captains, nine Firefighters, and a Radio Telecommunications Operator. The Department also handles Municipal Emergency Preparedness. A career here is challenging and rewarding, requiring dedication, a willingness to help others, and the ability to respond to all emergencies, including hazards, rescues, fires, medical emergencies, motor vehicle emergencies, and other specialized calls. Responsibilities include public safety education, fire inspections, developing pre-fire plans, radio operation, training, and maintaining apparatus, equipment, and stations. The position is probationary for six months and requires physical fitness for sustained, intense effort. Firefighters must maintain competencies, certifications, skill levels, and professionalism, demonstrating self-motivation, problem-solving, teamwork, and clear communication in stressful situations.

Requirements

18 years of age or older
Legally entitled to work in Canada
An Ontario secondary school diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent
NFPA 1001; Firefighter Level 1 and 2 Certification (IFSAC or Pro Board seal, grandfathering)
NFPA 472 or NFPA 1072; Awareness and Operations (IFSAC or Pro Board seal)
Must possess valid Ontario Fire Administration Inc. Candidate Testing Services certificates, including Stage One, Stage Two and Stage Three. Certificates must be completed and valid at time of conditional offer.
Valid minimum current Standard First Aid certificate and a valid CPR for Health Care Providers (Level HCP) certificate. Certificates must be completed and valid at time of conditional job offer.
Possess and maintain a minimum valid Class "DZ" driver's license at time of application and at time of conditional job offer.
Be available and able to work a 24-hour shift schedule that involves working any day of the week, including weekends and holidays, to fulfill shift requirements
Must be in excellent physical health and be capable of performing the demanding physical requirements of the position.
Ability to understand and communicate clearly in English, both oral and written in stressful situations.
Ability to cope in high stress situations.
Ability to work as a team member.
Ability to obtain and provide a satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record search at time of conditional job offer.

Nice To Haves

Professional and/or Volunteer Firefighting Experience
Completion of related NFPA Courses
Emergency Experience (i.e. Paramedic, Emergency Nursing, etc.)
University Degree or College Diploma; College Certificate
Trade Apprenticeship or Certification (i.e. Electrician, Plumber, Mechanic, Construction)
Demonstrated consistent community service and/or volunteer involvement
Other relevant specialized training, qualifications or experience

Responsibilities

Respond to alarms and participate in all phases of firefighting, medical responses, rescues (hazardous materials, water/ice rescue, confined space), and all other emergency operations.
Complete all operations in a manner specified by STFD operational guidelines and standard operating policies, maintaining confidentiality.
Safely drive and operate departmental vehicles, apparatus, and equipment in compliance with provincial legislation and corporate/department guidelines, including pumping operations and high-level operations using elevated devices.
Fulfill task-level roles in the STFD Incident Command System and support roles such as accountability, entry control, safety officer, rehabilitation, and rapid intervention.
Provide emergency patient care in compliance with applicable standards and/or Base Hospital requirements.
Participate in the inspection and maintenance of all apparatus and equipment, including post-emergency maintenance and regularly scheduled inspections.
Participate in all fire station maintenance activities.
Participate in all training sessions, post-fire evaluations, and critical incident stress debriefings.
Maintain a high level of physical fitness and promote a healthy lifestyle, participating in health/wellness programming.
Comply with all department and corporate rules, regulations, responsibilities, policies, codes of conduct, procedures, and all federal, provincial, and municipal legislation.
Promote the City of St. Thomas Fire Department brand, maintain a positive public image, and a high level of professionalism.
Ensure uniform, station wear, and firefighting clothing are properly maintained and worn according to departmental policies.
Accurately complete all STFD reports in a timely manner.
Fulfill the role of Radio / Telephone Operator when required, receiving and recording telephone fire alarms and other emergency calls, and assisting in dispatching proper apparatus and equipment.
Participate in all public safety education, fire prevention programming, and special events, including Fire Company Home Education Programming and Commercial Inspections.
Maintain a thorough knowledge of streets, roads, and occupancy locations throughout the City.
Respond to emergency callback requests when paged.
Assist with program analysis and equipment evaluations upon request.
Mentor and/or train new recruit firefighters.
Successfully complete examinations and performance evaluations as required.
Maintain all required certifications.
Be compliant with all provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, related to “Duties of a Worker.”
Perform other such related duties as may be assigned.