Join Waterloo Fire Rescue

A career with Waterloo Fire Rescue gives you the opportunity to work with a team that keeps our community and neighbourhoods safe.

On this page:

  1. Waterloo Fire Rescue people and locations
  2. Learn how Waterloo Fire Rescue supports the community
  3. How to qualify to be a firefighter
  4. Apply for a job
  5. Apply for Emergency Services Career Camp

Waterloo Fire Rescue people and locations

We employ a team of over 125 people and respond to more than 8500 calls each year. Learn more about our fire services locations.


How Waterloo Fire Rescue supports the community

Waterloo Firefighters are skilled professionals who take pride in serving our community. We provide the following essential services:

  • public fire education programs for residents of all ages and business owners
  • educating the community and promoting fire prevention, including inspections and enforcement
  • respond to fires and medical emergencies, complete training activities, conduct post-fire salvage and clean up, conduct pre-planning activities, maintain stations and equipment

Firefighters are active in the following areas:

  • community service
  • community education
  • continuing education in all firefighting aspects

How to qualify to be a firefighter

The City of Waterloo is a rewarding place to work. As a member of Waterloo Fire Rescue, you will support the delivery of services that impact residents of this city each day, making it a great place to live, work and play for everyone. Come work with us!

Probationary firefighter qualifications
Minimum qualifications

To be eligible for consideration, you must meet and maintain the following requirements before the application deadline and throughout the recruitment and selection process. Proof of required certifications must be attached to your application.

  • 18 years of age or older
  • legally entitled to work in Canada
  • obtainment of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Level 1 & 2 certification (IFSAC or Pro Board seal)
  • NFPA 1072 or NFPA 472 Operations Level certification (IFSAC or Pro Board seal)
  • successful completion of all three stages of the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Testing process (valid Candidate Testing Services CTS Certificates)
  • valid CPR-BLS certification
  • Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification or equivalent
  • valid MTO ‘DZ’ class driver’s licence in good standing with driver’s abstract acceptable to the city (maximum of 3 demerit points; maximum of 2 convictions within the previous 36 months; no driving-related criminal code convictions within the previous 36 months; and no ignition interlock restrictions)
Preferred qualifications

The requirements listed below are preferred qualifications; however, the absence of such will not disqualify a candidate from consideration:

  • Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT)
  • NFPA 1002 (Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator – “Pump Ops”)
Assets

Firefighter recruitment is a competitive process. Here are skills and qualifications Waterloo Fire Rescue considers an asset to our service:

  • skilled trades certification, training, or experience
  • an outstanding employment record
  • demonstrated commitment to community service
  • strong communication, interpersonal and customer service skills
  • ability to thrive in a team environment
  • firefighting experience (professional or volunteer)
  • knowledge of firefighting equipment, terminology and practices
  • other relevant specialized training or qualifications
Recruitment process requirements

As candidates advance through Waterloo Fire Rescue’s recruitment process, they will need to complete the following as part of their application:

  • psychological resiliency testing through a third-party service provider chosen by the city, with results satisfactory to the city
  • pre-employment medical evaluation through a third-party service provider chosen by the city, with results satisfactory to the city (as a condition of employment)
  • police vulnerable sector check, which includes a criminal record and judicial matters check, with results satisfactory to the city (as a condition of employment)

Apply for a job

Check our job opportunities page to see if we are hiring. Candidates are tested using an external testing program that assesses potential firefighters.


Emergency Services Career Camp (ESCC)

The ESCC is an annual, 2-day, joint camp experience with Waterloo Fire Rescue, Waterloo Regional Police Services and Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services. 

This year's ESCC will be held on September 13 and 14, 2025. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2025.

What to expect:

  • transformative two-day experience designed to challenge and empower you for a future as a first responder
  • safe and supervised conditions
  • learn practical skills and safely participate in activities that will prepare you for a future in emergency services, including:
    • hands-on experience as a police officer, firefighter or paramedic
    • emergency preparedness skills
    • simulated rescues
Who can apply
  • youth 15 to 19 interested in a future career in emergency services
  • we welcome all youth, particularly those who identify with marginalized groups such as Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, religious minorities, and the intersections of these identities

You must also:

  • be in good physical condition
  • have a positive attitude
  • follow safety rules
  • participate in all activities and classes
  • have a valid provincial health card
  • bring CSA approved steel toe boots that have the green triangle logo (required but does not exclude you from applying)
  • be able to wear all protective equipment provided
  • will comply with all public health measures
How to apply
  • you can apply for this years ESCC camp by filling out the online form below. 
  • the application requires long-form written answers, we suggest using an external tool (Google Docs or MS Word, for instance) to write your answers in, so you don't lose unsaved work 

Apply by June 31, 2025

 

If you need assistance completing the application or have questions about the application process, email fire@waterloo.ca or call 519-884-2121

Getting to camp
Become an ESCC volunteer

Although not required, if you have participated in previous years of ESCC, or are a current or past student of a Conestoga College First Responders Program, you are encouraged to apply to become an ESCC volunteer.

Volunteers will:

  • support camp activities such as simulated rescues or platoon leadership
  • help campers develop strong emergency preparedness skills by administering scenario-based challenges
  • administer first aid as needed
  • help set up and tear down activities
  • organize other logistical tasks as needed

All selected volunteers will have to complete an orientation session held at the  Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training and Research Centre on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Only those selected as volunteers will be contacted for an orientation session.

Apply to be an ESCC volunteer

If you need assistance completing the application or have questions about the application process, email fire@waterloo.ca or call 519-884-2121.