Join Waterloo Fire Rescue

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)

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

• camp starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 4:30 a.m. each day
• camp takes place at the Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training and Research Centre
• walking distance from the nearest transit stop (close to the intersection of Erb Street West and Ira Needles Boulevard) is 1.5 km — find your route on the Grand River Transit website
• free parking is available on-site
• get directions from Google Maps

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.