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:
- Waterloo Fire Rescue people and locations
- Learn how Waterloo Fire Rescue supports the community
- How to qualify to be a firefighter
- Apply for a job
- 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 qualificationsTo 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.
Preferred qualificationsThe requirements listed below are preferred qualifications; however, the absence of such will not disqualify a candidate from consideration:
AssetsFirefighter recruitment is a competitive process. Here are skills and qualifications Waterloo Fire Rescue considers an asset to our service:
Recruitment process requirementsAs candidates advance through Waterloo Fire Rescue’s recruitment process, they will need to complete the following as part of their application:
|
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 |
You must also:
|
How to apply |
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:
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. If you need assistance completing the application or have questions about the application process, email fire@waterloo.ca or call 519-884-2121. |