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

Our team has more than 125 people employed and responds to more than 8500 calls a 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

To become a firefighter with Waterloo Fire Rescue, you must have the following education and certifications:

  • have your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent and be a graduate of the pre-service Firefighter Education and Training Program or NFPA 1001 - Firefighter I & II certified
  • have successfully completed all three stages of the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. Candidate Testing Service; must be current and valid
  • have a valid and current First Aid and CPR certificate (Level C Standard) and EMR equivalent
  • Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) –Submit a police records check, including the Vulnerable Sector Screening deemed acceptable by the City of Waterloo

To apply it is recommended that you:

  • have an outstanding employment record
  • have the ability to support and project values compatible with the organization
  • have strong communication, interpersonal and customer service skills
  • be committed to working in a team environment

As a condition of employment, firefighters are required to:

  • submit proof of a valid Class "DZ" driver's license deemed acceptable by the City of Waterloo
  • complete a pre-employment medical evaluation through a third party service provider chosen by the City, with results satisfactory to the City

To increase your changes of a successful application the following are beneficial

  • Certified Firefighter or Certified Career Firefighter through the Ontario Fire Marshal (Components 1, 2, 3 testing or equivalent)
  • previous firefighter experience (professional or volunteer)
  • previous related work experience
  • certified trade training or experience
  • knowledge of firefighting equipment, terminology and practice
  • demonstrated community service involvement
  • other relevant specialized training or qualifications

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.

Apply for Emergency Services Career Camp

The Emergency Services Career Camp is is a joint camp experience brought to you by Waterloo Fire Rescue, Waterloo Regional Police Services and Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services and is open to youth 15 to 19 years old who are interested in learning more about a future career in emergency services. The camp provides participants with first-hand knowledge of the duties of a police officer, firefighter or paramedic while developing emergency preparedness skills.

The Emergency Services Career Camp is two days of physically and mentally demanding, hands-on learning, modelled after similar camps in the province. This program aims to help educate and empower young people regarding careers in emergency services. Participants of the career camp will have the opportunity to safely participate in various type of activities include simulated rescues.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion. We especially encourage applications from youth who identify with any of the following groups: Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, religious minorities and the intersections of these identities.

The camp takes place September 16 and 17 at the Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training and Research Centre. The nearest Grand River Transit stop is approximately 1.5 km away, close to the intersection of Erb Street West and Ira Needles Boulevard.

The application deadline is July 31 2023. 

Apply now

Application Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • be in good physical condition
  • have a positive attitude
  • agree to follow safety rules
  • participate in all activities and classes
  • have a valid OHIP or provincial health card
  • bring CSA approved steel toe boots that have the green triangle logo (required but does not exclude you from applying)
  • must be able to wear all protective equipment provided by Emergency Services Career Camp
  • be willing to comply with all public health measures 

The application includes 200 words about why you want to participate and your future career aspirations, and 200 words about what you hope to learn if selected to attend the camp.