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
- has 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)