Recruitment

Stage 1 - Application (Apply Online)

Interested applicants will be required to apply online. Applicants will complete an online City application form, submit a resume, cover letter, and answer application questions.

Stage 2 - Shortlisting - Round 1

This stage allows for a comparison of the applicants based on minimum threshold qualifications, as stated on the job description.  The minimum threshold qualifications are:

• Legally entitled to work in Canada,
• Secondary school graduation or equivalent,
• At least 18 years of age,
• Two years of accumulated work experience,
• Must possess a valid Ontario Class ‘G’ driver’s licence or equivalent, and
• Must meet the definition of a competent driver as defined by the Corporation.

Applicants who meet the above requirements will be invited to Stage 3 of the process to write the written aptitude and occupational screening tests.

Stage 3 - Written Aptitude Test & Occupational Screening

Written Aptitude Test:

This test is specifically designed for entry-level applicants with no previous fire related education or experience.  The test measures applicant's abilities in a number of areas including their understanding of written and oral information, their mechanical aptitude and mathematics.  The exam is in a multiple choice format with no penalty for wrong answers.

Occupational Screening – Firefighting:

This is a Functional Characteristics Assessment tool which examines essential personal and performance characteristics in applicants for firefighting positions, based on occupational requirements that were identified by firefighting experts to be essential for the maintenance of public safety in firefighting. This is not an aptitude test.

The assessment includes questions which deal with a variety of emergency situations or sets of circumstances as well as mathematical and mechanical problems. Some questions in the assessment require the candidate to rate their responses to different situations and sets of circumstances. Other questions in the assessment require the candidate to make a correct choice among options.

Applicants who have been invited to this stage will be provided with more information about this process (including how to pay for the registration fee) prior to the test date.

All costs to complete these tests will be absorbed by the candidate.

Applicants will be required to provide proof of identification with picture identification (driver’s license or passport).  No other form of identification will be accepted.    

Applicants invited to the next stage will also be provided with instructions to update their application by providing proof of education and certificates, as identified with their initial application. 

Successful applicants from this stage will advance to Stage 4. 

Stage 4 - Shortlisting - Round 2

This stage allows for a comparison of applicants based on their qualifications and experience. Applicants whose qualifications and experience more closely match the minimum and asset qualifications of the Firefighter position will be invited to participate in Stage 5 and Stage 6 below.

Stage 5 - Health & Medical Evaluation Fitness Assessment

Physical conditioning must be at a high level, therefore the applicants selected to proceed to this part of the process participate in a medical/physical test to determine their ability to handle the heavy physical, mental and emotional demands of the job.

The fitness test determines the candidate’s general level of physical conditioning and also helps to determine the candidate’s suitability to participate in the job related fitness tests.

A medical by the applicant's family doctor is required prior to the fitness test.  Any cost associated with the medical is to be paid by the applicant.  There is a fitness and job related test fee which is to be paid by the applicant prior to the test.

All the fitness and job related testing will take place at Station 3, 60 South Water Street.  The testing is done in groups of 4-6 applicants per time block.

It is highly recommended that all individuals interested in entering the Firefighter examination process begin a physical training program immediately and plan on continuing that program throughout the testing process and into their firefighting career.

The general fitness test consists of the following items:

BLOOD PRESSURE: The candidate may not proceed if blood pressure reading is 144/94 or greater. In the event that a candidate’s blood pressure is at or above the max threshold the City’s Health and Disability Nurse will be involved with further verification of a blood pressure reading. There is no scoring of this component.

1. SIT AND REACH: The applicant sits with the legs fully extended and reaches with the hands as far forward as possible while bending at the hips. The soles of the feet are placed against the measuring device and this is the 26‑cm mark.
2. SIT‑UPS: The applicant is in a back lying position on a mat with the knees bent and the feet flat on the floor. The feet will be anchored at the base of the ankles. One sit‑up is measured beginning with the shoulders on the mat, lifting the body until the elbows touch the knees and then returning to the starting position. Sit‑ups will be done consecutively without pausing until fatigue or at the end of the one‑minute time limit.
3. SHUTTLE RUN: This test is an evaluation of aerobic fitness. A warm‑up is included, as part of the test and only the last portion requires maximal effort. The objective is to follow the progressively increasing pace over a 20‑metre course.

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Services reserves the right to update the test items and/or scoring.

Successful candidates will be allowed a 15 minute rest break before they go on to the Job Related Physical Fitness testing.

For further information on fitness testing, contact the Program Supervisor - Adult Fitness and Wellness, Canada Games Complex, 807-684-3338.

Stage 6 - Job Related Physical Fitness Tests

The seven tests to be performed are designed to recreate the physical demands of a firefighter's job. Candidates will handle some items of equipment commonly used by professional firefighters such as ladders, hoses, ropes and sledge hammer. 

Ladder Climb

Climb an extension ladder up four floors, uncouple and recouple a hose coupling  (Safety line attached) wearing a 18 kilogram (40 pounds) weighted vest and ankle weights, 2.3 kg (5 lbs.) each leg.

Ladder Lift

Lift a 26 kg ladder off a wall bracket in a controlled manner, place the ladder on the ground, then lift and return to the bracket.

Rope Pull

Hoist and lower a hose weighing 22.5 kg a height of 6 stories, using a rope and roller wearing a weighted vest and ankle weights, 2.3 kg (5 lbs.) each leg.

Hose Carry

Lift and carry a hose weighing 39 kg (85 lbs.) up and down 5 stories, wearing a weighted vest and ankle weights, 2.3 kg (5 lbs.) each leg.

Hose Drag

Pull a wheeled sled with a force of 70 kg. (150 lbs.) along a 15-metre course, wearing a weighted vest and ankle weights, 2.3 kg (5 lbs.) each leg.

Forced Entry

Move a heavily weighted tire a distance of 30.5 cm (one foot) by striking the tire repeatedly with a 4.5 kg (10 lbs.) sledge hammer, wearing a weighted vest and ankle weights, 2.3 kg (5 lbs.) each leg.

Victim Drag

Drag a 91kg rescue mannequin approximately 30 meters around staggered pylons.

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Services reserves the right to update the test items and/or scoring.

 NOTE:  Weights and distances may vary slightly.

 Candidates who successfully pass this stage will proceed to the interview stage.

Stage 7 - Interview

The interview is designed to assess soft skills such as accountability, empathy, collaboration and teamwork, ethical and moral judgement, self-awareness, problem solving, resilience, communication skills and conflict resolution.

Successful candidates will be ranked and placed into a hiring pool.

Stage 8 - Hiring Pool

Leading candidates from the interview stage will be placed into a hiring pool, in ranked order.  Candidates will be drawn from the hiring pool as vacancies arise.

Stage 9 - Reference Checks

Reference checks are done for all leading candidates to validate candidate information and get an overall sense of job performance from past employers.  Candidates will be required to provide three work related/professional references.  Reference checks will be completed when a candidate is drawn from the hiring pool.  Successful reference checks will lead to a conditional offer of employment.

Stage 10 - Conditional Offers

A conditional offer of employment will be made to a candidate to ensure the required conditions of employment of the firefighter job classification are met.  Offers will be conditional on:

1. meeting the competent driver standard, as defined by the Corporation,
2. *meeting the standards for visual acuity (Best-corrected – stable 20/40 binocular visual acuity with no less than 20/100 in the worse eye [soft or RGP contacts, glasses/lens inserts are all acceptable] and Un-corrected – stable 20/100 binocular visual acuity), normal colour vision (testing with either Ishihara Colour Vision Test or the Farnsworth D-15) and vision field testing,
3. meeting medical pre-placement health screening requirements, including successful completion of the Corporation’s employment medical examination requirements, and possible MTO medical exam,
4. completing baseline audiometric and pulmonary function testing, and
5. providing a successful Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC).

* Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Services reserves the right to update requirements at anytime in order to meet recommended standards.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of an officer, the firefighter, is responsible for controlling and extinguishing fire, salvage, and rescue work; providing fire prevention education to the community, and many other duties. Duties within a Fire Station involve training and emergency response preparedness, and maintenance of station, vehicles, and equipment.

 MAJOR DUTIES:

1. Responds to emergencies and operates tools and equipment including:

• Uses all issued personal protective clothing and equipment including Self Contained Breathing Apparatus;
• Uses hoses, nozzles, adapters, appliances, and portable extinguishers;
• Operates fire hydrants, sprinklers, standpipe connections and fire protection systems;
• Sets-up and operates from ladders;
• Uses forcible entry and extrication tools, including hand tools and gas powered saws;
• Uses technical rescue equipment including rope rescue equipment, and heavy hydraulic extrication tools;
• Performs salvage and overhaul including the use of air quality monitors and ventilation fans;
• Administers medical care using BLS equipment, oxygen administration, and external defibrillators; and
• Preserves evidence at emergency scenes.

2. Drives and operates all fire department vehicles and apparatus.

3.Maintains knowledge and familiarity with departmental guidelines, policies, and procedures.

4. Participates in Pre-Incident Planning, Home Fire Safety Program, and all department public service programs.

5. Participates in on-going professional development through training and education, and engages in written, practical and oral examinations as is stipulated by Department policy and legislation.

6. Adheres to departmental and corporate policies and procedures.

7. Cleans, decontaminates and maintains personal protective clothing, and equipment.

8. Cleans and maintains the fire station, furnishings and property.

9. Maintains professionalism and courtesy in performing their duties.

10. Performs other duties as may be directed by superior officers.

Men and women who can meet and maintain the following minimum requirements are encouraged to apply for a position as a City of Thunder Bay Firefighter

QUALIFICATIONS:

 Education/Experience:

• Secondary school graduation or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Two years of accumulated work experience

 Skills/Abilities:

• Must be compassionate, honest, integral and have a genuine interest to serve and provide an essential service to meet the needs of the community
• Must have excellent customer service skills with the ability to interact with the public, Fire Services and all other levels of City Staff, in a professional, courteous and tactful manner
• Must be able to identify, understand, and meet/exceed the requirements of internal and external customers
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively, including the ability to issue and accurately comprehend written/oral information and instructions in stressful situations
• Must be reliable and have the ability to work with minimum supervision
• Must be able to follow direction and effectively prioritize tasks/demands as appropriate
• Must have proven ability to function and contribute as an effective team member and to work independently
• Must have strong analytical/critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Must be competent within the meaning of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Must have a mechanical aptitude
• Must be fit and able to handle the sustained, intense physical and psychological effort required to perform the duties of the position
• Must be willing and able to work in extremely adverse, dangerous and stressful situations
• Must possess a valid Ontario Class ‘G’ driver’s licence or equivalent
• Must meet the definition of a competent driver as defined by the Corporation
• Knowledge and ability to work effectively with computers, computer programs, and software

Assets:

• Previous experience in fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency services (e.g. paramedic, police officer, nursing), military/coast guard, search & rescue
• Post-secondary diploma or degree
• Trades qualification(s) (red seal, certifications)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certifications in NFPA 1006 technician level, NFPA 1035, NFPA 1031, NFPA 1072, NFPA 1002
• Previous Recreational Protective Service experience (Lifeguard, ski patrol, etc.)
• Previous experience with large vehicle operation, and/or heavy equipment
• Valid Standard first aid, CPR certification and defibrillation certification
• Related health and safety training and certification (i.e. WHMIS, chainsaw, working at heights)
• Previous coaching/teaching/counselling/recreation leadership experience
• Commitment to volunteerism and community involvement as demonstrated by experience volunteering in social/civil/community events and initiatives, non-profit organizations, counselling, crisis intervention
• Fluency in a second language or sign language
• Demonstrated athletic or physical capabilities and achievements
• Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) testing certificate

 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must remain a competent driver as defined by the Corporation
• May be required to provide a successful driver’s record (uncertified)
• After training, must be able to obtain and maintain an Ontario Class ‘D’ licence with a ‘Z’ endorsement
• Must possess or be able to obtain Standard First Aid, CPR certification and defibrillation certification
• Must meet standards for visual acuity (Best-corrected – stable 20/40 binocular visual acuity with no less than 20/100 in the worse eye [soft or RGP contacts, glasses/lens inserts are all acceptable] and Un-corrected – stable 20/100 binocular visual acuity), normal colour vision (testing with either Ishihara Colour Vision Test or the Farnsworth D-15) and vision field testing
• Must undergo medical pre-placement health screening including successful completion of the Corporation’s employment medical examination, possible MTO medical exam, along with baseline audiometric and pulmonary function testing
• Must undergo a successful Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
• Must have the ability to work at heights or on ladders without signs of acrophobia and in confined spaces wearing SCBA without signs of claustrophobia
• Must successfully complete the Fire Department’s job-related physical fitness testing
• Must successfully complete the required probationary exam and evaluation
• Must work on a 24 hour shift schedule that involves working weekends and holidays

Given the high volume of applicants that are typically received, the screening of applications will be based on the minimum and asset qualifications listed for this position.  Applicants whose qualifications and experience more closely match the minimum and asset qualifications of the position will proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Employment Equity

As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Thunder Bay encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups and women.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process.