Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment

If you are physically fit, community-minded, team-oriented, and live within the immediate area of a Kingston Fire & Rescue station currently recruiting, we invite you to apply to become a Volunteer Firefighter. 

Volunteer Firefighters play a vital role in helping protect the safety and wellbeing of Kingston residents. This rewarding opportunity allows you to serve your community while developing valuable skills and training. 

As a Volunteer Firefighter, you will receive training to respond to emergency situations including, but not limited to: 

  • Structure and vehicle fires
  • Motor vehicle collisions
  • Emergency rescue situations
  • Medical assistance calls
  • Hazardous materials incidents
  • Alarm activations 

Key responsibilities of Volunteer Firefighters include assisting with operating and maintaining fire apparatus and equipment. This includes performing station maintenance and maintenance on your own equipment. As a Volunteer Firefighter, you will also help promoting fire safety within the community.  

Eligibility 

Firefighting is a team-based profession where members depend on one another to perform their duties safely and effectively. As such, teamwork, reliability, and commitment are essential. 

Preference may be given to applicants who: 

  • Have flexible schedules and can respond to emergency calls at various times, including during daytime hours
  • Can attend regularly scheduled training sessions
  • Reside within the immediate response area of the recruiting fire station 

 Key duties and responsibilities 

  • Respond frequently to emergencies in your assigned area. Calls may pertain to firefighting, rescue work, medical assistance, hazardous materials, activated alarms, and other types of emergency situations
  • Learn how to operate and maintain fire apparatus and equipment 
  • Conduct station maintenance
  • Promote fire safety through programs, displays, and promotional material supplied by the Fire Department
  • Attend regular weekend, weekly, and mandatory training sessions
  • Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications 

  • Grade 12 diploma or equivalent in education
  • Possess a valid Ontario Class “G” driver's license, satisfactory driving record (0 demerit points) upon hire and ability to obtain and maintain a DZ license within 18 months of hire
  • Meet the prescribed hearing and visual requirements 
  • Speak, read and write English fluently, and communicate clearly and precisely under demanding, high-pressure situations
  • Be physically fit to perform duties safely under intense and sustained physical efforts 
  • Obtain and maintain a satisfactory Criminal Record Check (including a Vulnerable Sector Check) at time of employment, and not have a criminal conviction for which a pardon has not been granted 
  • Live within the immediate area of the fire stations that are being recruited for (verification will be required)
  • Ability to work in a team and interact with citizens in a professional manner 

  • Pre-entry firefighting certification, licensed trade or volunteer fire service experience would be considered an asset
  • Experience and/or training in firefighting, emergency medical response, or a licensed trade would be considered an asset
  • Experience coaching, counseling, or educating the public would be considered an asset 

Application process

The recruitment process typically includes the following steps: 

  1. Online application: Submit your application through our online careers portal.
  2. Physical and medical testing: Eligible applicants will be contacted and scheduled for physical and medical assessments.
  3. Applicant interviews: Participants that successfully complete the physical and medical tests will be contacted and asked to attend an interview.
  4. Conditional offer: Successful applicants will receive a Conditional Letter of Offer.
  5. Probation and training: New Volunteer Firefighters must successfully complete an 18-month probationary period, which includes required firefighter training. 

Contact

Online Application and Technical Assistance
webhelp.njoyn@cgi.com
Phone: 1-877-427-7717

Contact

General Recruitment and Accomodation Questions
hrcity@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-546-4291 ext. 1267

The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.

Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.