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.

What does a Volunteer Firefighter do?

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

Additional qualifications (nice to have)

Pre-entry firefighting certification 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:

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

When you are ready, click on the button below to review the job description, then click on the "Apply Here" button to create or sign in to your applicant profile.

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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 .