Firefighter Recruitment

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Firefighter applications are accepted every January.

efrs recruitment banner

Firefighting is a challenging, demanding, exciting and fulfilling career that goes beyond physical ability. It also encompasses:

Effective communication abilities
Emotional intelligence
Commitment to customer service
Compassion
Creative problem solving
Effective teamwork
Resilience
Engagement in diverse communities

The recruitment process for Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is highly competitive and comprehensive, and consists of multiple stages. Candidates who successfully navigate through each stage of the process are placed on an eligibility list for potential selection as a firefighter. Advancement and placement on this list are determined by the applicant's performance in each stage of the process.

Recruitment Process Timeline

Fire Services Recruitment Process

Have questions? Learn more: Recruitment Process Frequently Asked Questions

Due to the extensive application process of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, among other factors, we will begin accepting applications for the next year's recruitment cycle before completing the hiring process for the current year. This is a common practice which aligns with previous years' hiring procedures.

Interested individuals can submit their applications through the City of Edmonton careers site between January 1 and 31, each year, for potential recruitment classes which will be employed in the following year.

If you have further questions about Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, the firefighter recruitment process, or firefighting in general, simply reach out to firefighterrecruitment@edmonton.ca

Qualifications

Applicant must be at least 18 years of age
Applicant embraces and actively promotes the behaviour and values of an inclusive, diverse and respectful work environment
It is a requirement to obtain and maintain a City Driver's permit
An overall satisfactory driver's record is required upon hire
Hire is dependent upon a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check
Adequate physical fitness is required and is evaluated at the fitness test stage
You must either be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, or possess a valid open work permit. A work permit is evaluated on a case-by-case basis for hiring eligibility.

Required Certifications and Licences

You must upload the following documentation by the end of our application intake period. Documents from previous or other applications will not be considered. Please review this checklist of required documents prior to applying. Proof of enrolment will not be accepted.

High School Diploma or equivalent
Minimum valid Alberta Class 3 Drivers' Licence with Air Brake Endorsement (or provincial equivalent) - this will be requested at time of hire and is not required at the time of application
Plus, a minimum requirement of one of the following certifications valid at time of application:
- Certified 80 hours Advanced First Aid Alberta (AFA) OHS approved course or provincial equivalent
- Certified Medical Responder (MFR) — 80 hours AFA/OHS approved course
- Current Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Primary Care Paramedic (PCP or EMT or EMT-A), or Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP or EMT-P) certification
  - Courses must be ACP approved and candidates must be eligible to apply for ACP registration (ACP approved courses are eligible for ACP registration for up to 1 year)
- Alberta College of Paramedics (ACP) registration or provincial equivalent
- Bachelor of Nursing with active registration with the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) or provincial equivalent
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with active registration with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) or provincial equivalent

What We’re Looking For

Ability to follow orders effectively but also the capacity to independently assess situations and take appropriate action
Ability to collaborate seamlessly within a team, effectively contributing towards shared goals and objectives
Ability to cultivate and sustain positive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. This encompasses exceptional interpersonal skills, effective time management, and a strong focus on delivering outstanding customer service
Awareness and proficiency in communicating inclusively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds within the community
Embraces and actively promotes the behaviour and values that contribute to an inclusive, diverse, and respectful work environment. This involves fostering a culture that values and celebrates diversity, ensuring equal opportunities for all team members, and promoting mutual respect and understanding among colleagues
Recognition of the importance of mental health and a commitment to approaching it with empathy, respect, and support for those facing mental health challenges
Ability to engage in extended periods of intense and demanding physical activity. A dedication to maintaining optimal physical fitness levels, as well as nurturing mental and emotional well-being and resilience
A practical understanding of a wide range of subjects related to fire, rescue, dangerous goods, building construction and EMS, including the ability to operate and understand the operation of mechanical equipment is considered an asset

Previous firefighting or emergency response experience is considered an asset
Experience working or volunteering within one's community or with racialized individuals and other equity-seeking groups is regarded as an asset
Knowledge and proficiency in a second language or sign language is viewed as an asset
Leadership skills that include:
- Strong communication to convey instructions and information clearly
- Decision-making to analyze risks and prioritize safety
- Problem-solving to address challenges creatively
- Teamwork and collaboration to foster a cooperative environment
- Adaptability to handle unpredictable situations
- Empathy and compassion towards team members and the public
- Integrity and ethics to uphold high standards
- A commitment to continuous learning and development to stay updated on best practices

Recruitment Process Overview

It is the applicant’s responsibility to address all application requirements, meet deadlines and be available to attend scheduled assessments.

During the recruitment process, applicants are responsible for the accuracy of the information they provide. If it is confirmed that information was withheld, falsified or misrepresented by any source, applicants will not be considered for employment. A confirmed misrepresentation could lead to an offer of employment being rescinded and/or dismissal at any point during employment.

Aptitude Test

To succeed in the demanding fire-rescue environment, firefighters must have specific skills. The aptitude test accounts for 40% of a candidate's overall score. The aptitude test assesses these skills, which include:

Understanding oral information
Reading and understanding written information
Numerical skills
Maps, diagrams and mechanical reasoning
Teamwork and public speaking

Applicants, by invitation only, will be advised of the day and time of the virtual aptitude test. The test is typically scheduled in March or April. There will be no rewrites.

A non-refundable $63 ($60 + GST) payment to the City of Edmonton will be required prior to writing the aptitude test. Note: this fee is subject to change without notice.

We are an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. If you need to request an accommodation for writing the Firefighter Aptitude Test, please email the appropriate documentation to firefighterrecruitment@edmonton.ca by February 28. All documentation needs to be current (within 5 years from the date of application), from a qualified professional, and detail the accommodation requirements as they relate to employment as a firefighter.

Resume Review

As part of the application screening process, a comprehensive resume review will be conducted. During the initial application phase, pre-screen questions will assess the specific assets that are being reviewed and considered for scoring purposes. Tangible assets will necessitate the submission of supporting evidence and references, which will be clearly outlined in the application instructions.

The resume review will contribute to 10% of the overall score for each candidate. The verification and confirmation of intangible assets will take place during the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs), if and when candidates are invited to participate.

Interviews

Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs):

In the spring, Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) will be conducted exclusively for the applicants who receive an invitation. For the selected candidates, valuable tips and guidance on how to prepare for the MMIs will be provided. It's important to note that the MMIs carry significant weight, accounting for 50% of each candidate's overall score.

During the MMIs, candidates will undergo a structured process consisting of seven different interview stations. At each station, candidates will be posed a single question, and they will be given two minutes to gather their thoughts before delivering their response within a five-minute timeframe.

This interview format ensures a fair and consistent evaluation while allowing candidates the opportunity to showcase their abilities and perspectives across a range of key dimensions.

Physical Fitness Test

The Physical Fitness Test is administered to ensure applicants possess the physical capabilities necessary for firefighting. This test is conducted by the University of Alberta's Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation. For information about the test, including demonstrations and training suggestions, visit UAB.CA/FireTest. This test is a pass-fail test where the candidate will go through a treadmill test followed by 6 stations that simulate tasks that firefighters are required to perform on the job.

A non-refundable $388.50 payment to the University of Alberta will be required prior to participating in the Physical Fitness Test. Note: this fee is subject to change without notice.

Eligibility List

The determination of the number of applicants to be included on the eligibility list at Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is based on the comprehensive outcomes of the recruitment process. A candidate's overall score is calculated by considering their performance in the resume review, aptitude test, and MMI interview along with the passing of the physical assessment.

Only applicants who attain the highest overall scores will be placed on the eligibility list. It's important to note that this eligibility list will remain valid until December 31 the following year. This date may be extended at the discretion of the Fire Chief.

Threshold Knowledge Test

Before forming a firefighter recruit class, EFRS requires potential candidates to complete a Threshold Knowledge Test.

This assessment within the recruitment process requires candidates to complete and pass:

A written examination, based on information from the Essentials of Firefighting textbook for NFPA 1001 Level 1 (textbook provided by EFRS).

Questions are selected from an exam bank that is based on the study material provided. Candidates must achieve a minimum passing grade to move forward in the hiring process.

Study materials are provided up to 6 weeks prior to the exam date, with 2 information sessions hosted leading up to the assessment, covering course overview and expectations.
A team workout, hosted by EFRS fitness instructors.

Recruit Class / Medical

Successful candidates will be notified when Edmonton Fire Rescue Services determines the need for a new recruit class.

The following steps will then be implemented:

Medical Assessment
Police Information Check (including Vulnerable Sector)
Proof of a Valid Alberta Class 3 Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement or higher
Reference Checks
Threshold Knowledge Test
Fitness Assessment and Job-Related Test
Orientation and Mask Fitting
Offer of Employment
Recruit Training Program

Fire Rescue Operations Salary

Rank	Bi-Weekly Hours	Annual Pay	Hourly Pay
Probationary / 1st Year Firefighter	84	$64,311	$29.33
2nd Year Firefighter	84	$74,515	$33.99
3rd Year Firefighter	84	$84,727	$38.65
4th Year Firefighter	84	$94,931	$43.30
5th Year Firefighter	84	$102,078	$46.56
8th Year Firefighter	84	$104,115	$47.49
11th Year Firefighter	84	$109,225	$49.82
18th Year Firefighter	84	$110,238	$50.28
Senior Firefighter Qualified	84	$117,393	$53.55
Fire Captain	84	$128,619	$58.67
Station Captain	84	$130,663	$59.60
District Fire Chief	84	$141,890	$64.72

_{These wages reflect the Collective Agreement between the City of Edmonton and Edmonton Fire Fighters' Union, which expired December 22, 2018. Bargaining is currently underway and wages will be updated as negotiations come to a close.}

Working for Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

City of Edmonton employees (working for Fire Rescue Services), have diverse roles, distinct backgrounds and unique responsibilities. All City work aligns to its Corporate Promise.

City of Edmonton Cultural Commitments

The City of Edmonton is guided by five Cultural Commitments: Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent. It is critical that firefighters learn and understand these commitments ahead of their career with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.

To learn more, please visit edmonton.ca/OurCulture.

Diversity and Inclusion

The City of Edmonton and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is committed to attracting and recruiting a workforce that is reflective of the diverse communities we serve. We intentionally seek and value diversity, as outlined inThe Art of Inclusion: Our Diversity & Inclusion Framework.

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion operates in clear alignment with the City of Edmonton’s Cultural Commitments to be Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent. By including and valuing diverse perspectives, we can better serve the needs of all Edmontonians and continue to build our great city.