Becoming a Volunteer Firefighter

The City of Kawartha Lakes Fire and Rescue Services is seeking individuals interested in serving as Volunteer Firefighters in their community. 

Job Description:

• Operate in a team environment under the direction of supervisory staff.
• Work in accordance with established policies, operational guidelines, Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Responds to emergencies after approval has been granted.
• Carry out supportive roles at an emergency as directed by supervisory staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills/Education Required:

• Minimum of a Grade Twelve (12) Diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to engage in work activities that are physical in nature.
• Ability to attend required training.
• Ability to complete 40 hours of mandatory training. This training is unpaid and is conducted on evenings and weekends. 
• First Aid/CPR certification would be an asset.
• Previous related experience and/or training is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to exercise discretion and tact.
• Effective oral communication and strong interpersonal skills to deal with members of the public, and staff.
• Good written communication skills.
• Possess a valid Class “D” driver’s license for the Province of Ontario with a Z endorsement in good standing, within one year of employment.

Locations of Work:

Rate of Pay:

Basic rate: $16.00 per hour 
Advanced rate: $18.00 per hour

Basic: A newly hired volunteer firefighter will be paid at the basic level of remuneration for a period of one year. He/she must attain a DZ license, First Aid/CPR certifications, attend 50% of paged fire calls, attend 60% of scheduled training and be working on Component One-modules 1,2,3 of the Ontario Fire Marshall’s curriculum. 

Advanced: This rate is achieved after one year of service and having met the conditions of a BASIC volunteer firefighter. Maintenance of what has been achieved in Basic service is required, along with training for the completion of the Ontario Fire Marshall’s curriculum.

Recruitment Procedure 

1. Interested individuals are invited to complete a Volunteer Fire Fighter Application Form and submit to:

   City of Kawartha Lakes, Human Resources Department
   P.O Box 9000, 28 Francis Street
   Lindsay, ON K9V 4R8
   
   Fax  (705) 324-9377
   Email  jobs@city.kawarthalakes.on.ca 
   Or drop off at preferred fire hall

2. Selected applicants will be contacted and an interview will be arranged. The interview will include a written aptitude test and a physical agility test. References will be checked.
3. After completion of the interview, written aptitude test, and physical agility test, a recommendation on hiring will be forwarded to Human Resources. You will receive a call from Human Resources whether successful or not.
4. If you are selected for Volunteer Firefighter position there will be five conditions of employment. Each successful candidate will be required to: 
   Provide Drivers’ Abstract dated within the last 30 days (obtain after verbal offer received) 
   
   Provide a Medical Certificate from a qualified physician that indicates you are able to perform the required duties of a Volunteer Firefighter. As a condition of employment, you will be expected to provide us with a full medical report within six months from date of hire, so we suggest you book as soon as possible due to the amount of time it often takes to get an appointment for a physical. 
   
   Provide a Person Information Query report (Police Check) dated within the last 30 days (obtain after verbal offer received)
   
   Obtain DZ license within 12 months from hire date
   
   Complete 40 hours of mandatory training. This training is unpaid and is conducted on evenings and weekends.