Firefighter Recruitment

The opportunity

The City of Spruce Grove regularly conducts recruitment efforts. The process is competitive, multi-stepped and extensive. Candidates who move successfully through all stages of the process are placed on an eligibility list for consideration to be hired as a firefighter.

A career with a fully integrated fire and emergency medical service (EMS) is exciting, fulfilling, diverse and challenging. We are ready to respond to any emergency 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A dedicated teams of emergency services professionals save lives and protect property by responding quickly and effectively. If you thrive on teamwork, want to help those in need, and have a desire to contribute to your community, consider applying today. Complete a self-evaluation questionnaire.

Things to consider before applying

Before you submit your firefighter application, take the time to learn all you can about the job and requirements. Familiarize yourself with the job tasks and the different steps in the selection process. Do your homework; better to be over prepared than unprepared.

• Although exciting, this is also a dangerous job. You may be exposed to many hazardous conditions, loud noises, and contaminants, and have to work in extreme temperatures.
• You need to be prepared to travel (if required) to complete various testing events. It is not always possible to participate in multiple tests in one trip
• 
  A commitment to maintaining a daily fitness regime and monitoring your personal wellness is essential to ensuring personal safety and longevity. Make sure you have the strength, stamina and cardiovascular conditioning required to take on the physical challenges of this career.
• Ethical behaviour and accountability must be part of your nature. Taking responsibility for and ownership of your actions is vital to success in the hiring process.
• An ability to carry out orders at emergencies, combined with the capacity to assess and act on own initiative and/or work effectively as part of a team.
• Job fit is one of many critical factors considered in our decision-making processes. Successful completion of all steps in the process does not ensure a job offer.
• You must be able to follow and act on complex oral and written instructions; you will be evaluated on these skills throughout our assessments.
• A practical understanding of a wide range of subjects related to fire, rescue, dangerous goods and EMS, including the ability to operate and understand the operation of mechanical equipment
• Your demeanour and input throughout the selection process are taken into consideration as part of the final hiring decision.

Minimum qualifications

Firefighters at the City of Spruce Grove must meet one of two schedules. The qualifications for each schedule vary. You must meet the following minimum qualifications on the date you submit your application.

• Currently registered with the Alberta College of Paramedics as a Registered Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) or Registered Primary Care Paramedic (PCP). 
• Hold a valid Class 4 drivers licence. A valid Class 3 drivers licence and Air Brake (Q) endorsement must be completed by start date and is a condition of employment. This will be provided in the form of a driver's abstract demonstrating a satisfactory driving record with six demerits or fewer.
• Have the ability to successfully obtain, and maintain, a vulnerable sector police information check (required upon offer and is a condition of employment).
• Ability to pass physical and medical standards, including eyesight and audible, as outlined in the NFPA standard.

NOTE: Out of province applicants with provisional registration with the Alberta College of Paramedics (pursing a Labour Mobility application) may be considered, full registration is required by the date of the interview.

The following qualifications are preferred, but not mandatory:

• NFPA 1001 – Level I & II certification
• Emergency medical/fire response work experience
• Current ITLS certification
• Current PALS certification
• Current ACLS certification

Successful candidates will receive training for NFPA 1001. Dependent on the department, successful applicants that have their PCP and NFPA 1001 will be given training to become a certified Advanced Care Paramedic.

Please refer to the list of pre-existing medical conditions which would be considered disqualifying.

Schedule A – Paramedic Candidates

• Currently registered with the Alberta College of Paramedics as a Registered Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) or Registered Primary Care Paramedic (PCP). Proof of registration must be uploaded at the time of application.

Schedule B – Mechanic Candidates

Certified Journeyperson, with at least two years experience, in at least one of the following trades and a registered apprentice in the other:

• Heavy Equipment Technician
• Automotive Technician

Additional Qualifications

• Small Engine Repair Certificate
• Registered with IFSAC and/or Pro Board as an NFPA 1002 Apparatus Operator
• Registered in good standing with the Alberta College of Paramedics as an Emergency Medical Responder
• Certified Emergency Vehicle Technician

Recruitment process and timelines

This process usually takes four to six months to complete and includes the following steps.

1. Applications Open – September 11 - 30, 2023 at 10:59 p.m.​
   We will be accepting applications on our careers page and encourage everyone interested to apply.

2. University of Albert Firefighter Fitness Test – Prior to October 28, 2023
   Candidates may register on their own at any time, and do not need to wait to be invited.  ​The candidate is responsible for paying for the cost of this test. For details, please visit University of Alberta Firefighter Fitness Testing

3. Firefighter Aptitude Test – November 13 - 17, 2023
   This is a two-hour test that measures candidates’ understanding of oral, reading and written information, numerical skills, maps, diagrams, mechanical reasoning and teamwork/public relations. Candidates are assigned a time slot on one of the testing days.

4. *Medical Knowledge Test – November 27 - December 1, 2023 (*Paramedic Candidates Only)
   Candidates attend a half-day test which includes an in-depth written exam coupled with a circuit of short (the usual is five to 10 minutes) stations, in which each candidate is examined at a one-on-one basis. Each station has a different examiner and candidates rotate through the stations, completing all the stations on their circuit. During each station, candidates will be requested to provide clinical assessments and review the potential differential diagnosis and possible treatments.

5. Panel Interview – December 11 - 17, 2023
   Behavioural based interviews. Interviewees should be prepared to answer questions the following way - Situation/Task (what was the circumstance or what needed to be done); Action (what did you do?); Result (what happened or what feedback did you receive?).

6. Eligibility Notification – To be determined

7. Pre-employment Medical Assessment and Drug Screening
   The medical assessment is a condition of employment and is a general physical to ensure candidates meet the requirements and physical demands of firefighting.

How to apply

The posting will be available on the careers page from September 11 - September 30, 2023 at 10:59 p.m.

Questions?

Answers to many common questions about firefighter recruitment can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below. For additional questions about the recruitment process, please contact:

City of Spruce Grove
Rebecca Furry - HR Business Partner 
Email Rebecca Furry