Skip to main content
City of edmonton logo City of edmonton logo

Please choose between the following three options:

Skip to main menu Skip to site search Continue to current page menu and content
MENU
  • 311
  • Jobs
  • Contact

Main navigation

Activities, Parks & Recreation
Attractions & Events
Business & Economy
City Government
City-run Projects & Plans
Driving, Cycling & Walking
Home & Neighbourhood
Programs & Services
Transit (ETS)
transparent background image

The breadcrumb trail links represent the path to the current page relative to the homepage link.

Home
City Government
Jobs - Talent Hub
  • Apply for Jobs
  • Indigenous Job Seekers
  • Job Categories
  • Job Resources
  • Talent Diversification & Inclusion Programs
  • What We Offer
Job Categories
Fire Rescue
  • Training and Logistics
Training and Logistics
Firefighter Recruitment

Firefighter Recruitment

Main page content begins here

The next firefighter application period will open in 2024.

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 2023 Recruitment Process

diagram of 2023 recruitment process for firefighters

The recruitment process for Edmonton Fire Rescue Services 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. Advancement and placement are based on the applicant’s performance in each stage.

Due to Edmonton Fire Rescue Services' lengthy application process, among other reasons, we will be accepting applications for next year's recruitment cycle before finishing the hiring process for this year. This is a typical occurrence and consistent with hiring practices from previous years. Applications will be accepted between January 1 - 31, 2023 through the City of Edmonton careers site, for potential recruit classes to be hired the following year.

Have questions? Learn more: 2023 Recruitment Process Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, the firefighter recruitment process, or firefighting in general, you can now speak directly with a firefighter by emailing frsoutreach@edmonton.ca

Before You Apply

Qualifications

Details and dates will be updated and may be subject to change.

  • 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
  • Ability to understand and communicate clearly and concisely in English under stressful conditions
Required Certifications and Licences

You must upload the following documentation as part of your application. Documents from previous or other applications will not be considered. Please review this checklist of required documents prior to applying. Proof of enrollment will not be accepted.

Please upload ONLY the following documents:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Minimum valid Alberta Class 3 Drivers' Licence with Air Brake Endorsement (or provincial equivalent) - due at time of hire

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 one 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
Additional Application Considerations
  • Ability to carry out orders combined with the capacity to assess and act on one’s own initiative. 
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders; and excellent interpersonal, time management and customer service skills.
  • Awareness and ability to communicate inclusively and respectfully with diverse community members.
  • Embraces and actively promotes the behaviour and values of an inclusive, diverse and respectful work environment.
  • Recognition of the importance of mental health, and an attitude of empathy, respect and support for those facing mental health challenges.
  • Ability to engage in periods of intense and sustained physical activity. Ongoing commitment to physical fitness as well as mental and emotional health 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 in one’s community or with racialized people and other equity-seeking groups is considered an asset.
  • Knowledge and ability to navigate through a second language or sign language is considered an asset.
     

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 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 $60 payment to the City of Edmonton will be required prior to writing the aptitude test. 

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, 2023. 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

A resume review will be conducted as part of the application screening process. Pre-screen questions during time of application will include the assets being reviewed and considered for points. The tangible assets will require proof and/or references at time of application, which will be clearly outlined. The intangible assets will be verified and confirmed, if and when, you are invited to the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs).

Interviews

The interview format will be different this year to include two levels of interviews:

Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) will be conducted in April for those applicants who will be invited to attend. Tips on preparing for the MMI will be provided to those applicants who are invited to participate.

Final Interview will be conducted as the last step in the assessment process after the Physical Fitness Test. Tips on interviewing for the Final Interview will be shared upon confirmation with invitation.

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 more information, visit UAB.CA/FireTest.

A non-refundable $388.50 payment to the University of Alberta will be required prior to participating in the Physical Fitness Test.

Eligibility List

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services determines the number of applicants to be placed on an eligibility list based on the outcomes from the recruitment process. The eligibility list will be valid until December 31, 2023. This date may be extended at the discretion of the Fire Chief.

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

 

Working for Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

As City of Edmonton employees (working for Fire Rescue Services), there’s no question that our roles are diverse, our backgrounds are distinct and our responsibilities are unique. All City work aligns to our Corporate Promise: “Working together, aligned with City Council, we enable a better life for all Edmontonians.”  

Furthermore, the City is guided by five Cultural Commitments:

  • Safe - We value, respect and protect the physical, mental and emotional well-being of each other and those we serve.
  • Helpful - We care about people’s experiences. We work with them and for them to seize opportunities, address challenges and deliver outstanding service.
  • Accountable - We are trusted and empowered to embrace our responsibility for our actions, decisions and behaviours.
  • Integrated - We get the best results when we align our diverse ideas, knowledge and efforts in shared purpose.
  • Excellent - We perform to our highest standard. We passionately pursue innovation and continuously improve ourselves, our teams and our city.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services’ vision is “to make Edmonton a safer, more livable city by providing the best fire service in North America.” To help achieve this vision, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services has identified six Vision Dimensions:

  • Organization and Leadership Development - Ensure that Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is equipped to perform both modernized operational and leadership roles. 
  • Workplace Safety, Mental and Physical Health and Well-being - Build on existing strengths within Edmonton Fire Rescue Services and focus on proactively addressing challenges (especially those related to mental health) at the root-cause level. 
  • Workplace Culture and Employee Experience - Support and foster a culture that promotes traditions and values that contribute to citizen-focused service and expectations, models sound leadership principles, and contributes to the accomplishment of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services' mission.
  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion - Address known issues in a systematic way, at the root-cause level.
  • Date- and Research-Informed Service Innovation - Use data to improve the allocation of resources, reduce risk exposure for front-line staff, and innovate how Edmonton Fire Rescue Services' approaches work.
  • Community Connections and Relationships - Strengthen our role and relationship to the community.

Getting to the Why

Interested in what it takes to be a firefighter? Here are some first-hand accounts from Edmonton firefighters.

  • Getting to the Why with Manjinder Nagra
    Getting to the Why with Manjinder Nagra
  • Getting to the Why with Daisy vanRavenswaay
    Getting to the Why with Daisy vanRavenswaay
  • Getting to the Why with Michael Chiu
    Getting to the Why with Michael Chiu
  • Getting to the Why with Scott Brochu
    Getting to the Why with Scott Brochu
  • Getting to the Why with Curtis Moss
    Getting to the Why with Curtis Moss
  • Getting to the Why with Keith Fredin
    Getting to the Why with Keith Fredin

How You Can Prepare

Fire Cadet logo
Become a Fire Cadet

Learn more about the Fire Cadets program.

camp inspire
Camp Inspire

A firefighting camp for women and gender diverse communities.

For More Information

Human Resources - Fire Rescue Services

Email firefighterrecruitment@edmonton.ca
Share this page:
onecity Intranet logo
The City Plan

Our strategic direction to make Edmonton a healthy, urban, climate resilient city that supports a prosperous region.

Transforming Edmonton

Stories about bringing our city vision to life.

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter  Youtube

Footer

  • Contact Us
  • Jobs
  • Open Data
  • Safety and Security
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy

 

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.

© 2023 City of Edmonton. All rights reserved.