Firefighter Recruitment

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.

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

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 and 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 for 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. 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 skills and other credentials 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.

Ride-Along

All candidates may be required to participate in a ride-along with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services. This is a job shadowing experience to give the candidate a fuller understanding of a day in the life of a firefighter. Candidates will spend a shift in the passenger seat of a fire vehicle and observe the actions of the fire crew.

More information about the ride-along portion of the recruitment process will be available at a later date.

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.

Psychological Assessment

All candidates may be required to undergo a psychological assessment. The purpose of the assessment is to identify major personality traits and characteristics of a successful firefighter.

More information about the psychological assessment will be available at a later date.

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, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services 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 Edmonton Fire Rescue Services).

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 Edmonton Fire Rescue Services 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

Rank

Bi-Weekly Hours

Annual Pay

Hourly Pay

Probationary / 1st Year Firefighter

$64,311

$29.33

2nd Year Firefighter

$74,515

$33.99

3rd Year Firefighter

$84,727

$38.65

4th Year Firefighter

$94,931

$43.30

5th Year Firefighter

$102,078

$46.56

8th Year Firefighter

$104,115

$47.49

11th Year Firefighter

$109,225

$49.82

18th Year Firefighter

$110,238

$50.28

Senior Firefighter Qualified

$117,393

$53.55

Fire Captain

$128,619

$58.67

Station Captain

$130,663

$59.60

District Fire Chief

$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.}

Getting to the Why

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