FIRE FIGHTER APPLICATION GUIDE
Cambridge – Guelph – Kitchener – Waterloo
You may be an ideal candidate for a challenging career as a professional firefighter IF YOU…

• Want to help others and serve your community
• Enjoy working as a vital part of a team
• Enjoy continuous learning in both a classroom setting and on the job

A FIREFIGHTER

… is well trained

All probationary firefighters receive extensive training in the latest firefighting and rescue techniques. Training is provided in handling emergency and medical calls as well as hazardous material situations. Fire prevention legislation and arson investigation techniques are also taught. Firefighters may be involved in Fire Safety Programs such as home inspections, Learn Not To Burn and Childrens’ Safety. In fact, a firefighter’s education is never complete – firefighters are always learning and being kept up-to-date on the latest developments and techniques.

…is physically and mentally fit

Firefighters must be able to handle periods of intense and sustained physical, mental and emotional stress.

…is a vital member of a team

Firefighters must work together as members of a well-honed team. Extended periods of time are spent working together, whether in emergency situations or performing maintenance duties around the fire station.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
In order to be considered for a career as a Firefighter, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Over 18 years of age and legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Able to understand and communicate clearly in oral and written English.
• At least 20/30 corrected binocular vision and satisfactory colour and peripheral vision.
• Have a secondary school graduation certificate or equivalent.
• Successful completion of an Ontario Pre-Service Firefighter certificate or Certified Firefighter or Certified Career Firefighter through the Ontario Fire Marshal (completion of Components 1,2,3) or equivalent.
• Equivalents may include full-time, hands-on programs such as: Firefighter Training Program Certificate from fire etc. (a division of Lakeland college, Vermilion, Alberta.), Career Firefighter Pre-Employment Certificate from the Justice Institute of British Columbia, Basic Fire Suppression NFPA 1001 Firefighter I & II certification from Texas A&M University, or another institution accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the Pro Board.
• Have a valid First Aid certificate and a valid CPR Basic Rescuer Certificate (Level C).
• Have a valid Class “DZ” Driver’s Licence in good standing.
• Have a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) from a licensed testing facility* with an issue date on or after February 2008.  All candidates will be required to bring their valid CPAT certificate to the CPS aptitude test on February 8, 2009.

*We strongly recommend that you do not take the CPAT test until all other minimum criteria are met including educational requirements.
We actively seek candidates who possess skills and education that are over and above our minimum requirements. Additional courses, education or training that are related to fire or emergency services would be considered definite assets. These include post-secondary education, trades qualifications or fire protection engineering programs. We value skills or experiences such as previous firefighting or emergency service experience, certification such as EMCA, coaching and volunteer work, driving heavy vehicles and the operation of heavy equipment. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment are very important.

IN ADDITION: Fitness Testing…

CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST

Applicants must successfully complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) from a licensed testing facility.

Please note:

• The applicant must personally make the test arrangement with the testing facility.
• The CPAT certificate must have an issue date on or after February 2008.
• All costs associated with the test are the sole responsibility of the applicant.
• The Joint Recruit considers CPAT certificates valid for one year from date of issue.

The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) was developed to test firefighter candidates on their ability to perform simulated tasks consistent with the duties of a firefighter. The test is designed to ensure that candidates possess the physical ability to complete the critical and essential tasks of firefighting.
CPAT Event Sequence and Timing

The CPAT consists of eight (8) separate events performed in a continuous manner.

Sequence of Events

• Event #1 - Stair Climb
• Event #2 - Hose Drag
• Event #3 - Equipment Carry
• Event #4 - Ladder Raise and Extension
• Event #5 - Forcible Entry
• Event #6 - Search
• Event #7 - Rescue
• Event #8 - Ceiling Breach and Pull

The events of the CPAT are placed in a sequence that best simulates their use in a fire scene.  The test consists of a series of eight events separated by an 85 foot (25.91 m) walk between each event.  This walk allows you approximately 20 seconds to recover and regroup before each event.  To ensure the highest level of safety and to prevent you from hitting exhaustion, no running is allowed between events.
To ensure scoring accuracy by eliminating timer failure, two stopwatches are used to time the CPAT. One stopwatch is designated as the official test time stopwatch; the second is the backup stopwatch. If mechanical failure occurs, the time on the backup stopwatch is used. The stopwatches are set to a pass/fail time and count down from 10 minutes and 20 seconds. If time elapses prior to the completion of the test, the test is concluded and you fail the test.

The CPAT test is a pass/fail event.

Preparing for the CPAT:

Please visit the following websites  http://uwfitness.uwaterloo.ca/firefighter or www.brockfirefighter.com or the website of another licenced CPAT facility for more information. If you will be taking the test at the University of Waterloo you will need to attend an orientation session prior to taking the test.

NOTE: Hearing and vision are not part of the CPAT testing. This testing will be coordinated through the fire departments as a condition of employment.

Orientation sessions information will be posted on the University of Waterloo website.
Please contact  any of the licensed facilities  to book your session.

It is your responsibility to ask questions if you do not understand any part of the CPAT events or procedures.

The RECRUITMENT and SELECTION PROCESS…

Information will be available on-line through the following websites:

Each stage in the process is very important. Failure to meet the requirements at any stage will disqualify the applicant from the process.

Stage 1: APPLICATION PERIOD

Applications will only be received electronically through WORKOPOLIS. If you would like further assistance to access our step by step instructions on how to apply, please click here. To access the job posting please click here.

Your application will only be accepted if you:
a) Complete the Question and Answer portion of the application process AND
b) Meet the minimum requirements.
Applications submitted for this recruit will be kept active until December 31, 2009.

Stage 2: THE APTITUDE TEST
Candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be invited to write the CPS Aptitude Test via email by January 30, 2009.

Candidates writing the aptitude test must bring 1 piece of valid government issued photo ID for identification purposes along with a certified cheque or money order in the amount of $75 payable to the CITY OFCAMBRIDGE.

• No mechanical aids including computers, calculators, and/or dictionaries will be allowed in the examination room.
• All applicants will be notified through email of their test results 3-4 weeks after the test date (no phone calls please).
• All applicants scoring 70% or higher will automatically enter the applicant pool.

NOTE: Entry into the applicant pool does not guarantee an interview.

Stage 3: SCREENING

As probationary firefighter positions become available, the Selection Review Team will screen applications from the applicant pool for interviewing.
Once you are in the applicant pool, it is important to update your resume on-line with any changes, upgrades or additions to your skills and education. These updates can be made directly on the Workopolis site. The Workopolis help desk will be available to assist you if you encounter any difficulties when updating your resume information.

Stage 4: INTERVIEW
If you are selected there may be a series of interviews for any given position. Interviews may be scheduled over an extended period of time. The interview team will consist of at least one member from the Fire Department and at least one member from Human Resources.
At the time of interview each candidate will be required to provide their original documentation, and authorization to contact at least 3 work references.
Applicants who are unsuccessful at the interview stage will be returned to the applicant pool for future consideration.

Stage 5: JOB OFFERS

For those candidates who receive an offer of employment, the following conditions may be outlined in the offer letter:

• Successfully pass the Firefighter medical assessment (includes Vision and Hearing test).
• Pass the Fire Department’s “Recruit Training Course.”
• Provide satisfactory MTO Driver’s Licence Abstract and a Police Record Check (paid for by the candidate).

 
We want to acknowledge the time and effort spent by each applicant in pursuit of a career as a firefighter.
THANK YOU for considering our Fire Departments.