Career and Volunteer Firefighter Opportunities at CEFS

Career firefighters

Our Probationary Firefighter recruitment process has several stages. Please read the information below that outlines the process from the application submissions through to testing and includes the interview process. Before submitting an application, we encourage applicants to create an account using our online job application system. Visit our Careers page for instructions and details.

Application Submission

The application submission is the first step in the recruitment process where applicants prepare their cover letter, resume and additional documentation to submit with their application. Applicants will submit completed documentation online on Clarington’s Careers page after creating an account. Please review the job posting to ensure you are submitting all required materials as part of your application.

During the application process, applicants will submit their required documentation (e.g. NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I and Level II) and answer a series of pre-screening questions related to the job. Applicants are encouraged to review the posting details to follow the submission instructions.

Once the application is complete, you will receive an email confirming that your application has been submitted successfully.

Written and Practical Testing

All applicants can expect to undergo a series of tests and assessments as part of the recruitment process. This may include knowledge-based written exams on the basics of firefighting, hands-on occupation-specific skills-related assessment, or both. Applicants are encouraged to prepare for both written testing as well as a separate practical exam that may be completed independently or in separate stages.

Interview

The interview stage typically occurs after the written, and practical assessments have been completed. This is the point in the process where candidates will meet one-on-one with the hiring panel to review a series of questions and discuss their knowledge, skills, experiences and qualifications related to the position.

York Fitness Testing

The York Firefighter Fitness Testing includes a series of assessments and tests related to the firefighting profession. The testing includes medical evaluations (including hearing and vision tests), aerobic and physical fitness and swim testing to ensure that applicants can perform the strenuous requirements of the profession.

The municipality organizes a testing date for applicants to attend York to complete the testing. The testing is done at the applicant’s own expense, and the results are valid for a period of six months. The Hiring Committee will let you know when the testing will occur to ensure that you complete the assessment within the time period required.

Applicants who are invited to participate in the York Testing will be notified in advance of the testing date.

Applicant notification

Please note that we will only notify applicants who successfully move through the various stages of the process to participate in the next phase.

If you are selected to participate in an interview, we will notify you after the interviews are completed to let you know if you will be moving forward.

Requests for additional documentation

Throughout the recruitment process, additional supporting documentation, including proof of qualifications and certifications, will be required from applicants. The requests for supporting documentation will be communicated by the Hiring Committee when it is required. We encourage all applicants to prepare their supporting documentation in advance so that there is no delay in providing the required documents when asked.

Volunteer Firefighters

Clarington's volunteer (part-time) firefighters work alongside full-time crews to combat fires, perform rescue operations, respond to medical emergencies, and keep our community safe. Most volunteer firefighters have full-time jobs in other fields but have the ability to respond to emergency calls. Volunteer firefighters are paid for attending training and emergency call-outs.

To become a volunteer firefighter, review the application requirements below and apply online. We accept applications year-round, with recruitment traditionally starting the fall. Applications submitted outside of the recruitment window will be held on file until the following recruitment window.

For more information or questions about the application process, please contact firecareers@clarington.net or 905-623-5126.

Apply to become a Volunteer Firefighter

Application requirements

Must be a resident of Clarington.
Live within five kilometres of one of the following fire halls:
- Station 2, 3333 Highway 2, Newcastle,
- Station 3, 5708 Main Street, Orono,
- Station 4, Trulls Road, Courtice, or
- Station 5, 2354 Concession Road 8, Enniskillen
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must have a Grade 12/High School Diploma.
Must have a D-Z Licence.
Upon request by Emergency and Fire Services, a recent, clean Criminal Background Check (Vulnerable Sector Search) and clean Driver's Abstract must be provided.