Probationary Firefighter

Position:                    Probationary Firefighter (three (3) positions)
Department:              Welland Fire and Emergency Services             
Salary Range:           $80,089 (July 2026 rate)

This job profile reflects the general requirements necessary to perform the primary functions of the job. This does not include all work requirements of the job.

The City of Welland is seeking high-performing, professional, and community-focused individuals to join Welland Fire and Emergency Services as Probationary Firefighters. We are looking for mature, people-centric candidates who are committed to teamwork, service excellence, and protecting the safety and well-being of our community. As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Welland values the diverse experiences and perspectives that strengthen our organization and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those from under-represented groups.

Working in an Incident Command System, the Firefighter’s role is to protect life and property through firefighting, emergency medical and other types of emergency incidents, often performed under conditions, which require strenuous physical exertion. Firefighters are also expected to provide excellent customer service as well as supporting all 3 lines of defense, being Public Education, Fire Safety Standards and Enforcement, and Emergency Response.

Firefighters are expected to maintain a high standard of professionalism, solve problems, work as part of a dynamic team and possess excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Teamwork is very important; Firefighters live and work together in close quarters throughout their 24-hour shift. This requires all team members to depend on each other to perform their duties successfully whether having to share routine tasks at the fire station, providing services at an emergency scene, or providing service assistance to other agencies and/or the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• NFPA 1001-Firefighter I and II certification from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board®).

• Possess valid Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Testing Service Stage 1, 2 and 3 and swim test certificates. Swim test certificates are not required to apply, but must be valid as of April 24, 2026, and remain valid through July 6, 2026.

• Possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or academic equivalent.

• Possess valid and current Standard First Aid and CPR C certificates. Higher levels of certification will also be accepted.

• Possess a valid and unrestricted Ontario class “D” driver’s license with a “Z” air brake endorsement and a driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behaviour. Applicants with 6 or more demerit points are ineligible for consideration. A driver’s abstract will be required at the conditional offer stage and will be run by the City.

• Possess a satisfactory Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening. Please note that successful candidates will be required to provide a satisfactory police record check dated within the last 30 days as a condition of employment.

• Valid Pleasure Craft Operator card.

• Be able to understand and communicate clearly in English under stressful conditions, both oral and written.

• The ability to work cooperatively as a member of an effective and professional team.

• Have a strong desire to serve the community and a strong work ethic.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to those who possess any of the following:

• Two years experience as a municipal full-time Firefighter in a municipal fire department; or

• Minimum 3 years continuous volunteer Firefighting experience in a municipal fire department.

• University degree or college diploma.

• NFPA 1072 or 1006 Certification and/or training at the Operations level or higher.

• Fluency in languages other than English.

• Trade apprenticeship or certification.

• Medical training or experience (i.e., Paramedic, Nursing etc.).

• Emergency Medical Responder certification.

• Other relevant specialized training, qualifications, or experience.

• Demonstrated community service and/or volunteer involvement.

​​​​​​​Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Information:

The City requires all candidates to hold valid Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Testing Program Stage 1, 2 and 3 and swim test certificates. You must possess valid Stage 1, 2 and 3 at time of application. Swim test certificates must be valid as of April 24, 2026, and remain valid through July 6, 2026.

Please visit www.ofai.ca for additional information on the Candidate Testing Program. If you have any questions regarding the Candidate Testing Program, please contact OFAI directly at 905-426-6756 or email info@ofai.ca.

Important Notes:

• Only those applicants selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted.

• Resumes and cover letters will only be accepted online. The City will not accept applications delivered in person or by mail.

• Applicants must possess all necessary certifications outlined in this posting at time of application. Applicants who are in the process of obtaining required certifications will not be considered. The only exception is the OFAI swim test certificate which must be valid as of April 24, 2026, and remain valid through July 6, 2026.

• Applicants are responsible for all costs (i.e.: certificates, testing, travel, medical etc.) throughout the recruitment process.

• Completion of the OFAI certificate does not guarantee applicants will move forward in the recruitment process.

• Successful candidates will be required to successfully complete a medical screening that is satisfactory to the City. The medical examination will include a medical review and physical completion forms, Vision Scanner, Urinalysis and Audiogram. The medical will be based on the latest edition of NFPA 1582 “Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments”.

• Prior to starting your application, please carefully read the job description above and the recruitment timeline below.

• Firefighter recruitments attract a high volume of applicants. The City is unable to respond to individual inquiries during or after the recruitment process. Please do not call the City, Human Resources or the Fire department. If you do have an inquiry, please email your inquiry to recruitment(at)welland.ca.

---

Recruitment Timeline

This is a guideline and is intended for reference purposes only. All dates and stages are subject to change at the discretion of the City. Only a select number of candidates will proceed through each stage of the recruitment process.

The City of Welland is committed to the establishment of a workforce which reflects the diversity of the community it serves and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who will be selected through the following process.

Commencement of Recruitment

Monday, March 9, 2026

Applications will only be accepted online. An applicant can be disqualified at any stage of the selection process, or the offer of employment can be withdrawn, for a variety of reasons, which include:

• Applicants who knowingly supply false or misleading information during any stage of the recruitment process

• Applicants who submit incomplete documentation

• Applicants who do not submit their required documentation on time

• Applicants at any stage in the selection process who fail to meet standards or eligibility requirements will not be able to progress to the next stage and will not be hired

• Circumstances change that alters the candidate’s standing as originally reported to the City of Welland

Deadline for Applications

Friday, April 10, 2026 – 16:00

1st Interview

Late April/early May 2026

Interviews will be conducted over a period of 2-3 weeks. Interviews will be conducted by a Selection Committee who will interview selected candidates based on qualifications.

2nd Interview, additional screening, testing and/or assessments

Mid May 2026

Any additional screening, testing and/or assessments deemed necessary by the Selection Committee will be conducted over this period.

Conditional Offers of Employment

Early June 2026

Candidates selected for employment will be notified with a conditional offer of employment.

Confirmed Offers of Employment

Once candidates have successfully met all conditions of employment, candidates will receive a confirmed offer of employment.

Successful candidates are subject to a twelve (12) month probationary period. Performance Evaluations will be conducted a minimum of four times during the probationary period.

Evaluations will include, but may not be limited to: Oral, Written and/or Practical testing throughout the recruit program as well as any further testing, per the Collective Agreement.

Employment Start Date

The anticipated start date is Early July 2026.