Probationary Firefighter

People, Place, Prosperity

Working within our Strategic Plan, Cambridge Connected, and committing to our values of Integrity, Respect, Inclusiveness and Service, the successful candidate will work together to help the City of Cambridge achieve our vision: A place for people to prosper – alive with opportunity. 

Job Profile

The City of Cambridge Fire Department is seeking qualified and dedicated candidates for the position of Probationary Firefighter. This role supports the delivery of emergency response, fire suppression, rescue, medical, marine, public education, and prevention services to the community. Candidates must demonstrate sound judgment, physical ability, teamwork, and a strong commitment to service excellence.

What you will be doing

• Working within a team environment to “Save Lives, Prevent Injury, Protect Property” through emergency response and public fire and life safety duties
• Responsible for firefighting entailing the combating, extinguishing and preventing fires, and the saving of life and property
• Rapidly and efficiently performing various duties under emergency conditions frequently involving considerable hazard and strenuous physical exertion
• Responding to fire alarms or other emergencies, laying and connecting hose, directing water streams, and using extinguishers and all other department equipment necessary for the efficient performance of the duties
• Responsible for station maintenance and upkeep of firefighting equipment and fire department property
• Responsible for upgrading and maintaining skills/knowledge and physical requirements to current standards 
• Drives and/or operate any vehicle or equipment as assigned
• Provides excellent customer service as well as being a leader in public fire and life safety education through participation in public relations projects involving visits, displays, lectures, demonstrations, parades, etc.
• Assists with on-the-job training of other firefighters 
• Perform inspections and assessments related to fire prevention duties 
• Adheres to all Federal, Provincial and Municipal Laws, Regulations, By-laws as well as all departmental and Corporate Policies and Procedures
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications to apply:

We actively seek candidates who bring additional skills, certifications, and education that exceed our minimum qualifications. (Proof of required certifications must be attached or uploaded to your application):

• 18 years of age or older and legally entitled to work in Canada (citizen/landed immigrant)
• Possesses High School Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent
• Free of any criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted.  Possess a satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.  Please note that successful candidates will be required to provide a satisfactory criminal record check dated within the last thirty (30) days as a condition of employment
• Speak, read and write English fluently and communicate clearly and precisely under demanding, high pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
• Possess a current First Responder Certificate or higher with BLS level CPR, Canadian Red Cross is preferred.
• Must possess a valid Ontario Class "D" Driver's License with a "Z" air brake endorsement. Provision of a driver’s abstract with fewer than three CVOR demerit points and/or infractions for three years within the last thirty (30) days from when requested
• The City of Cambridge requires successful completion of the OFAI Candidate Testing Services Stages as listed below (as verified by possession of a CTS Certificate):

Preferred Qualifications

• NFPA 1035 Level 1 – Public Educator Certification
• NFPA 1002 Pumper Operations Certification 

Assets

The City of Cambridge Fire Department recognizes the value of additional skills, qualifications, and experience and considers them an asset to our service such as:

• previous firefighting or emergency service experience
• certifications such as AEMCA or other NFPA standards
• skilled trades certification
• post-secondary education
• coaching and volunteer work
• demonstrated community service involvement
• additional language proficiency
• driving heavy vehicles and the operation of heavy equipment
• demonstrated commitment to community service
• firefighting experience (career or volunteer)
• strong communication, interpersonal and customer service skills
• ability to thrive in a team environment

Your compensation

This position has an annual salary of $65,797 (6 months) - 55% of 1st Class Firefighter (2026 Rate).

Hours of work

This position requires working rotating 24-Hour shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Posting closing date

This posting closes Wednesday April 30, 2026 at 4:30 pm.

Accommodation needs and protection of privacy

The City of Cambridge recognizes and appreciates diversity and inclusion enhances our public value commitment.

We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience and encourage all qualified people to apply, including and especially people from equity-deserving groups. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with honour and respect toward their individual dimensions of diversity.

We strive to remove barriers that may prevent qualified applicants from fully participating in the recruitment and selection process. Accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation is available throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Contact HRServices@Cambridge.ca to make your needs known in advance.

For more information on our Employment Equity, please read our full policy.

Personal information collected in relation to the recruitment process is collected under the authority outlined in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and used solely to determine eligibility for employment with the City of Cambridge only.