Probationary Firefighter Recruitment

• Welcome from the Town of Markham Fire Chief, Bill Snowball
• Message from the Recruitment Team
• The Career of a Firefighter
• Overview of the Duties of the Markham Fire and Emergency Services Firefighter
• Factors to Consider Before Applying
• Hair and Jewellery Wearing Standards
• Qualifications

Welcome from the Town of Markham Fire Chief, Bill Snowball 

The Town of Markham Fire and Emergency Services Department 2011 probationary Firefighter recruitment campaign is finished.

We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have a keen interest in the firefighting as a career and that meet our requirements.

You will find information here that describes the role of the Firefighter here at the Town of Markham and the minimum qualifications. There is also information on the recruitment process.

Message from the Recruitment Team 

Thank you for taking the time to look over this recruiting information. Our Fire and Emergency Services Department strives to hire the most suitable firefighters. We seek highly motivated people who have a keen interest in firefighting as a career. Our team is dedicated to selecting the most prepared and competent individuals who will carry forward a strong tradition.

Probationary firefighter recruits are the foundation of our future success; they will become leaders within our organization and the community. Our team has the responsibility to select new recruits who will pursue excellence as part of their day-to-day activities; people who will continually strive to improve not only themselves but the Fire operations. We must also ensure that every applicant is treated fairly and respectfully throughout our screening process.

By the very nature of this job, firefighters impact citizens during their most trying and vulnerable moments. The public trusts that firefighters have at their core, honour, character and high moral standards.

The firefighting profession is not suited to everyone. Desire alone does not suggest a good career fit. We ask you to conduct a full self-evaluation before you submit your application. Please review our screening process in its entirety to gain a clear understanding of the expectations and job functions. Your first day as a probationary firefighter is the wrong time to discover you don't handle pressure well. Preparation and attitude are paramount. And remember, when you decide to apply, the competition will be strong.

Markham is one of the most diverse communities in Canada, and we pride ourselves as being an equal opportunity employer. The Town of Markham is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where people can feel and experience the reality of belonging and are able to contribute meaningfully to a multi-faceted society.

The Career of a Firefighter 

A career in fire and emergency service is both challenging and rewarding. In addition to providing firefighting services, you will perform rescue work, fire prevention duties, administer first aid, and respond to emergency hazardous material situations, as well as maintain firefighting apparatus, equipment and fire stations.

Firefighters live and work together in close quarters throughout a shift. Living at the fire station means that all team members are responsible for station housekeeping, cooking, and cleaning and vehicle maintenance. A significant amount of time is spent inspecting, cleaning and maintaining personal protective gear and equipment.

Teamwork is evident in all aspects of a career of a firefighter, whether it is sharing routine tasks at the fire station, or providing back-up at the scene of an emergency. Firefighters depend on each other to successfully perform their duties.

Firefighting is not a 9 to 5 job. It is a 24 hours a day, seven days a week public service. It involves working on weekends and holidays. Firefighters work on an alternating day/night schedule, for an average of 42 hours per week over a four-week period.

A firefighter is responsible for rapidly and efficiently performing various duties under emergency conditions frequently involving considerable hazard.

The firefighter's job is more than responding to fires. In fact, approximately 45% of all fire departments responses are to emergency medical calls. Other typical assignments may include public awareness and education, training activities, post-fire salvage and cleanup, pre-planning, equipment and station maintenance.

The fire service is a paramilitary organization; therefore having the ability to follow Officer's orders, and adhere to rules and regulations particularly during emergency situations is essential, as well as having the ability to control inappropriate behaviour. This is a critical factor contributing to the safety and accountability of the team's dedication to providing high-quality customer service.

The fire service is significantly involved in the community, and their volunteer efforts form a strong network and impact greatly upon the lifestyle of our residents.

Overview of the Duties of the Markham Fire and Emergency Services Firefighter 

The following is a non-inclusive overview of the Markham Fire & Emergency Services firefighter duties. The purpose of providing this information is for you to further evaluate and gain a better understanding of the primary functions and duties required by the position.

Emergency Response

• Participates in emergency responses, performing required fire ground operations, scene stabilization, search and rescue, fire control, property conservation, ventilation, vehicle extrication, aircraft firefighting, water rescue, hazardous material control, operate fire apparatus and equipment, defibrillation and / or first aid activities and performs these activities in accordance with department policies and procedures, applicable legislation and regulations.
• Assists with incident investigation activities by preserving evidence until the arrival of the investigating officer and takes witness statements as required.
• Follows directions, regulations, Standard Operating Procedures and completes duties and tasks as assigned.
• Maintains firefighting equipment and apparatus to a level of response readiness, so that equipment life is extended, safety is ensured and equipment operates properly.

Administrative Function and Communication

• Shares information and/or identifies deficiencies and unsafe working conditions.
• Performs station duties by answering telephones and taking messages, cleaning and maintaining the station and grounds, receiving and conducting inventory of station supplies and performing these activities in accordance with department policies and procedures.
• Receptive to communication from department and supervisor.
• Actively participates in training sessions and provides feedback.
• Immediately corrects unsafe work conditions if within power to do so, if unable reports to supervisor immediately.

Self Development

• Actively participates in a variety of scheduled training events to improve/enhance knowledge and skills.
• Actively participates in the development of a personal learning and development plan annually in accordance with Performance Management Policies.

Policy and Procedures

• Operates vehicles in accordance with Highway Traffic Act and fire department policies and procedures.
• Remains "non-preventable" accident/incident free while in control of Town equipment.
• Reports major deficiencies in equipment and vehicles to station officer.
• Immediately upon arrival for duty check that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are in position and ready for use according to applicable Standard Operating Procedures and immediately check Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
• Adheres to Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Occupational Health and Safety (O.H.& S.) standards.
• Accurately completes and files documentation.
• Completes medical reports as soon as reasonable after returning from relevant medical calls.

Inspections, Public Education and Community Events

• Conducts inspections as per applicable Standard Operating Procedures.
• Participates in community and educational events, promoting fire safety and education to a variety of customers.

Wellness and Fitness

• Each probationary firefighter has an obligation to remain physically and mentally fit to satisfactorily execute duties appropriate to the job.
• Practices principles of wellness and physical fitness.

Factors to Consider Before Applying 

The selection process for the Town of Markham Fire and Emergency Services is a highly competitive and complex assessment process. The process is designed to ensure candidates meet the minimum standard qualifications for a probationary firefighter. In addition the process is constructed to ensure selected successful candidates are best suited to the position. You will need to be fully prepared to complete the various tasks assigned, sometimes with little advance warning, and to maintain a respectful and accountable manner throughout the process.

Before you decide to submit an application to the Town of Markham Fire and Emergency Services, learn all you can about the selection process, position and its requirements.

Successful completion of all phases does not ensure a job offer. Organizational fit is one of many critical factors in the final decision making process.

Our team has the responsibility to ensure we select individuals whose personal values align with Fire and Emergency Service's values of pride, professionalism, respect and teamwork. Only the most suitable applicants will be offered a position.

Various information sessions will be held for any applicants who wish to learn more about the Town of Markham Fire and Emergency Services and the possibility of becoming a probationary firefighter as well as the selection process that will be utilized. 

Hair and Jewellery Wearing Standards 

The following are Markham Fire and Emergency Services policies regarding hair and jewellery standards. Candidates should consider their ability to adhere to these standards prior to applying.

Hair Standard
As any hair or article that impacts on the efficiency of the inner or outer seal will have an adverse effect on the operation of a respirator, Markham Fire & Emergency Services personnel shall adhere to the following policy.

It is the policy of the Markham Fire & Emergency Services that each member who may have cause to use Self Contained Breathing Apparatus is required to maintain a clean-shaven condition.

Jewellery Standard
To protect personnel from injury caused by the wearing of jewellery while performing certain duties, Markham Fire & Emergency Services personnel shall adhere to the following policy:

It is the policy of the Markham Fire & Emergency Services that jewellery and watches shall not openly contact skin. Therefore fire suppression and mechanical division personnel or any member of the fire department performing the duties associated with either division shall not wear jewellery.

Any article, device or precious metal worn for personal adornment, including rings, bands, bracelets, earrings, chains, necklaces, etc. is defined as jewellery.

Qualifications 

Minimum qualifications:

• Be 18 years of age or older and be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Be able to work shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Be able to understand and communicate clearly in English, both oral and written.
• Possess a valid Ontario class 'G' driver's licence with no demerit points and no more than 2 infractions (maximum of one moving and one non moving conviction).
• A minimum of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) or academic equivalent.
• Physically and mentally able to perform the duties of a firefighter, having regard to his or her own safety and the safety of members of the public
• Have prescribed 20/30 uncorrected vision in each eye without corrective lenses and with normal colour vision
• Have prescribed normal unaided hearing
• Possess a valid Standard First Aid certificate and Level 'C' CPR certificate (minimum).
• Criminal record free, unless a pardon has been granted under the Criminal Records Act (Canada) and has not been revoked

Additional qualifications to consider:

• Completion of an accredited International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) fire-related course(s) and/or program(s).
• Post-secondary education
• Specialized skills/trades
• Work experience
• Previous firefighting or emergency service experience
• Fluency in a 2nd language or sign language
• Volunteer community Involvement

Successful candidates provided with a conditional job offer must:

• Pass the York Gledhill physical fitness assessment, inclusive of swim test, or be in possession of the certificate obtained within six months prior.
• Meet medical standards as determined and assessed by the Town of Markham's appointed physician and provide proof of Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio immunization records.
• Provide originals of all credentials referred to on the application form (all credentials submitted must be dated prior to the date of application)
• Provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening Check certification
• Provide a driver's abstract with no demerit points at the time of conditional job offer, and no more than two infractions (maximum of one moving and one non-moving infraction)
• Provide 3 employment references
• Obtain a 'DZ' driver's licence within 6 months from commencement of employment