Become a Firefighter

Firefighters do many things:

• Fight fires
  
• Perform rescue work
  
• Educate about fire prevention
  
• Administer first aid
  
• Respond to emergency hazardous material calls
  
• Maintain firefighting equipment, vehicles, and stations
  
• Clean up after fires
  
• Pre-planning
  

Firefighters respond to more than fires. 38 percent of fire department responses are to emergency medical calls.

Living Quarters

Firefighters live and work together closely. They are responsible for housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, and vehicle maintenance at the fire station. Firefighters spend a lot of time inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining gear and equipment.

Teamwork

Teamwork is critical in a firefighter’s career:

• Sharing routine tasks at the fire station
  
• Providing back-up at the scene of an emergency
  
• Depending on each other during emergency calls
  

Hours

Firefighting is not a regular day-job. It is a 24/7 public service. Firefighters work:

• Weekends and holidays
  
• Alternating day/night schedules
  
• An average of 42 hours per week for four weeks at a time
  

Hazards

A firefighter works under emergency conditions. The situations often involve a lot of risk.

Discipline

The fire service is a paramilitary organization. Firefighters must follow Officers’ orders and adhere to rules and regulations. Firefighters need strong control over their behaviour.

Volunteering

The fire service is significantly involved in the community. Firefighters perform volunteer work in the community.

A firefighter has many duties. Reading about these will help you understand what the position requires.

Emergency Response

• Participates in emergency responses by performing:
  
  • fire ground operations
    
  • scene stabilization
    
  • search and rescue
    
  • fire control
    
  • property conservation
    
  • ventilation
    
  • vehicle extrication
    
  • aircraft firefighting
    
  • water rescue
    
  • hazardous material control
    
  • fire apparatus and equipment operation
    
  • defibrillation and first aid activities
    
  • participants perform these activities in accordance with department policies and procedures, applicable legislation, and
  • regulations
• Assists with incident investigation. Preserves evidence until investigating officer arrives. Takes witness statements as required.
  
• Follows directions, regulations, Standard Operating Procedures, and completes duties and tasks as assigned.
  
• Maintains firefighting equipment and apparatus. Ensures equipment is ready, operational, and well maintained.

Administrative Function and Communication

• Shares information
  
• Identifies deficiencies and unsafe working conditions
  
• Performs station duties:
  
  • answers telephone and takes messages
    
  • cleans and maintains the station and grounds
    
  • receives and conducts inventory of station supplies
    
  • performs these activities in accordance with department policies and procedures
    
• Is receptive to communication from department and supervisor
  
• Actively participates in training sessions and provides feedback
  
• Immediately corrects unsafe work conditions if possible. If unable, reports to supervisor immediately

Self Development

• Actively participates in scheduled training events to improve knowledge and skills
  
• Actively participates in the development of an annual personal learning and development plan

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 City equipment
  
• Reports major deficiencies in equipment and vehicles to station officer
  
• Immediately upon arrival for duty, checks that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is in position and ready for use according to applicable Standard Operating Procedures and immediately checks 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 in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures
  
• Participates in community and educational events. Promotes fire safety and education to a variety of customers

Wellness and Fitness

• Remains physically and mentally fit to satisfactorily execute duties appropriate to the job
  
• Practices principles of wellness and physical fitness

The firefighting profession is not suited to everyone. This information will help you determine if you are a good fit for the career.

Pressure

Firefighters work under a great deal of pressure. They respond to emergencies and are often in life-threatening situations.

Diversity

The City of Markham is one of the most diverse communities in Canada. The City is committed to fostering an inclusive environment. We seek new recruits who are comfortable working with, and caring for, individuals from all walks of life and cultures.

Competitive Process

The selection process for the City of Markham Fire and Emergency Services is very competitive. It is designed to ensure candidates meet the minimum standard qualifications for a Probationary Firefighter.

You will need to be fully prepared to complete the various tasks assigned. Sometimes, you will have to complete tasks with little warning. You will need to maintain a respectful and accountable manner throughout the process.

Organizational Fit

Successfully completing all phases does not ensure a job offer. Organizational fit is one of many factors in the final decision.

We choose individuals whose personal values match Fire and Emergency Service’s values These include pride, professionalism, respect, and teamwork.