City of Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Services
Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Information Guide
City of Kawartha Lakes Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Information Guide Introduction..............................................................................................................................................3 Application Process...............................................................................................................................3 Advancement during Recruitment Process.................................................................................3 Application Requirements....................................................................................................................3 Catchment Area......................................................................................................................................4 Recruitment Process.............................................................................................................................5 Reference Checks..................................................................................................................................6 Information / Documentation Needed................................................................................................7 Recruitment Orientation........................................................................................................................8 Transfer to Assigned Station...........................................................................................................9 General Information...............................................................................................................................9 Costs......................................................................................................................................................9 Confidentiality...................................................................................................................................10 Maintaining or Gaining Professional Credentials.....................................................................10 Hours of Work...................................................................................................................................10 Volunteer Firefighter Medical Certificate....................................................................................10 Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) Check..................................................................10 Hall Orientation.................................................................................................................................11 Withdrawal of Application..............................................................................................................11 Contacts..............................................................................................................................................11
Introduction Welcome to the City of Kawartha Lakes Volunteer Recruitment Information Guide. This guide has been designed to provide you with helpful information about our recruitment process, including the standards and requirements that applicants are expected to meet throughout the recruitment process.
Application Process Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Services conducts recruitment at least once annually, with each recruitment period remaining open for approximately one month. Applications must be submitted online through the official recruitment page: https://www.kawarthalakes.ca/en/municipal-services/fire-recruitment.aspx Please note that applications are not retained after the recruitment process has concluded. Candidates who are not selected are encouraged to reapply during the next recruitment period. All applications are reviewed during the active recruitment window and candidates are selected based on current station staffing priorities and operational requirements.
Advancement during Recruitment Process An applicant may be disqualified from advancing at any stage of the recruitment process for reasons including, but not limited to, the following:
Failure to fully complete the mandatory questionnaire; Failure to submit a resume; Provision of false, inaccurate, or misleading information; Submission of incomplete documentation or failure to provide required documentation by the specified deadline; Failure to meet the established standards or requirements at any stage of the recruitment process.
Only applicants who successfully satisfy all requirements at each stage will be considered for further progression.
Application Requirements To be considered for appointment as a Volunteer Firefighter with the City, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Reside within an acceptable response distance of the volunteer station to which they are applying (refer to the applicable Catchment Area); Demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English; Be capable of performing routine maintenance and cleaning of fire stations, apparatus, and associated equipment; Obtain an Ontario Class DZ driver’s licence during the probationary period (within the first year of appointment); Demonstrate the ability to work effectively within a structured environment and comply with all policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Services; Be capable of learning and applying the methods and techniques associated with fire prevention, suppression, and related emergency services; Hold a valid Ontario Class G driver’s licence or higher, with zero (0) demerit points, satisfactory to the City of Kawartha Lakes, and maintain this standing throughout the recruitment process and employment; Possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) or recognized equivalent; Demonstrate the ability to acquire working knowledge of hazardous materials, toxic substances, arson detection, life safety systems, and other job-related subject matter, along with associated procedures; Exhibit sound judgment and the ability to remain calm and respond effectively in emergency situations; Complete a baseline hearing assessment through HearCanada within two (2) weeks of the start date; Maintain the physical strength, stamina, and agility required to perform physically demanding tasks and to safely operate firefighting, rescue, and safety equipment under adverse conditions and for extended periods; Have no criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted; and Successfully complete the Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Services recruit training program.
Catchment Area Applicants who are uncertain which station to apply to should submit an application only for stations located within a maximum distance of 15 kilometres from their primary residence (defined as their permanent home address). If an applicant’s primary residence is more than 15 kilometres from any fire station, they should apply to the station closest to their residence. Applicants may use mapping tools such as Google Maps to determine the nearest station.
The address of each fire station is; Station Division 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Lindsay Omemee Bobcaygeon Ops Dunsford Emily Bethany Pontypool Janetville Cameron Woodville Kirkfield Carden Norland Kinmount Coboconk Burnt River Mariposa Fenelon Falls
Address
9 Cambridge Street North 14 Mary Street 1 Duke Street 2571 Hwy #7 48 Community Centre 599 Centre Line Road 88 Ski Hill Road 287 John Street 669 Janetville Road 16 Cameron Road 114 Argyle Road 16 Munroe Street 12 Lake Dalrymple Road 7481 Hwy #35 24 Majestic Street 47 Grandy Road 186 Burnt River Road 552 Eldon Road 9 John Street
Town
Lindsay Omemee Bobcaygeon Lindsay Dunsford Lindsay Bethany Pontypool Janetville Cameron Woodville Kirkfield Sebright Norland Kinmount Coboconk Burnt River Little Britain Fenelon Falls
Postal Code K9V 4C4 K0L 2W0 K0M 1A0 K9V 4R5 K0M 1L0 K9V 4R5 L0A 1A0 L0A 1K0 L0B 1K0 K0M 1G0 K0M 2T0 K0M 2B0 L0K 1B0 K0M 2L0 K0M 2A0 K0M 1K0 K0M 1C0 K0M 2C0 K0M 1N0
Please note: If an applicant’s permanent residence is located outside the City of Kawartha Lakes catchment area or more than 15 kilometres from a fire station, eligibility for an offer of employment will be determined on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the City.
Recruitment Process The Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service recruitment process is designed to assess each candidate’s aptitude, physical capability, and overall suitability for emergency response operations. All required assessments and interviews are conducted on the same day. Upon arrival, applicants are required to read and sign an Informed Consent Agreement (Release/Waiver – Participation in Emergency Services Testing Form) prior to participating in any assessments. Candidates will first complete an aptitude assessment that evaluates general knowledge, basic mathematics, and problem-solving abilities. A minimum score of 70% is required to meet the established standard.
Applicants will then participate in a comprehensive fitness assessment consisting of jobrelated tasks that reflect the physical demands of firefighting. These components include:
climbing an extension ladder while performing hose coupling and uncoupling using a leg lock and stepping onto a simulated roof surface; completing multiple ladder ascents and descents; performing a confined space search scenario while wearing a blacked-out face piece and identifying objects by touch; carrying a 30-metre length of 65mm hose on the shoulders up and down four flights of stairs; hoisting a 30-metre hose using a hand-over-hand motion, holding it for 60 seconds, and lowering it in a controlled manner; dragging a 70 kg (154 lb) weight over 45 metres to simulate advancing a charged hose line; removing and replacing a roof ladder from apparatus-mounted brackets; dragging a 91 kg (200 lb) victim 15 metres while maneuvering around obstacles; carrying two 15 kg containers around a building; and performing a forcible entry simulation using a 4.5 kg (10 lb) sledgehammer.
Applicants must successfully complete all components of the fitness assessment within one(1) hour. Candidates who meet the required standards in both the aptitude and fitness assessments will proceed to an interview the same day with the Deputy Fire Chief, Volunteer District Chief, and a representative from People Services. Applicants must successfully meet the interview threshold in order to be considered for further progression in the recruitment process.
Reference Checks A Reference Consent Form will be provided at the time of the interview. This form must be completed, signed, and submitted either during the interview or at least 24 hours in advance. If the applicant requires additional time to gather the necessary information, the completed form may be returned via email to fireadmin@kawarthalakes.ca. This form authorizes the administration to contact the applicant’s references. Reference checks will be conducted to evaluate each applicant’s work history, performance, and attendance record. Applicants are required to provide the names and current contact information for two (2) work-related or supervisory references, including a valid email address for each reference.
Please note: Current employees of the City of Kawartha Lakes, as well as an applicant’s spouse/partner, parents, in-laws, or other relatives, are not acceptable references. Applicants are expected to inform their references that they will be contacted via email to provide a reference. Upon completion of reference checks by Fire Services Administration, the packages will be forwarded to People Services. A representative from People Services will then contact successful applicants to extend a conditional verbal offer of employment. Applicants will also receive a written offer of employment through the online portal, which must be accepted to confirm their employment.
Information / Documentation Needed The following information and documentation must be submitted after a conditional offer has been extended and prior to attending Orientation. Important: Applicants who fail to provide the required documentation by the deadlines set by Administration risk being removed from the recruitment process. Mandatory Documentation:
Grade 12 Diploma or Equivalent – Proof of education is required upon acceptance of the verbal offer. Equivalency may include work experience, postsecondary education, or fire-related training. Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) Report – Must include a Vulnerable Sector Search and be an original report dated within fifteen (15) days of the conditional verbal offer. If a letter is required from the City for the Vulnerable Sector Search, it will be provided. Volunteer Firefighter Medical Certificate – The form will be provided at the time of the offer and must be an original dated within three (3) months of the conditional verbal offer. Submission is required prior to corporate orientation. Respiratory Fit Form – The form will be provided at the time of the offer and must be an original dated within three (3) months of the conditional verbal offer. Submission is required prior to corporate orientation. Driver’s Licence – Must provide a current original. Minimum requirement: Ontario Valid Class G. Driver’s Abstract – A three-year driver’s abstract, issued by the Ministry of Transportation, dated within fifteen (15) days of the conditional verbal offer, and submitted prior to orientation. Social Insurance Number (SIN) – Submission of the signed SIN Permission Form and entry of SIN number on the TD1 and TD Ontario Tax Forms.
Additional Documentation to Be Submitted Throughout the Recruitment Process (Prior to Orientation):
Proof of Education Banking Information for Direct Deposit (void cheque or Direct Deposit PreAuthorized Transaction Form) Confidentiality Form (City of Kawartha Lakes form) Email Permission Form Emergency Contact Information – Names and contact details for two individuals to be contacted in case of emergency Employee Workplace Emergency Worksheet Federal and Provincial Tax Forms SIN Permission Form Consent for Use of Personal Information – Includes email permission; applicant photographs will be taken for Fire Service Identification Tags Employee Code of Conduct – Applicants will review and sign the City’s Employee Code of Conduct
Recruitment Orientation / Training Upon successful completion of the preceding steps, each new recruit will be issued a City of Kawartha Lakes email account and provided with step-by-step instructions to access their ResourceOne account, the City’s online training platform. Accessibility and Accommodation:
The City of Kawartha Lakes is committed to accommodating the needs of applicants in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Applicants should notify Fire Services or People Services to ensure accessibility requirements are met.
Support During Training:
The Training Officer will provide guidance and coaching sessions as required to assist recruits in navigating and understanding the online training program.
Online Training:
Each recruit is required to complete 150 hours of self-directed learning, to be completed over 8 to 10 weeks.
In-Class Practical Training:
Recruits will participate in 205 hours of in-person practical training, typically delivered over 12 to 15 weeks. Training sessions include one weekday evening and one full weekend day per week.
An additional 15 hours of in-person written and practical testing will be conducted, generally scheduled on the weekend immediately following successful completion of each course component.
Certification
Recruits will obtain full Firefighter II certification through the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) upon successful completion of all required training and testing.
Note: Individuals who have already obtained certification, or who have been grandfathered through experience with another department and/or through Pre-Service education, will be subject to evaluation. Scheduling Notes:
No training or testing will be scheduled on statutory holidays or weekends that coincide with statutory holidays.
Completion Requirements:
Successful completion of all required online and in-class training, as well as testing components, is mandatory to progress beyond the probationary stage.
Ongoing Commitment:
Completion of the training program marks the beginning of a recruit’s responsibilities. All Probationary Volunteer Firefighters are expected to respond to calls and attend ongoing training in order to fulfill the requirements outlined in the Collective Agreement.
Transfer to Assigned Station Upon successful completion of recruit training, all Probationary Volunteer Firefighters are expected to fulfill the requirements outlined in the Collective Agreement, including but not limited to:
Attendance: Maintain the required attendance rate for emergency calls and training sessions. Training Schedule: Weekly training may vary by station. Recruits will receive specific training schedules upon placement at their assigned station.
Mandatory Additional Training: In addition to regular training sessions, recruits are expected to participate in and complete other mandatory training programs as required, which may occur outside of regularly scheduled sessions. Successful Completion of Recruitment Training: All online and in-class practical training components must be successfully completed. Probationary Period: Complete the probationary period successfully. CPR/First Aid Certification: Obtain CPR and First Aid certification within one year of the start date. Driver’s Licence Requirement: Upgrade to a valid Ontario Class D Driver’s Licence with Z endorsement within one year of hire.
General Information Costs All expenses associated with obtaining required documentation, certificates, and medical examinations are the sole responsibility of the applicant, except for the Hearing Assessment, which will be provided by the City.
Confidentiality All personal information submitted for employment purposes is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Individual Privacy Act (MFIPPA). No applicant information will be shared without the candidate’s explicit written consent. During their employment, all Volunteer Firefighters (probationary or not) may have access to records containing confidential and/or personal information. Probationary and Volunteer Firefighters are expected to maintain strict confidentiality and are prohibited from disclosing such information to any person, except as required by law.
Maintaining or Gaining Professional Credentials In addition to responding to emergency calls, Probationary Volunteer Firefighters are expected to participate in ongoing training offered throughout the year at their assigned stations. All Probationary and Volunteer Firefighters are responsible for maintaining the professional credentials required to perform their duties, staying current with best practices, and maintaining professional knowledge. As per the Collective Agreement, Probationary/Volunteer Firefighters are required to:
Attend a minimum of 30% of paged fire calls (suppression) each year. Participate in at least 60% of scheduled training hours annually.
Hours of Work Probationary/Volunteer Firefighters are expected to be available for call-outs as required by emergencies or service needs. Place of residence may be considered when assigning recruits to their respective stations.
Volunteer Firefighter Medical Certificate All Probationary Volunteer Firefighters must submit a Medical Certificate completed by a physician as a condition of employment. It is the responsibility of the firefighter to schedule a medical appointment and ensure the certificate is submitted by the required deadline.
Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) Check All new Volunteer Firefighters must provide a satisfactory CPIC Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Search. The report must be an original and dated within fifteen (15) days of the conditional offer. If a current CPIC Check is not available, People Services will provide a letter authorizing the CPIC Check to be completed through the Kawartha Lakes Police Department or the appropriate City of Kawartha Lakes OPP detachment.
Hall Orientation Following successful completion of People Services orientation and all recruit training (online and practical), Probationary Volunteer Firefighters will attend their assigned stations for station orientation.
Withdrawal of Application Applicants may voluntarily withdraw from the recruitment process at any time. Withdrawal can be completed through the recruitment system (by removing oneself from the job posting) or by emailing recruitment@kawarthalakes.ca
Contacts For all questions regarding the recruitment process, applicants should contact the City of Kawartha Lakes People Services Department:
Email: recruitment@kawarthalakes.ca Phone: 705-324-9411 or 1-888-822-2225