Volunteer Firefighter: Serve Locally, Train Regularly

Volunteer Firefighter: Serve Locally, Train Regularly

Volunteer No working from home possible
City of Kingston

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Respond to emergencies, maintain equipment, and promote fire safety in your community.
  • Company: Join Kingston Fire and Rescue as a Volunteer Firefighter.
  • Benefits: Gain valuable certifications, training opportunities, and wellness programs.
  • Other info: Flexible hours, dynamic team environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing essential skills.
  • Qualifications: Grade 12 diploma, valid driver's license, and a passion for helping others.
  • Station Locations
  • STATION - JOYCEVILLE
  • STATION - BREWER'S MILLS ROAD
  • STATION - GORE ROAD
  • STATION - GLENBURNIE
  • STATION - ROCK ROAD

Kingston Fire and Rescue is recruiting Volunteer Firefighters for the above stations.

Applicants must physically reside within the immediate area of one of these stations and be available for the required training and response schedule.

What you'll do

As a Volunteer Firefighter you will respond frequently to emergencies in your assigned area, including firefighting, rescue work, medical assistance, hazardous materials, activated alarms, and other emergency situations.

You will also

  • Maintain fire station, apparatus, equipment, station maintenance, and communications.
  • Promote fire safety through programs, displays, and promotional material supplied by the Fire Department.
  • Attend regular weekend, weekly, and mandatory training sessions.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Grade 12 diploma or acceptable equivalent (verification required).
  • Valid Ontario Class G driver's license with a clean driving record (0 demerit points) and maintain a DZ driver's license within 18 months after recruit training.
  • Experience and/or training in firefighting, emergency medical response, or a licensed trade is an asset.
  • Experience coaching, counseling, or educating the public is an asset.
  • Ability to dedicate time for approximately 24 weeks of recruit training (one evening per week and one weekend day ).
  • Must be physically fit and a highly motivated team player.
  • Must meet hearing and vision requirements per NFPA 1582 (20/30 in each eye without corrective lenses; color vision for firefighting).
  • Fluent English reading, writing, speaking; able to communicate under high-pressure situations.
  • Available on short notice, flexible hours, and live within the immediate area of the recruited stations.
  • Will be required to provide satisfactory medical assessments and a satisfactory Criminal Record Check (CPIC, including Vulnerable Sector).

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

  • Knowledge of technical trades, safety practices, and training in Occupational Health and Safety is an asset.
  • Ability to work in all types of weather under less than ideal conditions.
  • Must maintain a satisfactory call and training attendance of 35% for Weekly Training and 35% emergency call attendance annually after recruit training (equivalent to approx. emergency calls and 18 weekly training nights each year).

Benefits

  • NFPA 1001 Level 1 & 2 certifications.
  • NFPA 1072 Hazmat Operations certification.
  • Ongoing training and education opportunities.
  • Employee wellness and assistance programs.
  • Corporate perks such as discounted transit and fitness passes.
  • Relocation assistance and local resources.
  • Accommodations (EEO)

Accommodations are available at all stages of the recruitment and selection process to support a barrier free experience for all candidates in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

If you require any accommodations, please let us know.

Contact us at .

Volunteer Firefighter: Serve Locally, Train Regularly employer: City of Kingston

The City of Kingston is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment where community safety is paramount. With flexible shifts and comprehensive training, employees can grow their skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of school-age children. The city's commitment to employee well-being and public service creates a rewarding atmosphere for all staff members.

City of Kingston

Contact Details:

City of Kingston Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Volunteer Firefighter: Serve Locally, Train Regularly

Tip Number 1: Get Involved Locally

Fire and emergency services thrive on community involvement. Hit up your local fire stations or emergency service offices to see if they have volunteer programmes. Engaging with these local services can help us connect with like-minded folks and get our foot in the door.

Tip Number 2: Attend Community Events

Keep an eye out for community safety events or open days at fire stations. These are golden opportunities to meet professionals in the field, ask questions, and maybe even impress them with your enthusiasm to volunteer in a hands-on setting.

Tip Number 3: Join Volunteer Networks

Seek out volunteer networks related to fire and emergency services. Websites and local groups often share openings, tips, and training opportunities. This way, we can show our commitment and maybe even get special training that makes us a more appealing candidate.

Tip Number 4: Explore Online Platforms

Don't forget about online platforms where services may post volunteer opportunities. We should check out their official websites and specific volunteering portals where they often list positions. Applying through their site can sometimes give us a better shot!

We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Firefighter: Serve Locally, Train Regularly

Firefighting
Emergency Medical Response
Hazardous Materials Handling
Technical Trades Knowledge
Occupational Health and Safety Training
Communication Skills
Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a volunteer role in fire emergency services, it’s essential to spotlight any relevant experience you have in emergency situations or community service. Even if you haven’t worked in a formal capacity, showcasing voluntary roles or skills related to first aid, safety training or teamwork can set you apart.

Show Your Commitment:In your application, make sure to convey your genuine passion for helping others and your commitment to serving your community. Highlighting previous volunteering experiences, or how you've been involved in local initiatives related to fire safety or emergency response, can really illustrate your dedication.

Tailor Your Motivation Statement:For a volunteering role, we want to understand why you’re interested in joining City of Kingston. Make your motivation statement personal—explain how this opportunity aligns with your interests in public service and how you can potentially contribute to the team, even if it’s just sharing your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Keep It Concise and Personal:Avoid lengthy jargon and keep your application concise. Use a friendly tone while also demonstrating your seriousness about the role. Address specific aspects of the fire emergency services that excite you and how you can bring your unique perspective to City of Kingston.

How to prepare for a job interview at City of Kingston

Know Your Emergency Protocols

Brush up on the essential emergency protocols and procedures related to fire safety and emergency response. This knowledge is crucial since you might be asked technical questions about how to handle different scenarios during the interview. Showing that you’re familiar with these procedures can set you apart.

Share Your Passion for Volunteering

As you’re applying for a volunteer role, it’s vital to express your genuine passion for community service and emergency response. Talk about any previous volunteer experiences, what motivated you to get involved, and how you plan to learn and grow in this position. This passion will resonate with interviewers looking for dedicated volunteers.

Demonstrate Teamwork Skills

Fire and emergency services rely heavily on teamwork. Prepare to discuss your experiences working in teams, especially under pressure. Think of specific examples where you’ve contributed to a team effort, as this will show that you understand the collaborative nature of the role and are someone who can be counted on in tough situations.

Be Ready for Situational Questions

Anticipate situational questions during your interview where you’ll need to explain how you’d respond to hypothetical emergency scenarios. Practise formulating clear, calm, and effective responses, highlighting your problem-solving skills and quick thinking. This will demonstrate your readiness to step into action when it counts.