Volunteer Firefighter (up to 16) (VFF 3.24)

The application process for volunteer firefighters is designed to help candidates understand the degree of skill, commitment, and personal character required to be a successful volunteer firefighter.

Please read carefully prior to completing your application:

• The applicant must live in the service area of the station they are applying for.
• To have your application considered you must complete the application form in its entirety and the information must be accurate to the best of your knowledge.
• Your application MUST INCLUDE the completed HR-22 Appendix B - Drivers Abstract Form and a signed Declaration Re: Criminal Record Check (both are included in the application package).
• Your application MUST INCLUDE a Completed Vulnerable Sector Check. Please contact your local police service or refer to their website for information and forms to initiate the application process for your criminal record check. A form is included in the application package to confirm the reason for the criminal record check.

Follow the link below for the more information about the process and to access the application form:

Volunteer Fire Fighter Application and Recruitment Process (https://norfolkcountyfire.ca/recruitment/)

Firefighters are reimbursed for their time responding to emergencies, training, and certain activities.

The selection process to full membership consists of the following steps:

1. Submission of application, drivers abstract form and declaration of criminal record check by Monday, August 26, 2024.
2. Human Resources will notify you if you are required to write the written aptitude test. You must successfully complete the written aptitude test to move to the physical and mental abilities test (If accommodation is required, please notify Human Resources prior to testing day).
3. Successful completion of the physical and mental abilities test.
4. Individual candidate interview (anticipated to be scheduled between September 23rd and October 4th).
5. Submission (upon request) of medical information.
6. Offer of membership to selected candidates is conditional on an acceptable medical, driver’s abstract and vulnerable sector screening.
7. Candidates will have a one-year probationary period.
8. Mandatory attendance at an orientation session Saturday, January 25, 2025
9. Obtaining a DZ driver’s license within 30 months of date of hire.

Please Note: The following testing date has been scheduled to complete the written aptitude test and the physical and mental abilities test Saturday, September 7, 2024.

Additional information:

Hiring is for station locations: Simcoe, Waterford, Langton, Fairground, Port Rowan and Vittoria

All successful candidates will be expected to complete a mandatory recruit training program. As a recruit, you need to be aware that this training consists of online self-study components accompanied with classroom participation.

• Note: Recruit firefighters who already possess the mandatory firefighter certifications (as listed below) will not be required to retake the training. They will only be required to attend NCFD content specific training.

Applicants are not required to have any firefighter specific training or certification to apply. All legislative required training (as mentioned in the table below) will be provided in house, free of charge to recruits. Time spent completing training will be compensated as per municipal firefighter compensation policies.

NFPA certification is recognized throughout Canada and the United States as a minimum training requirement to provide the theory and skills necessary to perform the functions of a volunteer or career firefighter.

Scope of Position:

Perform firefighting and emergency response duties under the broad supervision of the Captains, Deputy District Chiefs and District Chiefs. Lectures, exercises, practice drills, and other forms of training are an integral and ongoing part of the job.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Respond safely to emergency situations and calls for assistance 24 hours per day, 7 days per week in accordance with attendance policies.
• Protect people, the environment, and property from all types of actions and emergencies.
• Enter burning or contaminated buildings, structures, and other areas to perform rescues and / or fight fires while wearing appropriate firefighting equipment as supplied by the fire department, and as directed by incident command.
• Apply proper firefighting and / or rescue techniques needed to control and / or extinguish fires and extricate / remove people.
• Minimize distress and suffering, including giving first aid / CPR before ambulance crews arrive; safeguarding your own and other people’s personal safety at all times.
• Wear and properly use all appropriate equipment as supplied by the Norfolk County Fire Department.
• Operate and maintain all of the Norfolk County Fire Department’s equipment.
• Co-operate with the police, paramedics, or other agencies when required.
• Notify District Chief of fire code and life safety matters.
• Must maintain a high degree of confidentiality at all times.
• Refrain from disclosing information to the news media or other persons without authorization from the Fire Chief.
• Will respect and follow the chain of command and follow all orders of superior ranking department officers during training, emergency response, or station activities.
• Shall not participate in any fire service operations / activity while under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances, and / or prescription drugs which cause impairment.
• May be assigned to act in the capacity of a captain, when qualified as an officer candidate through the captain promotional policy.
• Work closely with the local community to increase their level of fire safety awareness in order to prevent fires and accidents from occurring.
• Work closely with the local community to increase their level of fire safety awareness in order to prevent fires and accidents from occurring.
• Educate and inform the public to help promote fire safety (ex. Hall tours, assisting in a fire safety education program, the smoke alarm program)
• Communicate appropriately in accordance with established guidelines.
• May make recommendations to their company officer regarding operational procedures and equipment maintenance.
• Drive and operate firefighting and emergency equipment, as well as personal vehicles, safely and in accordance with policies and applicable legislation.
• Attend training sessions to maintain and upgrade firefighting skills in accordance with established policies and operational guidelines, and meet attendance requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Mental Effort:

• Should be able to cope with a high level of stress, and perform all duties efficiently in an emergency situation.

Physical Activity:

• Maintain a level of physical fitness necessary to carry out all the duties of a firefighter

Working Conditions:

• Manual work of a hazardous nature involving the fighting of fires, rescue work, and patient care that is generally performed under the direct supervision of fire officers.
• May involve working on weekends, holidays, and in all types of weather conditions

Knowledge and Experience:

• Work in accordance with established policies, operational guidelines (such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act), and any other relevant legislation or orders.

Skills and Abilities:

• The ability to deal with the public in a polite, sympathetic and efficient manner, regardless of how frustrating or unnerving the situation may be.
• The volunteer firefighter should be able to speak in a clear, articulate manner.
• The ability, if required, to make decisions and work without supervision until an officer arrives on scene.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid CPR (HCP level) and standard first-aid qualification.
• Within 30 months of date of hire, the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Ontario Class “D” driver license with the airbrake endorsement (Z).

Posting #: VFF 3.24

Position: Volunteer Firefighter (up to 16 positions)

Division: Office of the CAO

Department: Fire

Location: Norfolk County - Simcoe, Waterford, Langton, Fairground, Port Rowan and Vittoria

Reports To: Captains, Deputy District Chiefs and District Chiefs

Posting Period: July 2, 2024 – August 26, 2024

The Corporation of Norfolk County is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

The above position description reflects the principle functions and duties as required for proper evaluation of the job. Other transient, emergency and unplanned duties can only be considered part of the job if they directly relate to these principle functions contained herein. No employee shall refuse to perform the aforesaid transient, emergency and unplanned duties.