Volunteer Firefighters

Job Description

Division: Fire Services
Department: Community Safety
Initial Reporting Location: Various
Characteristic Duties: Under the direct supervision of a Volunteer Captain and the general supervision of a Platoon Fire Chief.

• Respond to alarms of fire, medical aid calls and other calls for assistance.
• Perform various rescue operations.
• Drive emergency vehicles in all weather conditions, in a safe and secure manner, in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act and Division’s policies and procedures.
• Prepare fire reports and information reports on emergencies.
• Control and extinguish fires using manual and power equipment such as axes, water hoses, ladders and hydraulic equipment.
• Administer First Aid and CPR as required.
• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment and cleanliness of all fire stations.
• Participate in the inspection, testing and minor maintenance of fire apparatus and equipment.
• Inform and educate the public on fire safety.
• Participate in ongoing training sessions to maintain a high level of physical fitness and competence regarding operational procedures.
• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of CGS’s Safety Manual and the applicable Provincial Legislation listed therein.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of Secondary School (Grade XII) Education.
• Must have completed CGS Firefighter 1 program within the first year of hire.
• Pre-employment Fire Service training from a Community College or a recognized training academy and/or National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter I, and Firefighter II considered an asset.
• Relevant experience as a career or volunteer firefighter considered an asset.
• Certified trade experience (e.g. plumber, carpenter, electrician, etc.) considered an asset.
• Possess and maintain CPR Certification.
• Possess and maintain First Aid Certification.
• Excellent use of English; verbally and in writing.
• French verbal and written skills an asset.
• Satisfactory health, attendance and former employment history.
• Provide, at own cost, a Criminal Reference Check.
• Must be physically capable of operating a vehicle safely, possess a valid “DZ” driver’s licence, have an acceptable driving record, and personal insurance coverage.

Volunteer firefighters play an important role in keeping the community safe from fire and other hazards. If you are dedicated, have excellent teamwork skills and good health and physical fitness, then consider joining our team! Volunteer firefighting is a great way to learn valuable skills, give back to your community and make extra income.

Recruitment Dates
Greater Sudbury Fire Services accepts volunteer firefighter applications year-round. Any applications received shall be reviewed and kept until such time as a volunteer intake round opens and a training academy is formed. This is done on an as-needed basis and at the direction of the City of Greater Sudbury Fire Chief.

Recruitment Process
Our recruitment process consists of a formal application, interview, physical ability testing, health and medical testing and submission of required documents. You will be evaluated by Fire Services administration and the City of Greater Sudbury Human Resources department, as mandated by the volunteer firefighter’s union, the Christian Labour Association of Canada. We then make offers to successful applicants and select a minimum of one recruitment class of up to 25 individuals. Review our Information Guide for details about our recruitment and application process.

Which Stations Need Volunteers?
The Chief of Fire and Paramedic Services determines which volunteer firefighter stations have the greatest need for recruits by looking at the number of volunteers at each station versus how many are required under the Fire Services Volunteer Station Staffing Policy. Priority is given to the stations that do not meet Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS) requirements for minimum numbers of volunteers and need participating members in order to meet minimum staffing levels.

Applications
Greater Sudbury Fire Services accepts volunteer firefighter applications year-round.

Physical Testing
As part of the physical testing, each candidate will be required to have their blood pressure and pulse assessed before and after the physical testing. Blood pressure is required to be below 160/100 and pulse is required to be below 110 bpm in order to proceed with the physical testing. The physical testing will be set up as a circuit style test within the fire training grounds at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre. While completing the testing, for all stages of the physical testing, the candidate shall maintain continual forward motion until the task has been completed. The steps to completion will be in the following order to maintain testing consistency:

1. Candidates will climb an extension ladder on the east side of the tower to the fourth floor and transition onto the fourth floor. Then they will climb an interior staircase to the fifth floor, proceed out the exit door and down the exterior stairwell to ground level while maintaining three points of contact on both the ladder and stairwell.
2. Candidate will lift to chest height an auto-extrication tool and lower it to the ground and repeating 10 times completing a squat for each repetition.
3. Candidates will shoulder a hose and carry it up the staircase to the fourth floor and descend the staircase. Three points of contact shall be maintained at all time while climbing and descending the staircase.
4. Candidates will complete a one-handed carry of a 50 lbs pail for 50 feet, switch hands and carry the pail back.
5. Candidates will shoulder a 65 mm hose which is attached to a 100 mm hose, drag the hose for 50 metres.
6. Manikin Drag – Candidates will drag an 85 kg (185 lbs) manikin 20 meters.
7. Claustrophobia Test – Candidates will be read a script prior to entering and laying down in an enclosed, blacked-out culvert. The candidate will remain in the culvert, while wearing a face mask, for three minutes. After exiting the culvert, the candidate will be asked a series of questions related to the script read to them earlier.

For more information, please visit our Volunteer Firefighters webpage: Volunteer Firefighters.

How To Apply
If you are viewing this job posting through a website other than the City of Greater Sudbury's, please visit www.greatersudbury.ca/jobs to apply online. We must receive your resume before 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. For those providing a French language resume, please also include an English version.

• Click on the Apply for Job button.
• Follow the step by step application process.
• Ensure you attached a cover letter and resume. Acceptable file types are:
• .doc
• .docx
• .txt
• .pdf
• .rtf
• Once completed, review your application and click on the Submit button.
• Upon submission of your application, you will get a confirmation on the screen that your application has been successfully submitted. You will also receive an e-mail confirmation to the e-mail address on your profile.

All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If contacted, and you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process you must advise the Hiring Manager.

Live outside Canada or new to Canada?
The City of Greater Sudbury is dedicated to maintaining a fair, inclusive, and equitable work environment and our City welcomes qualified applicants from anywhere. To learn more about working in Canada, visit this webpage: Applicants Living Outside of Canada.

Contact Us
For technical difficulties, issues, questions or accommodations with an application made online email myJOBS@greatersudbury.ca.