Close
Close
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.
Skip to Content
Prince George Logo
Main menu icon
​Home ​ ​ About ​ Contact Us Feedback
  • How Do I
    • Access Open Data
    • Apply for Jobs
    • Bid on City Work
    • Book a Park or Facility
    • Buy or Lease City Property
    • Claim the Home Owner Grant
    • Contact Mayor and Council
    • Dispute a Ticket
    • Find Hours of Operation
    • Find Off-street Parking
    • Find Recreation Programs
    • Inquire on a City Property
    • Make a Claim Against the City
    • Pay for a Parking Ticket
    • Pay My Property Taxes
    • Pay My Utilities
    • Report a Problem
    • Search for a Cemetery Plot
    • Start a Business
    • View City Maps
    • Watch a Council Meeting
  • Apply, Register, and Pay
    • Awards and Recognition
    • Bidding Opportunities
    • Business Licences
    • Careers
    • Committees and Boards
    • Dog Licence
    • Equipment for Hire
    • Find Off-Street Parking
    • Garbage Collection Assistance
    • Gifts and Legacies
    • Graffiti Removal Program
    • Grants and Financial Assistance
    • Home Owner Grant
    • Incentive Programs
    • Leisure Access Program
    • Parking
    • Parks, Sports Fields, and School Bookings
    • Permits And Applications
    • Recreation Programs
    • Taxes
    • Utilities Billing
  • City Services
    • Accessibility
    • Animal Control Services
    • Bylaw Enforcement
    • Cemeteries
    • cityofpg Mobile App
    • Emergency Response and Safety
    • Environment
    • Equipment for Hire
    • Garbage Collection
    • Grants and Financial Assistance
    • Hours of Operation
    • Infrastructure
    • Maps
    • MyCityofPG
    • Parking
    • Permits and Applications
    • Roads and Transportation
    • Service Requests
    • Social Health and Well Being
    • Sustainability
    • Taxes and Utilities Billing
    • Utilities
  • Business and Development
    • Bidding Opportunities
    • Building Permits
    • Business Directory
    • Business Licences
    • Downtown Area
    • Economic Development
    • Heritage Properties
    • Housing
    • Planning and Development
    • Real Estate
    Image Economic Development
    Economic Development
    Interested in doing business in Prince George? Learn more about economic development in PG
  • Things to Do
    • Accessibility
    • Aquatics
    • Arenas and Skating
    • Arts and Culture
    • Book a Park or Facility
    • City Events Calendar
    • CN Centre
    • Facilities and Hours of Operation
    • Get Involved
    • Heritage
    • Learn About Prince George
    • Leisure Access Program
    • Libraries
    • Maps
    • Parks Trails and Sports Fields
    • Prince George Conference and Civic Centre
    • Recreation and Activities
    • Seniors Activities
    Image Recreation
    Recreation
    Learn more about recreation in Prince George
  • City Hall
    • Alternative Approval Process
    • Annual Report and Corporate Plan
    • Awards and Recognition
    • Bylaws
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
    • Departments
    • Elections
    • Finance
    • Gifts and Legacies
    • Grants and Financial Assistance
    • Information Requests
    • Mayor and Council
    • News and Notices
    • Open Data
    • Privacy and Terms of Use
    • Referendum
    • Reports, Publications, and Plans
    • Students
    • Taxes and Utilities Billing
    Image 2020 Annual Report
    2020 Annual Report
    Priorities, finances, and workplans

Firefighter Recruitment

subnav icon More
Home/City Hall/Careers/Firefighter Recruitment/
Decrease Text Size Default Text Size Increase Text Size
Print Link
Share Link
  • Careers
    • Career Opportunities
    • Career Opportunity - City Manager
    • FAQs
    • Firefighter Recruitment
    • How to Apply
    • Job Descriptions
    • Seasonal and Part Time Jobs
  • Alternative Approval Process
  • Annual Report and Corporate Plan
  • Awards and Recognition
  • Bylaw
  • Bylaws
  • Contact Us
  • Departments
  • Elections
  • Finance
  • Gifts and Legacies
  • Grants and Financial Assistance
  • Information Requests
  • Mayor and Council
  • News and Notices
  • Open Data
  • Privacy and Terms of Use
  • Referendum
  • Reports, Publications, and Plans
  • Students
  • Taxes and Utilities Billing

More in this Section...

Quick Links

  • Bylaws
  • Council Agendas and Minutes
  • Council Webcasts
  • Mayor and Council
  • Media Releases

Contacts

Email Us

Phone: 250-561-7626

Human Resources Department
3rd Floor, 1100 Patricia Blvd
Prince George, BC
V2L 3V9

Page Image

Page Content

The City of Prince George invites all qualified and exceptionally-trained firefighter candidates when the competition is open.


Recruitment Update - March 21, 2022

Firefighter recruitment for the 2022 intake is now closed.

  • All applicants moving to the interview stage have been contacted.


Recruitment Process and Qualifications

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process consists of a number steps that will be completed by the end of April so probationary firefighters can start working in spring 2022. Please note that the testing and interview dates have been updated, effective December 20, 2021.

Testing and interview dates are not flexible. Candidates are responsible for all costs associated with the competition, including travel costs (if applicable) and testing fees.


Recruitment Steps

  1. Application Review
    • Application packages are reviewed for minimum and preferred qualifications and for application package completeness.
    • Candidates for the 2022 intake who are referred for testing can expect to be contacted by February 1, 2022.
  2. Testing
    • Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in written aptitude and psychometric testing, which will be administered online.
    • Testing for the 2022 intake is scheduled for Saturday, February 12, 2022.
  3. Physical Assessment
    • Candidates will be required to complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).
    • CPAT certificates issued within 12 months of the interview will be considered valid.
  4. Interview
    • Candidate’s qualifications and test scores will be used to establish a shortlist. These candidates will be invited to participate in an interview.
    • Interviews for the 2022 intake will be scheduled and candidates will be notified of the dates.
  5. Reference Checks
    • The City requires three references for each candidate.
  6. Proof of Vaccination
    • All City employees must be fully-vaccinated against COVID-19 as a mandatory condition of employment.
    • Successful candidates are required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.
  7. Medical Examination
    • At the time of employment offer, candidates will be required to visit an approved physician to complete a Firefighter Medical Examination as a condition of employment.
  8. Eligibility List
    • An Eligibility List will be established to fill anticipated vacancies. The number of candidates placed on the list and the duration of the list are at the City’s discretion. Start dates will vary depending on our staffing needs.
    • Candidates placed on the Eligibility List will be required to ensure all certificates and licenses are kept current. If more than 12 months has elapsed since you passed the CPAT, you will be required to complete another examination at your own expense before you are hired.
Minimum Qualifications

The following list identifies the minimum qualifications applicants must possess in order to be considered for the Eligibility List of Probationary Firefighters with the City of Prince George. Please note all certificates and licenses must be current in order to be considered valid.


  • Legally entitled to work in Canada (e.g. Canadian citizen, landed immigrant, etc.).
  • High school graduation.
  • Completion of the NFPA 1001 Levels 1 and 2 (IFSAC accredited) standard.
    • Learn more about approved fire academies from the IFSAC
  • Physically fit and able to pass both the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and the Firefighter Medical Examination (NFPA 1582 standard).
  • A proven history of satisfactory job performance.
  • Valid B.C. driver's license, Class 3 with air brake endorsement.
    • Candidates from outside of B.C. must be licensed to drive a truck with more than two axles. Applicants are required to provide proof of the B.C. equivalency along with their application package.
  • A driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behaviour. More than six points within the last three years may eliminate a candidate from further consideration.
  • No summary convictions for a criminal offense related to the job of Firefighter.
  • Current Occupational First Aid Level 3 or First Responder Level 3 certificate.
  • Demonstrated commitment to a fit and healthy lifestyle.


 Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Resources

  • Watch the CPAT Orientation Video
  • Download the CPAT Orientation Guide [PDF]
  • Download the CPAT Preparation Guide [PDF]
Strongly Preferred Qualifications
  • Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certificate. Candidates with certification from outside B.C. must provide evidence of commencing the equivalency process with the EMA Licensing Board of British Columbia at the time of application.
    • Learn more about the EMA Licensing Board of British Columbia
  • Successful completion of a minimum of one year of post-secondary education (30 credits) or completion of two years in a recognized apprenticeship program.
  • Current technician-level certification in any of the following specialty areas:
    • Hazardous Materials
    • High Angle Rescue
    • Swift Water Rescue
    • Ice Rescue
    • Confined Space Entry
  • Other fire service-related training such as:
    • Fire Service Instructor
    • Fire and Safety Educator
    • Fire Inspector
    • NFPA 1006 Technical Rescue Awareness or equivalent
    • Incident Command System (ICS) courses
    • Wildland Firefighting S100, SPP-WFF Wildland Firefighter or equivalent
  • Previous firefighting experience (paid or volunteer)

Please note failure to include information related to B.C. equivalency of driver's license or certificates may eliminate candidates from consideration for this competition.


Work Environment

Prince George Fire Rescue Service attends to fires, medical emergencies, vehicle crashes, river and wilderness emergencies, and all types of rescue situations. There are four fire halls in the City of Prince George which are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A career with the Service provides members with ongoing education in the latest firefighting, fire prevention, medical response, and search and rescue techniques. The Service is also active in the local community through fire and life safety education and fundraising. 

Firefighters work an eight-day schedule and average 42 hours a week. The schedule includes two day shifts of 10 hours and two night shifts of 14 hours followed by four days off.

Firefighters serve on teams specializing in:

  • Vehicle extraction
  • Hazardous materials response
  • Swift water and ice rescue
  • High angle rope and confined space rescue


Questions and Answers

How many Firefighters does the City hire every year?

The number varies based on the number of retirements and newly approved positions. The yearly budget will also determine the number of positions available.

What is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)?

The NFPA serves as the world's leading advocate for fire prevention. It establishes codes and standards for firefighters and fire safety.

What is the NFPA 1001 level 1 and 2?

The NFPA 1001 is the nationally recognized standard for training professional firefighters. It identifies the professional levels of competency required of fire department members and fire service entrance requirements.

Where can I obtain the NFPA 1001 certification?

Many academies across North America are certified to deliver the NFPA 1001 program. Candidates must ensure the academy they select is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the ProBoard. Confirm this by visiting the IFSAC and ProBoard websites.

  • Visit the IFSAC website
  • Visit the ProBoard website
Does it matter where I get my NFPA level 1 and 2 training?

The City does not favour one academy over another. However, all candidates must ensure that the academy they attend is IFSAC and/or ProBoard accredited.


IFSAC

International Fire Service Accreditation College (IFSAC) ensures standards set by the NFPA are maintained by the fire training academies that administer their programs.

can I apply with partially completed certifications or licenses?

No. Candidates must have completed all of the required qualifications to be eligible to apply for a position.

Can Firefighters in another municipality transfer to Prince George?

All applicants, regardless of previous training or experience, must apply to the City of Prince George as an entry-level firefighter. There are no transfers between municipalities. If successful, all new firefighter employees begin a 12-month probationary period.


Click to open Facebook Click to open Twitter Click to open YouTube Click to open Linkedin Click to open Instagram
#cityofpg
  • Apply, Register, and Pay
    • Awards and Recognition
    • Bidding Opportunities
    • Business Licences
    • Careers
    • Committees and Boards
    • Dog Licence
    • Equipment for Hire
    • Find Off-Street Parking
    • Garbage Collection Assistance
    • Gifts and Legacies
    • Graffiti Removal Program
    • View All...
  • City Services
    • Accessibility
    • Animal Control Services
    • Bylaw Enforcement
    • Cemeteries
    • cityofpg Mobile App
    • Emergency Response and Safety
    • Environment
    • Equipment for Hire
    • Garbage Collection
    • Grants and Financial Assistance
    • Hours of Operation
    • View All...
  • Business and Development
    • Bidding Opportunities
    • Building Permits
    • Business Directory
    • Business Licences
    • Downtown Area
    • Economic Development
    • Heritage Properties
    • Housing
    • Planning and Development
    • Real Estate
  • Things to Do
    • Accessibility
    • Aquatics
    • Arenas and Skating
    • Arts and Culture
    • Book a Park or Facility
    • City Events Calendar
    • CN Centre
    • Facilities and Hours of Operation
    • Get Involved
    • Heritage
    • Learn About Prince George
    • View All...
  • City Hall
    • Alternative Approval Process
    • Annual Report and Corporate Plan
    • Awards and Recognition
    • Bylaws
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
    • Departments
    • Elections
    • Finance
    • Gifts and Legacies
    • Grants and Financial Assistance
    • View All...

© 2017 City of Prince George, 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC V2L 3V9, Canada, Email: 311@princegeorge.ca,Telephone: 250-561-7600 or 311,Fax: 250-561-7724​

AboutContact UsFeedbackMyCity LoginPrivacyTerms of UseAccessibilityCareersWeather