After completing the application online, a review will be conducted by Human Resources and Regional Emergency Services. Applicants who meet the requirements listed in the posting may be invited to participate in the recruitment process. Proof of qualifications must be provided to Human Resources on or before the day of the interview.
Firefighter and Paramedic Recruitment
We offer exciting and challenging career opportunities for advanced care paramedics and firefighter-paramedics (ACP and PCP).
Regional Emergency Services provides a fully integrated Fire/EMS service offering advanced life support, including helicopter life flight, and fire and rescue services within the region.
Paramedic (PCP) - Firefighter Cadet Program
The Fort McMurray Fire Department currently has a unique, fully funded opportunity for paramedics to earn firefighting certifications while working.
Required Qualifications
- Completion of High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.
- Currently registered with the Alberta College of Paramedics as a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) or an Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP), or
- Able to complete the registration process with the Alberta College of Paramedics by Fall 2025.
- Valid Basic Cardiac Life Support (CPR) Certification is required.
Firefighter-paramedic opportunities
Required qualifications*
To be considered for employment, candidates must successfully complete the recruitment and selection process outlined below. Unsolicited applications are not accepted. When positions are available, interested candidates should apply online
- High school diploma or GED equivalency
- NFPA 1001 Level I and II; (Pro Board or IFSAC certified)
- Candidates must be registered with the Alberta College of Paramedics (AOCP) as a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) or Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP)
- Valid Basic Cardiac Life Support (CPR) Certification
- Valid Alberta Class 4 Driver's licence (with Q endorsement) or equivalent out of province required
- Valid Alberta Class 3 Driver's licence (with Q endorsement) or equivalent out of province preferred
- Criminal record with Vulnerable Sector Check is required
*Recruitment information is subject to change.
An Exciting Career — A Great Place to Live
This timed multiple-choice test will assess reading comprehension and vocabulary, logical reasoning, mechanical aptitude, spatial orientation and the candidate's ability to understand job-related information. Candidates will be notified of their test results within one hour of completing the test.
For candidates that are not from Fort McMurray, the aptitude test may be completed online through invigilation. Candidates will need to arrange to have their exams invigilated.
Candidates are responsible for any expenses incurred when writing an invigilated examination. Most invigilators request a fee to invigilate examinations.
Only candidates who meet the minimum competency score will be considered for advancement to the physical fitness test.
Candidates are tested for physical fitness to ensure they possess necessary firefighter physical capabilities and are responsible for booking directly with the University of Alberta. Successful completion of the firefighter physical fitness testing from the University of Alberta is required within the last six months. Should the U of A be unable to offer testing services we will make alternative arrangements locally through the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre
Detailed physical testing information
Each test requires maximum effort. All tests are completed while wearing firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) that weighs approximately 22 kg (50 lbs.). This ensemble includes flash-hood, gloves, pants, boots, jacket and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). You will not breathe from the SCBA, but you must carry it. For safety during both the treadmill test and job-related test, running shoes are substituted for firefighting boots.
After completing the treadmill test, you will rest for 60 minutes before starting an orientation to the job-related performance tests. The orientation to the job-related tests consists of a walk-through session to practice each of the tasks. This will take approximately 30 minutes and will familiarize you with testing procedures and provides a suitable warm-up for the demanding tests that follow. Each test is followed by a rest period of 3 minutes for recovery and hydration. You are not permitted to leave the testing area or remove the PPE during the rest periods.
All candidates who pass the physical fitness test will have their scores evaluated. Only the highest ranked candidates will proceed to the interview stage of the recruitment process.
The following video playlist may help you prepare:
Candidates who successfully complete the aptitude and fitness tests will be invited to an in-person interview. The interview panel includes representatives from Regional Emergency Services and Human Resources. The interview is designed to evaluate:
- Technical skills
- Communication skills
- Teamwork and interpersonal skills
- Overall suitability for the Firefighter/Paramedic position
At the time of interview, candidates must provide the following documentation:
- Updated resume that includes all relevant education, work history and volunteer experience
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Fire and medical certificates or transcripts
- NFPA 1001 Level 1 and Level 2
- Proof of registration with the Alberta College of Paramedics (Practice permit)
- Valid Basic Cardiac Life Support (CPR) Certification
- Valid Alberta Class 4 Driver’s Licence with Q Endorsement (Class 3 is preferred)
- Commercial 5-year driver’s abstract
- Clear Criminal Record with Vulnerable Sector Check
Candidate's background, including personal, work, and criminal history will be reviewed and evaluated.
Reference Check
Candidates are required to provide three (3) work-related supervisory references (at least one from their current or most recent employer) at the interview stage of the process.
Recent graduates from fire or medical programs may also submit instructors as references. References will be asked to rate the candidate's performance based on their experiences with them as an employee/student.
To ensure candidates can safely meet the physical and medical requirements of the Firefighter Paramedic position, a comprehensive medical assessment is required.
Please note that the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) does not collect or retain medical information. All assessments are conducted by an independent third-party provider and reviewed by a licensed physician.
Below is an overview of the medical information and tests included in this process:
Immunization Records
- dTap (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) 3-dose vaccine series, one booster dose every 10 years
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) 2-dose vaccine series
- Hepatitis A & B (Twinrix) 3-dose vaccine series
- Varicella (chicken pox) titres – bloodwork to verify immunity
- Mantoux (tuberculosis) test within 12 months or repeat test
- Influenza vaccine annually
Candidate Form Completion
- Signed Medical Release Form
- Employee Health Questionnaire completion
- Audiogram Questionnaire completion
- Spirometry Questionnaire completion
Pre-placement medical assessment - head-to-toe exam, including health history
- Comprehensive Vision test
- Audiometric test
- Spirometry (PFT – pulmonary lung function test)
Laboratory and other diagnostic testing included in the pre-placement medical assessment
- Bloodwork - requisition provided
- ECG - requisition provided
- Chest X-ray - requisition provided
- Stress test - is booked at preferred location
Physician Review
- Physician will review all diagnostic testing results
- If any follow-up is required, the physician will refer as necessary
- Fitness-to-Work determination is provided to the RMWB
Volunteer (paid on-call) firefighter opportunities
Rural community volunteer fire departments are recruiting for paid on-call members. Members are paid for training and to respond to emergencies.
- For more information, contact Regional Emergency Services at 780-792-5500 or call the Municipal Pulse line toll-free at 1-800-973-9663.
There are currently six rural volunteer fire departments within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
Regional Emergency Services Volunteer Fire Departments operate in the following communities:
These volunteer fire departments are operated by volunteer firefighters who are trained to NFPA standards
The dedicated individuals that volunteer their time are from their community and respond to emergencies when needed.
Our Stories: What Is It Like Working Here?
About Fort McMurray - Wood Buffalo
This is an amazing place to live, work, and play. There are financial opportunities, great schools and incredible community support. Enjoy outstanding events and incredible recreational opportunities. This isn’t just a place to live - you can thrive and grow.
Contact Us
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Phone: 780-743-7000
Toll free: 1-800-973-9663
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