Firefighter and Paramedic Recruitment

Application review

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.

Aptitude test

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.

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.

Interview

The interview panel consists of employees from the Regional Emergency Services and Human Resources departments. The interview is designed to measure the candidate's:

• technical skills
• communication skills
• interpersonal skills
• job suitability

At the time of interview candidates must provide the following documentation in two (2) unsealed envelopes:

Envelope #1

• Proof of education (certificates or transcripts)
• Proof of training certifications (NFPA with IFSAC or Pro Board seals, CPR, EMR, PCP, ACP, etc.)
• Proof of Licensure with Alberta College of Paramedics
• Photocopy of current driver's licence
• Driver's abstract completed within the last 30 days, with no more than three safety infractions within the last three years
• Criminal record with the Vulnerable Sector Check completed by the local police detachment within the last 30 days

Envelope #2

1) Up to date record of immunizations for the following:

• dTap (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis)
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Hepatitis A & B (TwinRx 3-step vaccine)
• Varicella (chicken pox) titres to verify immunity
• Mantoux (tuberculosis) test within 12 months or repeat single step test
• Influenza vaccine annually

2) RES recruitment pre-placement medical forms with supporting documentation, which would be provided to shortlisted candidates, including the following*:

• Signed medical waiver
• Pre-placement medical assessment form
• Audiometric (hearing) test results
• Spirometry (lung function/pulmonary function) test
• Vision test
• Laboratory and other diagnostic testing included in the pre-placement medical assessment

If you have a chronic medical condition, please ensure the appropriate medical form is completed (these forms are not required if there are no underlying health conditions).

*This list is subject to change. Medical information is not reviewed by the interview panel. A checklist will be provided to the candidate at the end of the interview to ensure all required documents are included in the envelope.

This envelope will be sealed by the candidate and provided to a physician for evaluation.

Reference checks

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.

Background check

Candidate's background, including personal, work, and criminal history will be reviewed and evaluated.