Firefighter hiring process

It’s 2023: City of Mississauga recognizes that a diverse workforce is a driving factor to our success and we strive to implement diversity, equity, inclusion, and a respectful workplace so that individuals can feel they belong and be their authentic self. We look forward to implement continuous and meaningful improvements within MFES.

Step 1: Submitting your application

  • We are hiring:  Mississauga Firefighter job posting
  • All external candidates will be required to pay a $75 +tax Administration Fee.  Administration fees are non-refundable for any submitted application. 
  • Click Apply and create a candidate profile (if you are new visitor) or login (if you are a returning visitor).
  • Upload your resume, cover letter and answer job application questions.
  • Candidates will be required to provide proof of all certificates, training and qualifications outlined on the job posting during the validation process. Failure to provide proof and supporting documentation will automatically disqualify the candidate from the recruitment process.
  • You will receive a confirmation email that your application has been successfully submitted.
  • All communication will be made by email. Ensure to check emails regularly for messages from the City of Mississauga. 
  • You can update your contact information at any time by logging into your candidate profile.

Step 2: Application screening

  • Human Resources and the Hiring Committee will review your application. 
  • Selected candidates will be contacted by email to provide copies of your certificates, training and qualifications during the process.
  • Only candidates being considered will be contacted and will be invited to interviews and assessment through email.  Check your email junk/spam mail folder regularly.

Step 3: Assessments

  • The interview panel will consist of Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services and/or Human Resources personnel.
  • Successful completion of  but not limited to a written test, a medical assessment, practical assessments, behavioral assessments, York University Firefighter fitness assessment (scheduled by the City of Mississauga), performance assessments and swimming tests  including  reference and background checks.  Assessments and evaluations will be based on job-related criteria.     
  • Selected candidates will be responsible to pay any fees associated with application, testing and assessments throughout the recruitment and selection process. (Administration fee $75 +tax, approximately $70 for the written test, and approximately $500 for physical and/or medical assessments).
  • A search of publicly available records may be performed.
  • We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, the City of Mississauga will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.  If selected to participate in the recruitment selection and/or assessment process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.  

Step 4: Selection

  • Hiring Committee will discuss the results of the interviews, assessments / testing and references to select the best candidates for the job.  A holistic evaluation of the candidates including all assessments and candidate profile will be assessed. All committee decisions are final. 
  • Candidates, who successfully pass the assessment phases, do not automatically qualify for the next step in the recruitment process.
  • Only selected candidates  will move forward to the next assessment phase will be contacted.

Step 5: Job offer

  • A conditional offer of employment will be made to the successful candidate(s) as a probationary firefighter.  
  • Offers of employment are conditional upon:
  1.  Maintaining a valid Ontario D Class License with Z Endorsement, and a drivers abstract that is acceptable to the City.
  2.  Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3), at candidates own expense, to verify the absence of a criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted.
  3.  Successful completion of the training period.
  4.  Successful completion of a twelve-month probationary period.       

Step 6: Getting started

  • We have a comprehensive onboarding program to welcome you to the City and prepare you for your first day. 
  • You will participate in a seventeen-week Probationary Firefighter training program that follows the competencies of NFPA 1001, NFPA 472/1072, NFPA 1035, NFPA 1006 (core).

Minimum qualifications

  • Minimum of 18 years of age or older at time of application
  • Legally entitled to work in Canada
  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma or academic equivalent
  • Possess a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Firefighter I & II certification (proof of Pro Board Seal or IFSAC)
  • Possess a NFPA 472 or NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness certification (including Mission Specific PPE and Mission Specific Product Control) certification(proof of Pro Board or IFSAC seal required) 
  • Possess a valid and current Standard First Aid and CPR "C" certificate
  • To obtain NFPA certifications, the candidates must either complete the pre-fire service program or by being a volunteer firefighter with a rural fire service.
  • Possess a valid and unrestricted Ontario Class "D" driver's license with a "Z" endorsement at time of application, and a driving record that is acceptable to the City of Mississauga
  • Criminal Record Search - Candidates must provide a Level 3 (Vulnerable Sector Screening) that is acceptable to the City of Mississauga at the candidate's expense. The document must be obtained from the Police Service where the candidate resides and dated no earlier than 30 days from the conditional offer of employment
  • Successful completion of  but not limited to a written test, a medical assessment, practical assessments, behavioural assessments, York University Firefighter fitness assessment (scheduled by the City of Mississauga), performance assessments and swimming tests  
  • Effective English communication skills and ability to communicate clearly and precisely in multiple situations
  • Excellent hearing ability without the use of artificial aids
  • Ability to swim proficiently
  • Uncorrected visual acuity of 20/30 in each eye 
  • Ability to handle intense and sustained physical effort necessary to safely perform firefighting duties
  • Willingness to work 24 hour shifts on a rotating basis (including weekends, holidays etc.)
  • Act with integrity, communicate effectively, solve complex problems, drive continuous improvement and provide excellent customer service
  • Accept direction, work in a team environment, establish and maintain relationships and show caring and empathy towards others
  • Maintain confidence and composure during stressful or traumatic situations 
  • Possess skills and strategies for managing the impacts of stress and maintaining work life balance
  • Demonstrate tenacity and perseverance during difficult situations and positively adapt to change 

Preferred qualifications

  • College diploma or university degree in any discipline recognized by an accredited association, organization or institution
  • Apprenticeship or experience in skilled trades in any discipline recognized as a skilled trade in Ontario. Previous experience as a part-time or full-time firefighter may be considered
  • Previous experience in emergency services, large vehicle and/or heavy vehicle operation, fire prevention, military or coast guard
  • Possess NFPA 1031 – Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner, NFPA 1033 – Fire Investigator, NFPA 1035 – Fire and Life Safety Educator
  • Possess National Lifeguard Services (NLS) certification
  • Fluent in a second language other than English and French
  • Occupational Health and Safety related training (ex. JHSC part 1 and 2)
  • Ski patrol or Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification
  • Experience in customer service and/or public service roles
  • Teaching or coaching experience
  • Volunteer and/or community involvement experience
  • Experience competing at the Provincial, National or Professional level as an athlete

Contact

To check the status of your application, login to your candidate profile and select "Jobs applied".

For additional information, please review Firefighter Recruitment FAQ's.

All other inquiries, please email: firefighter.recruitment@mississauga.ca