Firefighter Opportunities

Required Qualifications:

Applications will be screened to ensure all of the following qualifications have been met. If you do not meet ALL of the required qualifications, your application will be rejected.

You must be:

• At least 19 years of age on the date of your application
• Eligible for employment in Canada - You must be a Canadian citizen, a holder of a Permanent Resident Card, a Landed Immigrant, or otherwise legally entitled to work in Canada (i.e., holder of a work visa). 

Basic Qualifications:

• Completion of NFPA 1001- Level II (Including HazMat Operations) from an approved accredited agency.
• No criminal convictions, no pending adult criminal charges, and an ability to obtain Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check clearance.
• A valid class 1, 2, or 3 Drivers Licence (or provincial equivalent) with air brake endorsement (Automatic only restriction is accepted) and a good driving record. (A current driver’s abstract dated no more than 30 days prior to the recruitment competition. The abstract should demonstrate responsible and safe driving behavior).
• High school diploma completion or equivalency;
  • Equivalencies can include:
    • General Educational Development (High School Equivalency Diploma)
    • An undergraduate/applied degree or journeyman certificate
    • Completed 2 years of a recognized apprenticeship program
• A current First Responder Licence with Spinal and AED or greater (e.g. EMR or PCP Licence);

It is applicant’s responsibility to keep all licences current throughout the recruitment process, all costs associated with obtaining and maintaining these licences are at the applicant’s expense. You are required to provide documentation to verify the above qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

These additional skills and experiences will enhance your application but do not replace the required qualifications:  

• Work experience related to firefighting such as auxiliary/volunteer firefighting, first aid attendant, paramedic, or forestry firefighting.
• Completion of a Post-secondary education program (Certificate, Diploma, Associate Degree, or Degree).
• Enrollment in or completion of a Trade Certification (Interprovincial Standards Red Seal).
• Employment in a profession that demonstrates mechanical aptitude.
• Experience volunteering and community involvement.
• Fluent in other languages.
• Additional fire-related courses.
• Team participation and on-going commitment to physical activity.
• Work experience highlighting dependability, initiative and high work ethic.
• An Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) Licence.

The recruitment process for the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service has been broken down into eight (8) different stages. AFRS Career Firefighter Hiring Process 2024-2025

• Stage 1 - Application accepted - Oct 1 - 25, 2024
• Stage 2 - Written Exam - Nov 16, 2024
• Stage 3 - Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) - Nov 30, 2024
• Stage 4 - Occupational Skills Assessment - Day 1 - Dec 1, 2024
  • Run, Swim, and Skill Stations
• Stage 5 - Occupational Skills Assessment - Day 2 - Dec 14 and 15, 2024
  • Interview, Presentations, and Skill Stations
• Stage 6 - Reference Checks, Police Information Check, and Vulnerable Sector Search - Dec 16, 2024 - Jan 6, 2025
• Stage 7 - Pre-Employment Medicals - Jan 6 - 17, 2025
• Stage 8 - Fire Chief Interview - Jan 29 - 30, 2025
• Start Date - April 14, 2025

The City of Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service appreciates all applications; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted via email to proceed to the next stage.

It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure email addresses are valid and up-to-date and computer firewalls/security is set up to accept emails from the City. It is the candidate’s responsibility to check emails on a regular basis as there are deadlines issued for payment and scheduling.

All testing stages are in person, and cannot be faxed, emailed, or taken online.

If you possess the skills, knowledge, experience, and drive to be a part of an integral team, complete an online application.

The City of Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service appreciates all applications; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted via email to proceed to the next stage.

All questions and inquiries regarding Firefighter recruitment should be directed to Human Resources at careers@abbotsford.ca.

The Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service (AFRS) proudly serves the City of Abbotsford and its visitors. Our POC firefighters play an important role in providing a timely response to emergencies and supporting our department and community. In turn, we invest a great deal in the hiring, training, and personal protective equipment of our POC members.

Our expectations for POC firefighters include:

• Successful completion of our recruit training program. During the course of the training, you will be evaluated and expected to meet the minimum performance standards. This training will take place on Wednesday evenings (1900-2100 hrs.) and Saturdays (0800-1600 hrs.) with possible full weekends.
• Attendance at weekly (Wednesday) practice nights from 1900-2100 hrs. at your assigned hall. A minimum of 50% of your practice nights must be attended annually.
• Successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.
• Respond to a minimum of 30% of your emergency call-outs on an annual basis.
• Maintain an acceptable driving record and good community standing during your employment with AFRS.
• Demonstrate behavior consistent with the values and code of ethics of the City of Abbotsford.
   

To apply, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age or older.
• Have completed Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Currently reside in the City of Abbotsford or within 8 km of an Abbotsford Fire hall.
• Eligible for employment in Canada - You must be a Canadian citizen, a holder of a Permanent Resident Card, a Landed Immigrant, or otherwise legally entitled to work in Canada (i.e., holder of a work visa).
• Be fluent in English (written and verbal).
• Consent to a Criminal Record Check.
• Have a valid unrestricted Driver's License (or provincial equivalent) and a safe driving record.

To be hired, you must:

• Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).
• Pass a written exam.
• Pass a skills assessment. 
• Successfully complete an interview.
• Pass a medical examination, which includes visual and hearing requirements.
• Live in the City of Abbotsford or within 8 km of an Abbotsford Fire Hall.
  
   

These additional skills and experiences will enhance your application. However, they do not replace the required qualifications:

• Current First aid training or EMA First Responder or EMA Emergency Medical Responder licensing.
• Building construction or trades background.
• Fire-related courses or work history. 
• NFPA 1001 certification.
• Daytime availability. 
• Class 3 or 1 Driver’s License with air brake endorsement or equivalent for vehicles with more than two axles (automatic transmission is accepted).
   

Submit your application through Abbotsford Career Opportunities. Applications will only be accepted when the posting is open. Please do not email your resume to individual members of AFRS.

The hiring process for POC firefighters with the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service is as follows:

• Stage 1 - Application Submission and Review 
• Stage 2 –Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
• Stage 3 - Written Exam
• Stage 4 – Skills Assessment and Interview
• Stage 5 - Criminal Record Check
• Stage 6 – Medical Examination
• Stage 7 - Reference Check
• Stage 8 – Successful candidates will be invited to the POC Recruit Firefighter Training

Abbotsford Career Opportunities

Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service firefighters have the opportunity to develop their skills in specialty areas including:

Firefighting requires above average aerobic and anaerobic power, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is designed to identify individuals who have the physical attributes to perform the job of a firefighter. If you require CPAT certification for any employment opportunities within the next three months, please book into one the first available dates. Registration is on a first-come first-serve basis and there is no guarantee that CPAT dates will be available at the time of your hiring.

THE IAFF/IAFC FIRE SERVICE JOINT LABOR MANAGEMENT
CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST PROGRAM

In 1997, the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and International Fire Chiefs Association (IAFC) teamed up with 10 major North American fire services and unions to create the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).

The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) was developed to test firefighter candidates on their ability to perform simulated tasks consistent with the duties of a firefighter. The test is designed to ensure that candidates possess the physical ability to complete the critical and essential tasks of firefighting.

The CPAT consists of eight (8) separate events performed in a continuous manner.

The CPAT test is a pass/fail event. The CPAT must be completed in 10 minutes and 20 seconds (or less), with each event completed correctly.

The CPAT certificate issued by the City of Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service is valid for one year from the date of successful completion of the test.

On successful completion of the CPAT session the CPAT certificate will be made available online the next business day and can be printed for one year, until expiration.

The entire CPAT is completed while wearing a 50 pound (22.68 kg) vest to simulate the weight of the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and firefighter protective clothing.  An additional 25 pounds (11.34 kg), using two 12.5 pound (5.67 kg) weights that simulate a high-rise pack (hose bundle), is added only for the stair climb event.

What to wear for CPAT Testing and Walk-Thru Orientations?

Throughout all events, the candidate must wear long pants and footwear with no open heel or toe. A hard hat with chin strap, work gloves will be provided. Watches and loose or restrictive jewelry are not permitted.

CPAT Tools and Equipment

All props were designed to obtain the necessary information regarding a candidate's physical ability to complete firefighting tasks.  The tools and equipment were chosen to provide the highest level of consistency, safety and validity in measuring the candidate’s physical abilities.

CPAT Event Sequence and Timing

The events of the CPAT are placed in a sequence that best simulates their use in a fire scene. The test consists of a series of eight events separated by an 85 foot (25.91 m) walk between each event.  This walk allows the candidate approximately 20 seconds to recover and regroup before each event.  To ensure the highest level of safety and to prevent you from hitting exhaustion, no running is allowed between events.

To ensure scoring accuracy by eliminating timer failure, two stopwatches are used to time the CPAT. One stopwatch is designated as the official test time stopwatch; the second is the backup stopwatch. If mechanical failure occurs, the time on the backup stopwatch is used. The stopwatches are set to a pass/fail time and count down from 10 minutes and 20 seconds. If time elapses prior to the completion of the test, the candidate is deemed to have failed the test.

To minimize the health risk, candidates are required to consult with a medical professional to ascertain an opinion on their ability to partake in CPAT testing.

The medical form must be completed by a medical doctor (general medical practitioner). Any costs incurred in this examination or the completion of this form are the sole responsibility of the candidate.

The Par-Q form must be completed by the candidate. 

The Par-Q form and medical form are valid for one year from the date of completion.

Both documents are mandatory and must be completed and uploaded to the AFRS CPAT site prior to the CPAT Session.  Failure to submit the completed forms will result in the cancellation of the session and the forfeiture of course fees. 

Please note both forms must be uploaded as a single document to the site. 

• CPAT session is $350.00 CND plus applicable taxes.

The CPAT simulates the physically demanding tasks of firefighting. As such, successful completion of the CPAT requires a high degree of physical fitness in the areas of aerobic and anaerobic power, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and balance.

In order to ensure successful completion of the CPAT all candidates should view the CPAT Orientation videos review the CPAT Orientation Guide. The CPAT Candidate Preparation Guide provides information on how to physically prepare for the CPAT test.

It is the responsibility of all candidates to arrive at their scheduled test date familiar with the CPAT sequence of events, requirements of each event and the criteria which constitute a pass or fail at each event.

Remember that it is the responsibility of the candidate to be familiar with CPAT procedures and expectations prior to your scheduled CPAT date. Since CPAT guidelines specify that all applicants must be given an opportunity to attend two Orientation sessions within eight weeks prior to scheduled CPAT, any candidates registering less than eight weeks in advance must complete the Waiver of Orientation form.

It is your responsibility to ask questions if you do not understand any part of the CPAT events or procedures.

On the CPAT test day, a pre-exercise heart rate will be measured. If the pre-exercise heart rate is greater than 110bpm, you will not be allowed to proceed with the CPAT session.

Please be advised that certain substances may elevate heart rate (caffeine, smoking, energy drinks, some over the counter cold medications) and it is recommended to avoid these substances the day of your Timed Trial/CPAT test.

AFRS Fire Station #3
28465 Fraser Highway
Abbotsford, BC V4X 1L1

Spectators are not permitted in the testing facility during test sessions.

To book a session visit www.afrsbc.ca

For all CPAT inquiries please email cpat@abbotsford.ca. To book visit www.afrsbc.ca

Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service
32270 George Ferguson Way
Abbotsford, BC V2T 2L1

Phone: 604-853-3566 (Office hours 8:30-4:30, Monday - Friday)