At the City of Abbotsford our people are our greatest asset. We offer a wide range of diverse, stimulating and rewarding career opportunities that support and recognize high levels of performance. In Abbotsford, we work strongly to create a challenging and rewarding environment for our employees to thrive. We invite you to become part of a place that has strong corporate and organizational values, rewarding career paths, challenging opportunities and an engaging and dynamic team to work with.

Be part of the story. Join our team today.
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The Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service uses a system that compensates Paid-On-Call (POC) firefighters based on their attendance to calls and practices.

POC firefighters have an important role supporting the full-time firefighters during incidents and to participate in community education and engagement events.

POC firefighters are based out of Fire Halls 3 (Aberdeen), 4 (Matsqui Village), 5 (Mt. Lehman), and Hall 9 (Riverside).  Upon successfully completing the recruit training, POC firefighters are assigned to a hall for ongoing training, equipment maintenance, and incident response. When required, POC firefighters are notified through a mobile alerting system of pagers and a personal mobile phone application to respond to their assigned fire hall.

Paid-On-Call Firefighter Commitment

The Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service (AFRS) proudly serves the City of Abbotsford and it’s 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.

Required Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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).

Application Process

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

The hourly rate of pay is $17.40 hour.

For detailed information about becoming a firefighter within a diverse and growing community, please visit www.abbotsford.ca/fire.

Posting closes May 31, 2024. Note, applications can only be submitted online at www.abbotsford.ca/careers.

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.