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Career Firefighter

A career with the Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue is both challenging and rewarding. It will require a very high level of dedicated service to the community and a willingness to always help others. 

This position will require that you respond to all emergencies when called upon. Specifically, you will respond to: 

  • Fire emergencies to perform rescues
  • Protect property and the environment
  • Medical emergencies to provide emergency patient care and assistance
  • Motor vehicle emergencies to provide scene, vehicle and patient stabilization
  • Other specialized emergencies and calls for public assistance. 

In addition, you will be required to assist and provide public safety education, public relations, fire inspections, develop pre-emergency plans, train extensively and maintain fire apparatus, equipment, and fire stations.

Positions are filled as they arise through promotions and retirement vacancies. 


Advertisement of these positions follow standard municipal hiring practices and are available on the Municipal Job Board.


Minimum Job Requirements 

In order to be considered for a career as a Chatham-Kent firefighter, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

  1. Over 18 years of age and legally entitled to work in Canada.

  2. Able to understand and communicate clearly in oral and written English.

  3. Have a secondary school graduation certificate or equivalent.

  4. Have a valid standard first aid certificate and a valid CPR Basic Rescuer Certificate (Level C).

  5. NFPA 1001 Level 1 and 2 accredited or grandfathered certification.

  6. A valid Ontario driver's licence (minimum class D with a Z endorsement, or equivalent license from another province).

  7. A Police Information Search (criminal reference check and working with vulnerable persons).


All applicants are encouraged to consider improving their knowledge and skill levels by attending college-based fire technology programs. Various programs exist throughout Canada and the United States. It has been our experience that these programs have been very beneficial for candidates to secure a position. 

First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification, in addition to a valid DZ driver's licence, are some of the basic requirements to secure a career within Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue. 

Some community colleges in Ontario offer programs in fire protection, fire prevention or fire protection engineering. Being enrolled in one of these types of programs may be of benefit to you. Contact the Ministry of Education and Training to enquire about current information on college programs or visit your local colleges and speak with the coordinators.