City of Windsor Firefighter Recruitment FAQ

When is the next recruitment period?
What are the duties of a Firefighter position with the Windsor Fire and Rescue Services Department?
How often does the Windsor Fire and Rescue Services Department hire for positions of Firefighter?
What are the qualifications/requirements needed to be eligible to apply?
What other education/skills are considered an asset?
What is the rate of pay?
How are Firefighter positions advertised?
How do I apply (application process)?
Can I attach resumes, certificates, and additional information to my application?
What happens to my application once submitted?
How often can I update my application?
What tests are involved in the recruitment process and who administers the tests?
What is involved in the writing of the Aptitude Test?
How will I know if I passed the written tests?
I wrote the Aptitude Test previously. Do I have to write the test again?
I wrote the Aptitude Test previously but was not successful in passing the test. Can I write the Aptitude Test again?
What is involved in the Agility Test?
How long is the Physical Agility Test valid? If I completed the test previously do I have to take the test again?
How will I know if I passed the physical agility test?
Can I bring another person to the physical test as moral support or for other reasons?
What is involved in the Initial Shortlist Process?
What is involved in the interview process?
What happens after the Interview?
What is involved in the processing of my Offer of Employment?
What is involved in the payroll documentation process?
What is involved in the probationary period of the new employee?
Will orientation be provided?

When is the next recruitment period?

For specific dates related to active recruitments and information on the process, please review at the Firefighter Recruitment - General Information page.

What are the duties of a Firefighter position with the Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Department?

Reporting to a Captain of the Windsor Fire & Rescue Services, this position responds in all types of weather and other less-than-ideal conditions to fire, rescue, hazardous materials emergencies, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies as assigned; Enters burning or contaminated buildings, structures and other areas to stabilize or control emergencies and/or perform rescues; Renders first aid, performs CPR and applies semi-automatic defibrillation to persons requiring these services; Must be able to lift various medical supplies, victims of unknown weight, tools, hoses, fire extinguishers and various firefighting equipment as required. Drives fire apparatus as assigned. Performs clean-up of site, fire fighting apparatus and equipment as well as areas of the fire station; Assists in salvage operations, fire prevention inspections, public education activities and other fire department programs where required. The incumbent will be required to attend regular training sessions to practice existing and new fire fighting skills, rescue methods, fire prevention or other specialized procedures. Attends court and conducts station tours. Participation in public relations projects involving visits and demonstrations, fire equipment, apparatus and techniques is a requirement of the position. The nature of firefighting is such that there are periods of complete inactivity mixed with periods of physical and mental preparation & periods of moderate to intense physical work. The frequency of calls and duration of work episodes will vary considerably from shift to shift and from station to station. The Firefighter must, however, be prepared at all times for the most demanding of situations as they may arise at any moment. Will perform Occupational Health & Safety duties as outlined in the Corporation’s Health and Safety Program. Will perform other related duties as required.

How often does the Windsor Fire and Rescue Services Department hire for positions of Firefighter?

Generally, a new Firefighter Recruitment is initiated based on the need and subject to budget approval. Vacant positions are a result of attrition; therefore, it is not always known how many positions will become available from year to year and during a given recruitment period.

What are the qualifications/requirements needed to apply?

At time of application, an applicant must be eighteen years of age or older;
At time of application, must be legally entitled to work in Canada (for example, Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, Legal Permanent Residence, Birth Certificate or Landed Immigration documentation);
At time of application, must possess an Ontario Secondary School graduation diploma or Ontario Ministry of Education equivalency;
At time of application, applicants must provide proof of a current valid and lawful Class 'D' driver's licence (or higher) with 'Z' endorsement in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act, for the purposes of operating a City of Windsor vehicle and provide a driver's abstract as a condition of employment;
At time of application, you are required to have a valid and current Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate or equivalent from an approved provider.

What other education/skills are considered an asset?

Post secondary education from a university or community college in firefighting or other course(s) in the field of skilled trades, construction or technical rescue may be considered an asset.

What is the rate of pay?

Successful applicants are hired as “Probationary Firefighters” and will be required to complete a 12-month probationary period as per the Windsor Professional Fire Fighters Association (W.P.F.F.A.) collective agreement. Once the employee has completed the 12-month probationary period and is confirmed in the position of Firefighter, he/she will be classified as a 3rd Class Firefighter. Performance appraisals will be conducted thereafter on an annual basis.

Bi-weekly wages are based on 42 hours of work and are subject to change based on the terms of the W.P.F.F.A. Collective Agreement.

Currently, the following represents the bi-weekly rate of pay for Probationary Firefighters.

Firefighter – Probationary – 1st 6-months $2,678.88 bi-weekly
Firefighter – Probationary – 2nd 6-months $2,884.95 bi-weekly
Firefighter – 3rd Class (completion of probationary period) $3,297.08 bi-weekly

How are Firefighter positions advertised?

The City of Windsor advertises vacancies as follows:

Continuously through the City of Windsor website, for the duration of the period in which applications are being accepted. During the recruitment period, go to our Current Job Postings page and click on the posting referencing the Firefighter advertisement.
Through approximately 20 outreach agencies such as the University of Windsor, Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, St. Clair College, Unemployed Help Centre, YMCA, W.E.S.T., C.N.I.B, CoachWorx Employment Solutions, etc.

How do I apply (application process)?

In order to apply for the Firefighter Recruitment, applications will only be accepted online for the period of application availability as indicated in the table referenced under Firefighter Recruitment - General Information.

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Can I attach resumes, certificates, and additional information to my application?

The City of Windsor has an online application process for the Firefighter Recruitment. The application process does not require submission of resumes, certificates, or other additional information. The City of Windsor will provide eligible applicants with an identification number once the posting closes which will be used to identify and track your progress through this recruitment.

What happens to my application once submitted?

A Human Resources Representative reviews your application to determine whether or not you meet the eligibility requirements. Those applicants who have met the initial application requirements will be invited to participate in job-related testing.

How often can I update my application?

The City of Windsor utilizes an online application process wherein no paper documentation is provided. As such, the City of Windsor will not allow updates to the information applicants provide at time of submission. There are no exceptions to this rule.

What tests are involved in the recruitment process and who administers the tests?

Applicants are required to participate and successfully pass a Written Test (Aptitude), Physical Agility Test and Swim Test. The City of Windsor has secured a service provider, Gledhill/Shaw Enterprises, to administer the written and physical tests. The Swim Test will be administered by a local certified provider. The three test components are considered qualifiers. Thus, each candidate must successfully pass all test components in order to be considered further in the competition.

Please note that fee schedules and specifics related to the Firefighter testing components can be subject to change as determined by the City of Windsor.

Please refer to the Firefighter Recruitment - General Information page for details related to the current recruitment process.

Failure to pass any of the test components in the current competition does not preclude an applicant from applying to future competitions.

What is involved in the writing of the Written Testing (Aptitude) and Firefighting Assessment Written Test?

The Written Test is a cognitive test of selected knowledge, skills, and aptitudes necessary to succeed as a Firefighter in today’s environment. It consists of approximately 100 questions, divided into sections to gauge the candidate's understanding of written and oral information, arithmetic reasoning, maps, diagrams, and mechanical drawings. It must be completed within a set time limit. Applicants must obtain a score established by the Corporation of the City of Windsor to pass the test to be eligible to proceed to the next step in the recruitment process.

The Firefighting Assessment test is a functional characteristics/readiness assessment on functional characteristics that are essential for effective Firefighting performance. The test includes questions that relate to specific emergency scenarios and workplace environments as well as basic mathematical and logical reasoning problems. Applicants must pass the test by achieving a score established by the Corporation of the City of Windsor in order to proceed to the next step in the recruitment process.

For those who qualify to write the Firefighter Written Test (Aptitude), there is a fee. This fee will be due at the time specified by the selected service provider. Please refer to the Firefighter Recruitment - General Information page for details related to the current recruitment process.

How will I know if I passed the written test?

Test results indicating whether a candidate has passed the written test will be posted on the City of Windsor’s website approximately two (2) weeks after writing the test. Candidates may check the City of Windsor’s website, www.CityWindsor.ca, searching for Firefighter Recruitment, and then utilizing their Confirmation/Applicant Number to obtain written test results. Test results will not be provided to candidates by telephone or in writing.

I wrote the Aptitude Test previously. Do I have to write the test again?

Applicants will be required to participate and successfully pass the Written Test (Aptitude) as a requirement under the City of Windsor’s Firefighter Recruitment. Previous test marks will not be used.

For those who qualify, there is an administration fee to write the Firefighter aptitude test. This fee will be due at the time specified by the selected service provider.

I wrote the Aptitude Test/Assessment Tests previously but was not successful in passing the test. Can I write the Aptitude/Assessment Tests again?

Those who were not successful in passing the Firefighter Aptitude and/or Assessment Tests in previous recruitments may reapply to the current recruitment and/or future recruitments for the opportunity to participate in the testing. However, failure to pass the Aptitude and Assessment Tests in the current recruitment will eliminate the candidate from further consideration in the current recruitment process. Please note an applicant has only one opportunity per recruitment period to write the Aptitude and Assessment Tests.

What is involved in the Physical Agility Test?

Those applicants who have passed the written aptitude test will be eligible to participate in the Physical Agility Test and must successfully pass the Physical Agility Test in order to be further considered in the current recruitment. Failure to pass all components of this test will eliminate the applicant from further consideration in the current recruitment process.

The City of Windsor has secured the services of a service provider, Gledhill/Shaw Enterprises to administer the Physical Agility Test. All Physical Agility Tests will take place at York University for this recruitment.

Please note fees will be established and applicants will be required to pay these fees in order to participate in the required Physical Agility Test. The City of Windsor will not reimburse any candidates for any travel or overnight expenses incurred.

The service provider will advise candidates whether they passed or failed their Physical Agility Test at the conclusion of their test process. Please refer to the Firefighter Recruitment - General Information page for details related to the current recruitment process.

How long is the Physical Agility Test valid? If I completed the Physical Agility Test previously, do I have to take the test again?

The Physical Agility Test results are time-sensitive. The test is valid for a period of one (1) year from the City of Windsor's expected hire date. Eligible candidates proceeding to the Physical Agility Testing of the recruitment will be provided with the one (1) year date the City will use and accept from any previously completed valid Physical Agility Tests.

How will I know if I passed the Physical Agility Test?

The service provider will advise candidates of their results at the conclusion of their Physical Agility Test and issue a certificate to those candidates who have successfully completed the physical test in accordance with City of Windsor requirements.

Test results indicating whether a candidate has passed or failed the physical test will be posted on the City of Windsor’s website approximately two (2) weeks after completing the physical test. Candidates may check the City of Windsor’s website, www.CityWindsor.ca, searching for Firefighter Recruitment, utilizing their Candidate/Applicant Number to obtain their test results. Test results will not be provided by telephone or via letter to the applicant.

Can I bring another person to the Physical Agility Test as moral support or for other reasons?

No. Only City of Windsor Firefighter Recruitment candidates will be allowed into the testing area where the Physical Agility Test is occurring. Persons accompanying candidates to the test site should make other arrangements to occupy their time until the candidate has completed the test.

What is involved in the Initial Shortlist Process?

Those applicants who have successfully passed the related Written Aptitude will be asked to submit a detailed resume for review. Selected candidates that pass the written and resume review will receive an invitation to the Physical Agility Testing.

Once results are assessed, applicants will be selected to proceed to the Swim Test.

A Human Resources Representative will contact the applicant if he/she has passed all the previous processes and will be invited to an interview. Details regarding the interview will be provided to the candidate at time of contact.

The number of applicants selected for an interview is based on the potential number of new recruits to be hired, and subject to budget approval.

What is involved in the interview process?

The Human Resources Department in conjunction with Windsor Fire & Rescue Services attempts to interview a certain number of applicants based on the potential number of new recruits required, overall results of testing and budgetary considerations.

A Human Resources Representative will provide the date, time, location and related details to those applicants who have been selected for the interview process. No alternate dates will be scheduled. Applicant(s) must successfully pass the interview in order to proceed to the next step.

An Occupational Personality Questionnaire and Mental Ability Assessment can be administered in this process.

An applicant is recommended to a Probationary Firefighter position based on the outcome of the test results and interview process. Please be advised the scores and ranking are confidential and will not be released to the applicant.

What happens after the Interview?

Those applicants recommended to a position of Probationary Firefighter would be contacted by a Human Resources Representative to arrange an appointment to review an Offer of Employment letter and commence the processing of their paperwork. The website will be updated to give notice when the recruitment has concluded.

What is involved in the processing of my Offer of Employment?

A Human Resources Representative contacts the applicant to offer employment. An initial appointment is scheduled with the recommended applicant to complete the following requirements:

A. Police Clearance Check: Recommended applicants will be required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Police Clearance Check. The Police Clearance will be obtained at the expense of the applicant. The Human Resources Representative, at the time of first meeting with a candidate, will provide appropriate paperwork, which is required by the Police Department to conduct the police check. It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain the completed police clearance from the Police Department and return to the Human Resources Representative. On average, the police clearance may take up to three (3) weeks for completion. An applicant’s police clearance record may be used to assess the candidate’s suitability to the position of Firefighter.

Please note: A recommended candidate may have their Offer of Employment withdrawn based on the outcome of the police clearance.

B. References Check: With the authorization of the applicant, the City of Windsor, Human Resources Representative will complete a reference check. The applicant’s reference checks may be used to assess the candidate’s suitability to the position of Firefighter.

Please note: A recommended candidate may have their Offer of Employment withdrawn based on the outcome of the reference checks.

C. Pre-Placement Medical Requirements: An applicant recommended for employment will also be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination completed by a medical practitioner designated by the Corporation of the City of Windsor. The Human Resources Representative will provide the applicant with formal paperwork in order to obtain the medical. This examination is obtained at the expense of the Corporation and consists of the following:

General Medical Examination
Chest X-Ray
Lumbar X-Ray
Tuberculosis Skin Test (Mantoux)
Vision (Ortho)
Audiogram
Pulmonary Function Test
Any other testing and/or examination which may be required by the medical practitioner and/or determined by the City of Windsor

The medical examination must indicate good health in accordance with the opinion of the Corporation’s examining medical practitioner.

Please note: A recommended applicant may have their Offer of Employment withdrawn as a result of the outcome of the medical examination.

D. Driver's Abstract:

Recommended applicants will be require to obtain a driver's abstract. The applicant is responsible for paying for the driver's abstract. The Human Resources Representative, at the time of first meeting with the applicant will provide the details required to obtain the driver's abstract.

Please Note: A recommended candidate may have their Offer of Employment withdrawn based on the outcome of the driver's abstract.

E. Family Relationship Information:

As per the current City of Windsor Employment Policy and Family Relationship Procedure, every new employee is required to complete a Family Relationship Declaration Form. If a new employee is declaring a family relation working for the City of Windsor, approval is required by the Chief Administrative Officer or designate prior to the employee being hired. Family relationship information is collected under the authority of Council Policies and will be used to determine eligibility for employment/transfers/promotions.

Please note: An applicant’s Offer of Employment may be withdrawn if he/she is in contravention of the Employment Policy.

F. Review of Educational Documents / Other Related Credentials:

At the time of the first meeting, a Human Resources Representative will meet with the recommended applicant and he/she will be required to provide the following information:

Proof of Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma or Ontario Ministry of Education Equivalency (original document is required)
Proof of other related credentials referred to on formal application (original documents required)
Proof of current valid and lawful Class 'D' with 'Z' endorsement driver’s licence (original document required) in addition to item D.) Driver's Abstract noted above
Proof of Social Insurance Number (It is a requirement that proof of Social Insurance Number be provided. If you have misplaced your number, please contact the nearest Service Canada Office for a replacement)
Proof of Birth Certificate or Passport (original document required)

Please note: An applicant’s Offer of Employment may be withdrawn if he/she fails to produce the original required documents.

What is involved in the payroll documentation process?

Once the processing of a recommended applicant’s Offer of Employment has been completed and formally approved, a Human Resources Representative will schedule a second meeting to complete all paperwork related to employment. During this meeting, the applicant will complete the following:

The City of Windsor’s payroll system utilizes Direct Deposit. The applicant will be required to provide a void cheque for the account into which they wish their monies deposited or the applicant must provide a Direct Deposit Form completed by their banking institution
Completion of Revenue Canada Personal Tax Credit Forms (TD1/TD1 ON)
Completion of benefit enrolment forms (Green Shield, Life Insurance, OMERS pension form). Benefits will be afforded to an applicant as per the current Windsor Professional Fire Fighters Association collective agreement
Respectful Workplace Form, as per the current corporate policy in effect
Completion of corporate identification card form, as per corporate policy

One responsibility of the Human Resources Representative is to ensure the applicant has completed all related documentation. The applicant will be advised of the details for reporting to work, location, etc. The new employee will commence employment on the established date; he/she will be required to complete the Basic Training Program as required by the Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Department.

What is involved in the probationary period of the new employee?

A new employee hired by Windsor Fire & Rescue Services will be required to serve a 12-month probationary period as per the Windsor Professional Fire Fighters Collective Agreement (W.P.F.F.A.). Generally, performance appraisals are conducted at the 5th and 11th month of employment; however, performance appraisals may be conducted at different intervals depending on the employee’s performance. Once the employee has completed the 12-month probationary period and has been confirmed in the position of Firefighter, he/she will be classified as a 3rd Class Firefighter. Performance appraisals will be conducted thereafter on an annual basis.

Forming part of the probationary period, the new employee will be required to participate in and successfully complete the Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Basic Training Program. The Basic Training Program commences the first day of employment; new recruits participate in the Basic Training Program for a period of time established by the department.

Please note: Failure to pass the written and practical examinations and obtain a satisfactory written evaluation from the authority having jurisdiction will eliminate the candidate from current and/or future employment with Windsor Fire & Rescue Services.

After successful completion of a one-year probationary period, the employee may be confirmed in a regular full-time position of Firefighter. Based on the employee’s performance in this position, he/she may not be confirmed in the position, which would result in termination of employment.

Will orientation be provided?

The Corporation of the City of Windsor has a corporate eLearn Orientation Program, which all new employees are mandated to review and successfully complete online.

All new employees will be provided with procedures to access and participate in training under the Corporate eLearn program. Training covers Health & Safety training, Accessible Customer Service training, Respectful Workplace training, and General Orientation for New Employees. It is the responsibility of the new employee to complete the required training prior to their official documentation appointment.

Please Note: Failure to complete and/or pass the training examinations may prevent the applicant from being hired under this recruitment.

Windsor Fire & Rescue Services is responsible for providing the new employee with department-specific orientation, which is usually completed within the first week of training.

General Information

For general information, please call 311.

For detailed inquiries, contact:
400 City Hall Square East, Suite 408
Windsor, Ontario, Canada, N9A 7K6
(519) 255-6515 (phone)
(519) 255-6504 (fax)
recruitment@citywindsor.ca (e-mail)