Auxiliary Firefighter - Closes Monday, October 26, 2026

Powell River; Powell River; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Powell River is seeking candidates for firefighter recruitment and ongoing training. Successful recruits will complete a 12‑month basic program and then the Exterior Firefighter training standards, with sessions typically held Tuesday evenings. Incidents can occur day or night, and professionalism is required at all times.

Applicants must meet strict physical, background and residency requirements and be prepared to relocate within the Powell River Fire Rescue area as needed.

Qualifications

• Permanent resident status and residence within the Powell River Fire Rescue area.
• Minimum age 19 or older.
• Legally entitled to work in Canada.
• NFPA 1582 physical, hearing and vision standards.

Responsibilities

• Complete a 12‑month basic training program.
• Attend most training sessions, usually Tuesday nights 1900–2100.
• Participate in the Firefighter training program and related practicals.
• Respond to incidents any time and conduct yourself professionally.
• Complete a one-year probationary period.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Communication

Education

Grade 12 or equivalent

Job description

REPORTS TO: Director of Fire and Emergency Services

Candidates will be provided with an information session on Oct 24, 2026 @ 9AM located at City Hall Council Chambers

**Please Note: Applications are being reviewed as they are received, you may be contacted right away for an interview**

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If you would answer YES to any of the following be advised that your application will not be accepted.

• Do not possess a valid British Columbia driver’s license;
• More than 6 points on your current drivers’ abstract;
• Drivers’ license currently under suspension;
• Do not own a licensed or insured vehicle;
• Does not pass NFPA 1952 physical that includes hearing and vison testing
• Have commitments that will interfere with basic training program every other weekend and Tuesday evenings for 3 hrs;
• Have a fear of heights;
• Have claustrophobia;
• Unable to meet any of the NFPA 1582 Physical standards.

INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

On-the-job requirements include, but are not necessarily restricted to, the following:

• Participation in a 12-month basic training program - Upon successful completion of the Recruit Training Program, the recruit will be required to complete the requirements of the BC Structure Firefighter Minimum Training Standards – Exterior Firefighter, as recognized by the Office of the Fire Commissioner.
• Attendance at a minimum of 70% of training sessions - Usually Tuesday nights from 1900 to 2100 hours (after basic training).
• Participation in the B.C. Firefighter Full-Service Certification Program - Be prepared to participate in all aspects of training which includes lectures, practical or “hands on training” indoors and outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. This training covers all basic fire fighting and emergency topics including Fire Service Orientation, Hose, Ladders, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, Rescue and Safety, Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods.
• Ability to respond to incidents – Incidents can occur anytime, day or night, anytime during the year. When involved in any Fire Rescue operations, you are expected to represent the Department professionally and conduct yourself in a sensible manner.
• Successfully complete a one-year probationary period.

Please Note - Due to Work Safe BC regulations the wearing of beards or excessive facial hair is not permitted due to the necessity to wear breathing apparatus.

YOU WILL BE SUPPLIED WITH

• Full protective clothing (known as turn-out gear)
• Station uniforms including cold weather jacket
• Station footwear.
• A pager for call-outs to fire incidents.
• Benefit Insurance – Accident and Sickness Program – 24-hour coverage.
• Physical Fitness Pass for the Recreation Complex upon completion of Exterior Firefighter Program.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

• A current driver’s abstract demonstrating safe and responsible driving behaviour with no more than 6 points;
• Ownership of personal vehicle with valid insurance;
• Ability to complete the Firefighter basic training program (Tuesday evenings and two weekends per month);
• Ability to regularly attend weekly training sessions (Tuesday evenings);Permanent resident of Powell River and reside within the Powell River Fire Rescue response area;
• Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces;
• Health and physical abilities consistent with the demands of firefighting;
• Ability to meet NFPA 1582 physical vision and hearing standards;
• Police Information Check and Vulnerable Persons Sector Check (Criminal Record Check) with no indication of a criminal record related to the job of Firefighter.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Permanent resident of Powell River and reside within the Powell River Fire Rescue response area;
• Minimum 19 years of age;
• Legally entitled to work in Canada;
• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent;
• Able to meet the NFPA 1582 physical, hearing and vision Standard;
• A current driver’s abstract demonstrating safe and responsible driving with no more than 6 points (attach a copy of your driver’s abstract);
• Ability to successfully pass a Fire Services fitness test conducted by Powell River Fire Rescue;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as a team member;
• Ability to communicate effective;
• Reliable personal insured vehicle in order to respond to calls.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Employed in the Powell River area with the ability to leave work to respond to incidents.
• Ability to respond to day-time incidents from Monday to Friday.

AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, CANDIDATES MUST

• Provide a medical assessment completed by your physician indicating that you are physically capable of performing the duties of a firefighter.
• Provide a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector screening (Criminal Record Check) with no indication of a criminal records related to the job of Firefighter.

PAY RATE

The current 2022 pay rate is $18.00/hour for training. The current 2022 pay rate is $18.00 - $35.00/hour for incident responses (rate based upon experience, two hours minimum) .

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, we may choose to only acknowledge those applicants selected for interview.

The City of Powell River is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants may be required to participate in formal testing and interviews and to provide documentation to demonstrate and support their qualifications.