Paramedic - Firefighter Cadet Program

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; Fort McMurray; Hybrid; CAD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Regional Emergency Services (RES) Firefighter Cadet Program offers registered Paramedics the chance to advance into a dual-trained Firefighter Paramedic role with the Fort McMurray Fire Department. Trainees receive comprehensive training at no cost while employed full-time, earning NFPA 1001 Level I/II and other fire courses upon completion.

Designed for experienced or new paramedics, the program requires physical fitness, licensing milestones (Class 4), and a Return of Service agreement.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Currently registered with Alberta College of Paramedics as PCP or ACP.
• Must complete registration with Alberta College of Paramedics by Spring 2027.
• Valid BLS/CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Complete NFPA 1001 Level I and II Firefighter credentials.
• Complete 17-week training and additional courses (NFPA 470, 1002, 1140, etc.).
• Gain knowledge of fire and emergency services and support career development.
• Respond to emergencies and follow RES guidelines.
• Perform routine duties including equipment maintenance and records management.
• Assist with public education and fire prevention activities.
• Support progression to First Class Firefighter Paramedic.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Physically demanding

Teamwork

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Paramedic registration (PCP/ACP)

Registration by Spring 2027

BLS CPR certification

Tools

Driver license Class 4

Job description

We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodation for the interview or any other part of the application process, please let us know.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Regional Emergency Services (RES) Firefighter Cadet Program provides an opportunity for registered Paramedicsto expand their career in public safety and emergency services, by completing fire suppression training while employed with the Fort McMurray Fire Department.

Through this program, paramedics will receive comprehensive theoretical and hands-on training at no cost while employed full-time. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will obtain NFPA 1001 Level I and Level II, qualifying them to work as Firefighter Paramedics with the Fort McMurray Fire Department. The program also includes other fire training courses. It is designed for both experienced paramedics and recent graduates who have registered with the Alberta College of Paramedics and have a valid practice permit. We are looking for candidates who are motivated to build a long-term career with an integrated fire and EMS service.

Firefighter Cadets will train and work in both indoor and outdoor environments and must be prepared to work in all weather conditions and in various challenging training environments. This role is physically demanding and requires regular lifting, carrying, climbing, working in confined spaces, and maintaining a high level of physical fitness.

To successfully complete the program and maintain employment, they must:

• Successfully complete all required fire training and evaluations within the program.
• Hold a valid Class 4 Alberta driver’s licence (or equivalent) to be eligible for consideration.
• Obtain the Q endorsement (Air Brakes) at their own expense prior to the program completion date.
• Enter into and fulfill a Return of Service Agreement, and remain employed for a three (3) year period following completion of the program.

Other employment opportunities are currently posted on our website: fully qualified candidates are encouraged to apply on the Firefighter Paramedic (PCP or ACP) and Non-Fire Trained Advanced Care Paramedic posting.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complete NFPA 1001 Level I and Level II Firefighter, credentials that are required for a career as a Firefighter Paramedic with our integrated service
• Complete additional courses as part of the program, including NFPA 470 Dangerous Goods Awareness and Operations, NFPA 1002 Driver Operator, and 1140 Wildland Firefighter, HP-CPR, ITLS, NVCI and ICS training, through a comprehensive 17-week training program
• Gain knowledge of fire and emergency services while completing training that supports career development in Emergency Services
• Safely responding to emergency and non-emergency incidents in accordance with established RES guidelines
• Take direction from operations officers regarding fire and medical response activities
• Perform routine shift duties including basic apparatus and equipment maintenance, records management, and station upkeep
• Assist with public education initiatives, fire safety promotion, fire prevention activities, and public relations campaign
• Attend training courses required to support progression to First Class Firefighter Paramedic
• Perform administrative tasks that support departmental operations and processes
• Support operational continuity within the Regional Emergency Services Department
• Demonstrate understanding of and alignment with the Corporate Mission, Vision, and Values
• Perform other duties as required
  

WHO YOU ARE

You are a motivated Paramedic who is ready to take on the challenge of becoming a dual-trained Firefighter Paramedic. You are driven to grow your career in emergency services and are prepared to commit fully to the demands of a rigorous training program that prepares you for frontline fire and rescue operations.

You understand that this opportunity requires dedication, resilience, and accountability. You take pride in maintaining high professional standards and recognize the importance of teamwork, discipline, and continuous improvement within an integrated fire and EMS service. You are physically and mentally prepared for a demanding career that includes exposure to hazardous environments, ongoing training requirements, and the need to perform under pressure. You demonstrate integrity, adaptability, and a strong work ethic while maintaining professionalism throughout training and operational duties.

This is a challenging and rewarding career with high demands and exposure to hazardous conditions. To succeed, you are committed to maintaining the fitness and wellness required for the profession and consistently demonstrate professionalism, accountability, integrity, teamwork, motivation, and the ability to follow direction.

SKILLS

• Willingness to learn about fire and emergency services and successfully complete all required training.
• Ability to safely perform physically demanding tasks while wearing personal protective equipment, including SCBA, and working in confined spaces, at heights, and in varying or extreme temperatures.
• Ability to take direction and work effectively within an established chain of command.
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment and contribute to achieving shared goals.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to listen, follow instructions, and ask questions when needed.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful environments while demonstrating professionalism, physical fitness, and a commitment to a respectful and inclusive workplace.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Completion of High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Currently registered with the Alberta College of Paramedics as a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) or an Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP), or
• Able to complete the registration process with the Alberta College of Paramedics by Spring 2027.
• Valid BLS Basic Life Support (which includes CPR) is required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must be medically and physically fit to perform all the duties of this position on an ongoing basis. A Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) is required
• Successful completion of firefighter physical fitness testing within 6 months of the start date is required.
• A medical assessment is required, in accordance with NFPA 1582: Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments. The costs are covered by the Municipality.
• Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search is required.
• A valid Class 4 Alberta Driver’s Licence (or equivalent out-of-province licence) is required at the time of hire. Candidates must obtain the Q Endorsement (Air Brakes) at their own expense prior to completing the training program.
• A valid Class 3 Alberta Driver’s Licence with Q Endorsement (or equivalent out-of-province licence) is preferred.

Be prepared to travel to Fort McMurray, as some parts of the recruitment process cannot be completed remotely - this is a competitive process and your commitment and engagement throughout the process will be critical to our hiring decision.

SAFETY

As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible for understanding and actively participating in the RMWB’s health and safety management system, including all policies, practices, and procedures, as well as properly utilizing all control measures including the required use of personal protective equipment. All employees must take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and others, as well as immediately reporting any concerns, near misses, incidents, and hazardous conditions to their supervisor.