Probationary Firefighter

City-of-Markha; Markham; On-site; CAD 67,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Markham seeks entry-level firefighters for its progressive Fire & Emergency Services. Candidates must hold NFPA firefighter certs, Hazardous Materials Ops, and be able to obtain a Class DZ license within six months. Strong English communication and a clean driving record are required.

Shift work on a 24-hour cycle is standard. Posting notes show a 2026 rate salary of $74,140 per year. Applicants must meet vaccination, driving, and health requirements and provide a vulnerable sector

Qualifications

• Be able to understand and communicate clearly in English, both oral and written.
• Minimum Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) or higher.

Skills

Clear English communication

Education

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Salary Range: $74,140.00 To $74,140.00 Annually

Department and Commission: Fire & Emergency Services, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer

Affiliation: Markham Professional Fire Fighter Association (MPFFA) Vacancy Type: New position(s) Posting Date: October 12, 2026 Application Deadline: November 1, 2026 Salary: $74,140/annually (2026 Rate)

About the City of Markham

The City of Markham is consistently ranked among Canada’s top municipal employers. In 2026, the City received its sixth consecutive Canada’s Best Employers recognition from Forbes and Statista Inc., placing third among municipalities and 15th overall in Government Services. An award-winning municipality, Markham is recognized for its leadership in sustainability, innovative urban planning, and strong fiscal management. Serving a diverse and growing community of more than 370,000 residents, Markham combines rich heritage with a vibrant local economy and offers employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, impactful work that helps strengthen the community we serve.

You are applying for an entry-level position to join one of the most progressive and modern fire services in Canada. Markham Fire is dedicated to modernizing not only our service, but the industry, by reducing fires, investing in people and leading innovation.

Minimum Qualifications

• NFPA Firefighter Certification (NFPA 1001 including Fire Fighter I & II) from a recognized board of accreditation (i.e. IFSAC or ProBoard)
• Possess NFPA 1072 (Hazardous Material Operations)
• All applicants will need to have the OFAI Stage 1, 2 and 3 current at time of application and agree to maintain validity for all certifications up to and including March 22, 2027 if selected to proceed to next steps.
• Possess or be able to obtain within 6 months of date of hire, a valid Class “DZ” Ontario Driver's License
• Possess Standard/Intermediate First Aid and CPR "C" HCP/ BLS certificates valid at time of application and agree to maintain validity up to and including March 22, 2027
• Proof of immunization record indicating immunization for: Mumps, Measles, Rubella, Polio, Diphtheria, Hepatitis B and Tetanus (to be provided if offer of employment is extended);
• Be able to understand and communicate clearly in English, both oral and written.
• Candidates must provide a driver's abstract which should reflect less than 3 demerit points and no more than two infractions (maximum of one moving and one non-moving conviction). In order to be eligible for employment any demerit points must be within 12 months of being removed from the licence (to be provided if offer of employment is extended).
• Have a minimum of an Ontario Secondary School (or equivalent) or higher level of education.
• Be 18 years of age or older and legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Be able to physically and mentally perform the duties of a firefighter, having regard for one's own safety and the safety of members of the public.
• Must be able to work on a rotating 24-hour shift schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Have prescribed normal unaided hearing.
• Be criminal record free unless a pardon has been granted under the Criminal Records Act (Canada) and has not been revoked.
• As a condition of employment, a satisfactory vulnerable sector screening will be required - cannot be dated earlier than 30 days from conditional offer of employment.

The right candidate may have some of the following:

• Demonstrated experience in a fast-paced, stressful work environment
• Community College diploma in Fire Protection Engineering Technician/Technology Program
• Coaching/Teaching/Counselling/Recreation Leadership
• Fluency in a second language, preferably one well-represented in the City of Markham
• Firefighter Pre-Service Education & Training Program
• Strong desire to be a part of our community
• People centered first responder
• A demonstrated track record of working as a part of a high performing team
• Volunteer and/or community involvement

Selection Process:

• Your online application will be screened by the selection committee and will be based on meeting the minimum qualifications and additional assets listed in the job posting.
• Candidates who are successful in the initial screening process will move ahead to the next stage of the recruitment process.
• Candidates are advised that written, oral, physical/medical, practical and/or psychological testing will form part of the selection process.
• Successful candidates will be required to submit their vulnerable sector check with their signed job offer.
• The City is unable to respond to individual inquiries during the recruitment process and/or provide individual feedback.

Core Behaviours

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

Core Values

At the City of Markham, our work is guided by a shared set of core values that shape how we serve our community and support one another.

• Service Excellence:the consistent delivery of high-quality efficient and customer‑centric service that exceeds expectations.
• Accountability: our obligation to be responsible and accountable for our actions, decisions and performance.
• People-Focused: putting people first.
• Trust: the confidence we place in each other to act with integrity and fairness.
• Innovation: Investing in each other and the way we deliver our programs and services.

We are looking for candidates who bring these values to life through their actions, decisions, and leadership approach.

AI Disclosure

At the City of Markham, we value transparency and fairness in recruitment. While our system (ADP Workforce Now) includes AI-powered features, we do not use AI to screen, assess, or select applicants. All evaluations are conducted by people.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

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