Firefighter recruitment

Firefighter recruitment takes place annually

Thank you for your interest in working with the Town of Morinville.

Firefighting is a very rewarding, challenging, exciting and fulfilling career.

The recruitment process is competitive, multi-stepped and extensive. It is the applicants’ responsibility to address all the requirements, meet deadlines, and be available to attend scheduled assessment dates.

Candidates who move successfully through all stages of the recruitment process are placed on an eligibility list for consideration to be hired as a Paid-On-Call firefighter.

How to apply

You can apply from January 1 to February 28 by email for the potential recruit class commencing that year. Applications can also be dropped off Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Town Hall located at 10125 100 Avenue, Morinville, Alberta.

Qualifications and requirements

At least 18 years of age
Reside within Morinville town limits
High school diploma or equivalent
Possess a valid, class 5 Alberta driver's license (class 3 or higher and air brake endorsement is considered an asset)
Provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Records check and Driver's Abstract, if application is successful
Good physical fitness is required - Evaluated at fitness test stages
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English under stressful conditions

Attributes

Motivated with well-developed interpersonal and team skills
Ability to effectively operate under the realities of emergency situations
Strong work ethic

Successful applicants will be notified for physical portion of the process.

Physical fitness test

Physicals will be scheduled for the first week of March. Applicants’ physical fitness is tested to ensure they possess physical capabilities necessary for firefighting. Morinville Fire Services administers this test.

A grouping of the highest-ranked applicants who passed the test will advance to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Download the Physical Fitness Test PDF

Effective preparation

Arrive well-nourished and well rested (strenuous exercise on the days immediately before is not recommended)
Practice in advance to know the amount to eat and drink during three hours of intermittent, extremely strenuous exercise (optimal nutrition and hydration strategies are individual)
Avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours prior to the test
Avoid smoking and caffeinated beverages for at least 2 hours prior to the test
Avoid eating for at least 2 hours prior to the test (for early morning appointments, do not skip breakfast but eat a light meal 3 hours prior)

Personal protective equipment

All tests are to be completed while wearing firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) that weighs approximately 22 kg (50 lbs). The PPE includes the helmet, flash-hood, gloves, pants, boots, jacket and self-contained breathing apparatus (SBA). Applicants will not breathe from the SCBA, but must carry it. For safety on the ladder during the job simulation tests, a fall-protection harness is worn.

Orientation/walk-through

The orientation to the job simulation tests consists of a “walk-through” session to practice each of the tasks. This chance to familiarize applicants with testing procedures takes approximately 30 minutes. It provides a suitable warm-up for the demanding tests that follow. The orientation is mandatory and must be completed by all applicants.

Rest period

Each test is followed by a rest period of 2 minutes for recovery and hydration. Applicants are not permitted to leave the testing area or remove any of the PPE during rest periods.

Location

The physical fitness test is conducted at the Don Found Fire Station located at 10021 100 Street, Morinville, Alberta.

Washrooms/change-rooms are available within the fire station.

What to bring

Government issued identification with photograph (i.e.: driver’s license)
Clothing – short-sleeved t-shirt (no sleeveless), shorts/sweatpants/track pants and running shoes
Hydration and nutrition – water bottle or sports drink and small snacks for rest periods

Interview stage

Successful candidates from the physical will be notified and interviews will be scheduled the second week of March.

Interviews will be conducted by representatives from Morinville Fire Services.

Additional steps and assessments

Morinville Fire Services determines the number of applicants based on staffing requirements.

The following steps will then be implemented:

Reference checks
Documentation
Fitting of station wear, uniform and PPE
Orientation
Communications
Recruit class training sessions
6 month probation

3 month progress evaluation
3 month final review