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Recruitment

Recruitment Open

Our 2025 recruitment cycle is now open until Friday, October 17, 2025. Please review the recruitment process and information below and if you're interested in joining the Woolwich Team, complete the Application Form.

Make a Difference in Your Community

Are you passionate about serving your community and helping to keep it safe? The Woolwich Fire Department is looking for individuals who can perform as part of a team and demonstrate the personal values of trust, honesty, integrity, compassion, and empathy.

As a Volunteer Firefighter, you will take on various responsibilities, including fire suppression and rescue operations, fire prevention inspections, and delivering public education programs, while adhering to departmental policies and guidelines.

As part of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. If you're ready to take on a meaningful and rewarding role in your community, we encourage you to consider joining the Woolwich Fire Department.

Qualifications & Requirements

  • Live or work (with proof such as a paystub or driver’s license) within an acceptable distance from the station you are applying to. View our Fire Service Response Coverage Area map to determine what station you live closes to and determine which station to apply for.
  • NFPA 1001 Level I & II or willing to obtain in first year of employment
  • NFPA 1072 – Operations Level or willing to obtain in first year of employment
  • Be able to communicate in English both in speaking and writing.
  • Be able to conduct routine maintenance and cleaning of stations and all types of apparatus and equipment used.
  • Have completed Grade 12 or approved equivalent
  • Have a valid Ontario class G driver's licence
  • Be able to obtain an Ontario Class DZ driver's licence.
  • Be able to work in a highly structured work environment and follow the rules, regulations, and procedures of the Woolwich Fire Department.
  • Be capable of learning and performing the various methods and techniques used in extinguishing and preventing fires, and associated rescues.
  • Have the ability to acquire a general knowledge of hazardous materials, poisonous substances, arson detection, life safety systems, and other job-related subjects, and be familiar with the procedures associated with these subjects.
  • Have the ability to make decisions and to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
  • Maintain the physical strength and agility to perform hard work and operate all firefighting/rescue apparatus and equipment, as well as safety equipment under adverse conditions, frequently, for prolonged periods of time.
  • Not have any criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted.
  • Successfully complete the Woolwich Fire Department recruit-training program.

Considerations

Emergency Response

  • Respond to fires, rescues, medical calls, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergencies.
  • Perform fire suppression to protect life, property, and the environment.
  • Enter burning or hazardous structures using appropriate protective gear and equipment.
  • Conduct rescue and extrication operations as needed.
  • Provide first aid, CPR, and use automated defibrillators.

Fireground Operations

  • Lay, connect, and operate hoses, hydrants, nozzles, and pumps.
  • Operate ladders, elevating devices, ventilation tools, and rescue equipment (manual and hydraulic).
  • Perform salvage and overhaul operations during and after fire suppression.
  • Ventilate buildings using hand tools or mechanical equipment.

Post-Incident Duties

  • Clean and maintain firefighting equipment, apparatus, and personal gear after calls.
  • Assist in restoring fire stations and vehicles to operational readiness.

Training & Preparedness

  • Attend regular training sessions to learn and practice firefighting, rescue, and medical techniques.
  • Participate in fire prevention activities, public education events, and inspections.

Station Duties

  • Conduct monthly equipment checks and station maintenance.
  • Maintain personal protective gear and assigned areas of the fire station.

General

  • Carry and monitor a department-issued pager.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief, District Chief, or Officers.

A comprehensive training program is designed to prepare candidates for the demands of the role. Candidates must attend weeknight training sessions and complete mandatory self-study for the duration of the program. 100% attendance is required throughout the training program to ensure participants are fully prepared to serve safely and effectively. Following the candidate’s successful completion of training, Volunteer Firefighters are expected to respond to emergency calls and fulfill ongoing responsibilities.

Applicants with prior volunteer or professional firefighting experience and who hold ProBoard or AS&E certifications for NFPA 1001 Level I & II and NFPA 1072 (Operations Level) may be eligible for a modified or accelerated training program.

Serving as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Woolwich Fire Department involves both scheduled and unscheduled time commitments. While the role is flexible and designed to accommodate those with other work and family responsibilities, maintaining a consistent level of engagement is essential to ensure operational readiness and safety.

  • 2-3 Monthly Training Sessions
    • Each training session is typically 3 hours long and covers a wide range of firefighting skills, rescue techniques, and emergency medical response. These sessions are crucial for maintaining certification, developing practical experience, and fostering teamwork.
  • 1 Monthly Equipment Check
    • This session lasts approximately 2 hours and involves inspecting, testing, and maintaining firefighting equipment and vehicles to ensure everything is in working order and ready for emergency response.
  • Unscheduled Emergency Response
    • In addition to scheduled duties, Volunteer Firefighters are expected to respond to unscheduled emergency 911 calls.

While flexibility is offered to accommodate personal schedules, regular participation in emergency responses is an important part of fulfilling the responsibilities of a Volunteer Firefighter. Active involvement helps ensure the safety of the community and supports the department’s operational needs.

A commitment to maintaining a regular fitness regime and monitoring your personal wellness is key to ensuring firefighter safety and longevity. You must have the strength, stamina and cardiovascular conditioning to take on the physical challenges of the Volunteer Firefighter role. Ethical behaviour and accountability must be part of your nature. Taking ownership and responsibility for your actions is vital to success.

Mental wellness is a crucial part of your experience with the fire department. As an emergency responder, you will face situations that can be emotionally traumatic and visually disturbing. You will receive training tools designed to help you understand and manage the mental health challenges associated with being a first responder. The department offers a peer support team that can assist you, and you will have access to a formal employee assistance program offered through the Township.

The department has a strong safety culture where adherence to operating guidelines, use of personal protective equipment, and watching out for one another is expected to ensure a safe working environment. Firefighters are required to wear a pager that alerts them to calls when they’re fit (both mentally and physically) and available for duty.

You must have a smartphone with an active data plan for use when paged for emergencies, attending training, and performing hall duties.

Most importantly, consult with your significant other and immediate family members to discuss the Volunteer Firefighter commitment you are considering. The first year of training and testing to become a Firefighter requires a significant time commitment. Afterwards, twice monthly training, equipment checks, public education activities, and emergency 911 response become the normal expectations. Emergencies are not planned and can happen on holidays, in the middle of the night and on special occasions. Do you have the time and, more importantly, the support of your family to be a Volunteer Firefighter?

View the Fire Recruitment application form

Woolwich Fire
3 Water Street
St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0
519-669-6022
Email

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