When and how do I apply? 

Recruitment usually takes place in the fall of the year and application links will be made available on the Douro-Dummer Fire Services (DDFS) Recruitment page.

Outside of the application period, your can consult the application package from previous years to know what kind of information you will need to prepare if you wish to apply in the next recruitment period:

• 2021 Douro-Dummer firefighter recruitment application Please note this document is for information purposes, do not use it to apply for a position. 

If you already have your NFPA 1001 and 472/1072 certification you may be eligible to apply outside of the application period, please contact us for more information. 

I applied in previous years but wasn’t selected, should I apply again?

What are the duties of a DDFS firefighter?

DDFS firefighters respond to a variety of emergency calls, though almost half are medical in nature. For a list of potential duties as a recruit and firefighter please read:

• Job description for Recruits
• Job description for Firefighters

Are DDFS firefighters paid?

Is training provided?

Yes, if you do not have your college pre-service firefighter education, then DDFS will enroll you at the Eastern Ontario Emergency Training Academy (EOETA) during your first year of service so that you can obtain the necessary certification to serve on a fire department. Classes typically run every weekend (on either Saturday or Sunday) from January to June, plus a few more weeks in the fall. 

DDFS personnel are expected to attend in-house training twice a month throughout the year, as well as attend a maintenance night at their station at the end of each month.

What qualifications are required to apply?

At the time of application, you must be:

• 18 years of age or older
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• In possession of a valid Ontario G-level driver’s licence or higher (or equivalent).
  • If you do not possess a DZ licence, you should be eligible to obtain one
• Able to provide an acceptable 3-year driver's abstract 
• Able to provide an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Check
• A great team member

What other qualifications would be considered an asset?

The following qualifications may be considered assets (but are not required to apply):

• NFPA 1001 and 472/1072 certification
• DZ driver’s licence
• First aid – specifically first responder level or higher (including BLS and O2 therapy)
• Paramedic other medical profession designation
• Experience in the field of skilled trades or construction
• Technical rescue
• Experience operating boats and a valid boating licence

What is involved in the recruitment process?

Recruitment for DDFS firefighters involves the following process:

• Submit a complete application form online by the due date
• If you are selected to proceed in the process you will be called for an interview
• Interviews are done using a panel of at least 3 interviewers
• If your interview is successful, you will be invited to participate in a physical aptitude test
• Upon successful completion of the physical test you may be called with an offer to join DDFS
• You will have 30 days to complete and submit the required documentation

I live outside of Douro-Dummer, should I still apply? 

Firefighters need to be within a very short driving distance to their assigned station. This means that our stations in Donwood and Douro, which are close to the borders of the Township, could have firefighters responding to the stations from outside of Douro-Dummer. 

How far away from a station can I live and still be considered? 

Although we do not have a set distance, the closer you live to the fire station the better.

Recommendations for a rural response are to be on scene within 14 minutes, 90% of the time.

As an example, if a call for help comes from a rural property within 8 kilometers of a fire station, it would take approximately 7 minutes of travel time to get from the fire station to the property. That leaves 7 minutes for firefighters to leave their home, put on protective gear, and have a fire truck on route. This timeline would suggest firefighters should live within 4 to 5 kilometers from a fire station.

In addition to distance from the fire station, we also consider availability (especially during the daytime) to be a bonus, and we recognize that not everyone is going to make the first fire truck to leave. Given these other considerations, we encourage people to apply even if they are beyond the noted distance. 

I work shift work or odd hours, should I still apply?

Yes, as a volunteer department our personnel need to respond at all hours of the day. Having personnel that work shifts or odd hours may mean that they are available to respond when others that work “normal hours” aren’t.

Training and maintenance meetings typically occur on either Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 7pm-9pm. Even if you work shifts, you will be required to attend a minimum number of training and maintenance nights throughout the year. We can discuss availability if you are chosen for an interview.

My employer won’t let me leave for calls, should I still apply? 

Yes, we can discuss availability if you are chosen for an interview. 

I don’t know if I’m strong enough or big enough to be a firefighter, should I still apply?

Yes. Firefighters need to maintain their fitness to be able to competently complete tasks, but they come in all shapes and sizes - we need people that can haul and operate heavy equipment, as well as people that can get into small spaces. We work as a team and can use special techniques or mechanical advantage to overcome any perceived strength challenges.

Is there a probationary period?

I just graduated, can I apply for the student placement?

No, these placements are for students currently enrolled in a pre-service program only.

If you have recently graduated, you may consider applying during the formal recruitment period in the fall.