Firefighter recruitment

We are a highly motivated, respectful and diverse group of individuals who are passionate about public safety and helping others.

Our member’s strengths as individuals lead to a stronger team. Together, we operate by, and uphold the values of, pride, professionalism, teamwork and respect.

Calgary firefighters respond to high stress incidents such as structure fires, emergency medical incidents, hazardous materials incidents, and motor vehicle collisions. Our department includes specialty units: aquatic rescue, hazardous material and technical rescue teams.

We are accepting applications for Probationary Firefighters until March 31.

Apply now

Connect with our Recruitment team to learn more about pursuing a career in firefighting and to get insights into the application process. Stop by and see us at one of our upcoming events!

Our changing culture

The Calgary Fire Department proudly serves a diverse population in Calgary.

Similarly, we are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive work environment - one that supports, respects, and values individuals for their unique identity, experiences, perspectives, talents, and contributions.

Learn more about how we are changing.

Our firefighters are community-minded leaders who are committed to public service, and exemplify pride, professionalism, teamwork and respect. We are coachable and customer focused. Do you have what it takes to join us?

Learn more about the process and requirements below.

Testimonials

Watch a Global News story about one of our firefighters

Qualifications

Minimum 18 years of age.
Eligible to work in Canada.
No criminal activity in the past 3 years.
High school diploma, equivalent or journeyman certificate.
Valid Class 5 driver's license or provincial/territorial equivalent (proof of non-GDL required). Less than 7 demerit points on driver abstract.
If applicable, pardon or record suspension for any criminal convictions.

The following are required prior to Step 9 (Selection committee)

Advanced First Aid (AFA) course – minimum 80-hour or equivalent.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Health Care Provider (HCP) level or a Basic Life Support (BLS) designation.
Alberta Class 1, 2, or 3 driver's license or provincial equivalent.
Air Brake (Q) endorsement or provincial equivalent.
Meet all immunization requirements.

All pre-hire qualifications must be current and valid at time of hire.

You do not need these qualifications to apply, however, they will strengthen your application.

Education – completed post-secondary education or red seal journeyman certificate(s).
Training – professional training certifications, both fire and non-fire related.
Experience – work or volunteer experience in firefighting, emergency services and other related work experience.
Skills and abilities – leadership, mentoring, community involvement and volunteering.

Applicants will be required to perform both medical and fitness assessments to meet the requirements of the Conditional Job Offer (CJO).

Our medical and fitness requirements are based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582 Standard and have been set to ensure safety.

MEDICAL ASSESSMENT

Read the linked document Disqualifying Medical Conditions, which is a basic overview/summary developed by CFD physicians. This is not an exhaustive/all-inclusive list, but rather a summary of common conditions they see that require further information and may be disqualifying in some instances.

If you think you may have any of the disqualifying medical conditions, bring the disqualifying medical conditions document to your healthcare provider.

Please have you physician contact the CFD Wellness Centre at (403) 873-2352 if they require further clarification on disqualifying medical conditions.

Applicants with disqualifying medical conditions and those who do not meet the requirements may be deemed unfit to do the job.

FITNESS ASSESSMENT

You will complete two separate fitness assessments in the application process:

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

The CPAT has eight separate stations that simulate events at a fire scene. It is the first pre-employment fitness assessment that will measure if applicants meet the minimum physical fitness requirements. It also tests your ability to perform essential tasks at emergency scenes. You will need to complete the CPAT if you reach Step 7 of the Firefighter Pre-Screening Process. Failure to complete the test will result in removal from the application process.

For more information, view the IAFF CPAT manual. We recommend you focus on the CPAT Orientation and Preparation Guides (Appendix A and Appendix B).

Treadmill Assessment

The treadmill assessment is a VO2 test that measures your oxygen use and requires maximum effort. You must reach a minimum of 12 minutes and 30 seconds on the treadmill while wearing a mask that will measure how efficiently your body uses oxygen. This assessment is performed during your medical assessment at Calgary Wellness Center. Failure to complete the test will result in your job offer being rescinded and removal from the eligibility list.

To prepare for the intense physical demands of recruit training and a firefighting career download this exercise guide

Recruitment process

Talking with our Recruitment team is a great way to get more information about a firefighting career and the application process. Visit us at one of our upcoming events.

When the application process is open, click “Apply Now” at the top of this page. If the “Apply Now” button is not available, please check back.
Fill out the online application, ensuring you meet all Minimum Requirements before the application deadline.
You will be required to provide proof of qualifications in the following steps, so please start organizing your documentation now.

Once your application is approved, you will be asked to complete an aptitude test.
National Testing Network (NTN) is the aptitude test vendor used by the CFD.
The aptitude test is a two-part exam that is virtually proctored.*
The fee for the test is $65 USD. If you are transferring a score from another department, the fee is $15 USD.
The exams are administered via computer (unless for an accommodation*).
There is an additional fee of $40 USD to test in-person at the University of Calgary location (2500 University Drive N.W.).

For further details regarding the aptitude test, please refer to the vendor websites below.

Firefighter Testing with FireTEAM – Virtually Proctored: FireTEAM | NTN.

Public Safety Self Assessment – Not proctored: PSSA | NTN.

Practice tests are highly recommended and available using the following link: Practice Test | NTN.

*Accommodations will only be provided for applicants with proof of a valid Psycho-Educational Assessment.

**Please note that the vendor is based out of the USA and payment will be made in US dollars.

You will be contacted by a Recruitment Officer to attend a group virtual Process Preparation and PHS Review (PPPR).
The PPPR session will review:
- Applicant expectations
- PHS guidelines
- Interview tips
- Fitness standards
- Career awareness
Applicants will be sent a link for registration through Eventbrite.

Applicants will upload their completed Personal History Statement (PHS). Be honest and provide accurate details. This will be reviewed by a Recruitment Officer then confirmed at the Polygraph.

The applicant’s file will be sent to a Selection Committee for evaluation.
A summary of all previous stages is compiled for the Selection Committee to review.
Following the Selection Committee’s review of the file, a determination is then made on applicant suitability.
If the applicant is successful at Selection Committee, they are added to the Eligibility List to receive a Conditional Job Offer (CJO).

Sign the Conditional Job Offer.
Provide a new Driver’s Abstract with no more than 6 provincial/territorial demerits.
Provide a new Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
Ensure all certifications are up to date and valid (those listed in the Minimum and Pre-Hire Qualifications).
Complete a medical and fitness assessment, including the treadmill test.
Attend uniform fittings.
Attend a full-day recruit orientation where document originals must be provided.
For out-of-town applicants, move to the Calgary area and get your Alberta Driver’s License. (The Calgary Fire Department does not provide moving expenses to applicants relocating from outside of Calgary).

Pay and benefits

Our firefighters are paid a competitive wage, supplemented by a comprehensive benefits package. They are covered by a collective agreement between The City of Calgary and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 255.

Salary rates (effective November 2023)

Year	Index	Hourly	Monthly
Probationary firefighter	% 65	$ 33.26	$ 6,053.32
Permanent second year firefighter	% 75	$ 38.37	$ 6,983.34
Permanent third year firefighter	% 85	$ 43.49	$ 7,915.18
Permanent fourth year firefighter	% 95	$ 48.60	$ 8,845.20
Firefighter 1	% 100	$ 51.16	$ 9,311.12

Additional wage considerations

Dry cleaning allowance.
Night shift differential premiums.
Statutory holiday premiums.
Incremental pay index.
Increments through promotion.

Resources

Panel Interview: CFD has partnered with a registered non-profit agency, Prospect, to offer an interview workshop geared specifically towards the CFD Panel Interview. Prospect provides services that help individuals find employment, and as our partner, they are offering all their services free of charge to CFD candidates. This service is optional and in high demand. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, we recommend reaching out to them early to ensure you can access their services ahead of your interview. Visit prospectnow.ca for more information.

Resource list

Contact us

To ask questions about firefighter recruitment and our pre-screening process, use the e-mail address below.

Email: fire.recruitment@calgary.ca

Events

CFD schedules regular Run with a Recruiter events where you can join the CFD for a fun morning workout followed by an information session. To sign up for Run with a Recruiter events, please visit Eventbrite and follow the Calgary Fire Department to be notified of upcoming sessions.

If you’re interested in firefighting and want to talk to a recruiter, join us at one of the upcoming events noted below.

Date	Location
February 6	Prospect’s CFD Employer Spotlight Virtual Session, 1 – 2:30 p.m., Register here
February 13	Virtual Information Session, 5 – 7 p.m., Register here
February 18	Information Session at the Calgary Firefighters’ Museum, 6 – 8 p.m.
February 22	Visit us at our booth in the Central Library lobby, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
February 25	Information Session at the Multi-Agency Training Centre, 5705 23 Avenue S.E., 6 – 8 p.m., Register here
February 26	Calgary Hitmen Be Brave game, Saddledome, 11 a.m. -4 p.m.
February 26	Prospect’s Cochrane Career Fair, Cochrane Lions Club and Events Centre, 109 Fifth Ave, Cochrane, 3 – 6 p.m.
February 26	Olds College Career Fair, Olds College Alumni Centre, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
February 27	Red Deer Polytechnic Future of Work Career Fair, 100 Donald Blvd, Red Deer, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
March 4	Information Session at the Calgary Firefighters’ Museum, 6 – 8 p.m.
March 4	Virtual Employer Spotlight with Prospect, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
March 5	East Kootenay Career Fair from 10:00 a.m. – 3 p.m. the Cranbrook Campus Gymnasium
March 11	Information Session at the Calgary Firefighters’ Museum, 6 – 8 p.m.
March 12	Prospect Diversity Fair at Best Western Premier Conference Centre, 1316 33 Street N.E., from 3 – 6 p.m.
March 14	Kin games at Mount Royal University from 1 – 5 p.m.
March 18	Virtual Information Session, 5 – 7 p.m., Register here
March 19	Prospect Career Fair, Genesis Place in Airdrie, 3 – 6 p.m.
March 20	Aboriginal Futures Fair, Delta Hotel Calgary South, 1 – 3:30 p.m.
March 27	Youth Hiring Fair, BMO Centre, 1:30 – 6 p.m

Firefighter Recruitment

Firefighter recruitment

We are accepting applications for Probationary Firefighters until March 31.

Our changing culture

Testimonials

Qualifications

Minimum requirements to apply

Pre-hire qualifications

Other desirable qualifications

Fitness and medical requirements

Hair and jewelry standards

Recruitment process

Step one: Apply online

Step two: Fire service aptitude test

Step three: Document submission

Step four: Process Preparation and Personal History Statement (PHS) review

Step five: In-person Interview panel

Step six: Polygraph

Step seven: Candidate Physical Ability Test

Step eight: Reference check

Step nine: Selection committee

Step ten: Conditional Job Offer (CJO)

Pay and benefits

Salary rates (effective November 2023)

Additional wage considerations

Benefits

Pensions

Other benefits

Resources

Contact us

Events