Become a volunteer firefighter

Why become a volunteer firefighter?

• Protect your community. Be there when your neighbours need help.
• Learn and grow. Receive recognized fire and emergency training.
• Earn while you serve. Volunteers are paid when they respond to calls.
• Belong to a team. Work alongside committed firefighters and first responders.

What you’ll do

You will provide support to full-time career firefighters by responding to emergencies such as fires, motor-vehicle collisions, alarms, and severe weather incidents. You may also help with fire prevention education, equipment checks, and training nights. Volunteer firefighters also gain valuable experience and are well-positioned to join the team as career firefighters when full-time positions become available.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applicants from all walks of life. You don’t need prior fire service experience—we provide the training. We’re looking for people who are:

• Reliable and available. You can free yourself for calls and commit to regular training.
• Team-oriented and calm under pressure. You communicate clearly, follow directions, and look out for others.
• Physically ready. You can meet the demands of a firefighter fitness test.

Minimum requirements

• 18 years of age or older
• Grade 12 (or equivalent)
• Must undergo a criminal record check
• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence (or equivalent) and acceptable driving record
• Ability to attend evening/weekend training and respond to calls from work or home
• No experience required (certifications are considered an asset)

Assets (nice to have, not required)

• First Aid/CPR
• NFPA 1001 Firefighter I/II, HazMat Awareness/Operations
• Mechanical, trades, medical, or public safety background
• Bilingual (English/French)

Training & certification

The “Firefighter I” course is a requirement for all volunteer firefighters. It covers the core skills required for safety and efficiency. The Firefighter I tuition fees will be paid for by the Bathurst Fire Department.

Core onboarding covers safety, personal protective equipment, apparatus familiarization, radio use, and emergency scene operations.

Ongoing training may include live-fire evolutions, vehicle extrication, ladders, search and rescue, pump operations, and more.

Fitness & medical

Firefighting is physically demanding. Applicants complete a practical fitness test (e.g., stair climbs with equipment, hose carry/drag, ladder raise, tool carry) and a brief medical screening to confirm they can safely perform essential tasks. We will provide guidance, so you know what to expect and how to prepare.

Time commitment & availability

• Responses: Calls can occur day or night. We’re especially seeking volunteers who can reliably respond to calls.
• Events: Optional community education events and station activities.
• Availability matters: If you work locally or have flexibility during business hours, please mention this in your email.

Compensation & equipment

• Paid per call after your Firefighter I certification
• Firefighter I training will be fully paid for
• All required personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided

The selection process

1. Apply by email to jobs@bathurst.ca with your résumé and a short note about your availability.
2. Interviews and reference checks. Meet the team and ask questions.
3. Criminal record check and driver’s abstract (we’ll provide instructions).
4. Fitness test and basic medical screening.
5. Onboarding and training. Start your training path.

FAQs

Do I need prior experience?

No. No experience is required. We’ll provide training and pay for your Firefighter I course.

How often will I be called?

Call volume varies seasonally. We aim to balance the roster, so coverage is strong without over-burdening individuals.

Can I volunteer if I work full-time?

Yes. Many of our volunteers have full-time jobs. We’re especially interested in applicants who can commit to being flexible and available.

Is there an age limit?

Applicants must be 18+. There is no fixed upper age limit; fitness for duty is the key.

Is bilingualism required?

Not required for the volunteer firefighter position, but the ability to serve residents in both official languages is always an asset.

Ready to step up?

Email jobs@bathurst.ca with the subject line “Volunteer Firefighter – [Your Name]”.

Include:

• Résumé
• Your typical availability (days/evenings/weekends; note any daytime availability)
• Any relevant certifications or experience (optional)

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know in your email.

Contact

Human Resources Department
City of Bathurst
Email: jobs@bathurst.ca
Phone: 506-548-0400

Thank you for your interest in serving our community.