The Region
The City of Grande Prairie is a vibrant, growing community located in the beautiful Peace Country region of Alberta. We are committed to providing exceptional public service and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
Grande Prairie is a great place to live, work, and play.
The Opportunity
Are you an experienced firefighter looking for a new challenge? The City of Grande Prairie is seeking seasoned professionals ready to elevate their careers and join a dedicated team of first responders. As a member of our team, you will respond to diverse emergency situations, including structural and wildland fires, dangerous goods incidents, motor vehicle collisions, medical co-responses, and technical rescues.
At the Grande Prairie Fire Department (GPFD), you’ll have access to the latest equipment and be trained in cutting-edge, evidence-based practices to ensure you are equipped to handle the demands of modern firefighting. We value expertise and are committed to providing the tools and environment needed for continued professional growth.
Who We Are
GPFD is a career fire service consisting of:
- 1 Fire Chief
- 2 Deputy Chiefs
- 70 Fire Suppression personnel
- 4 Fire Prevention staff
- 1 Chief Training Officer
- 1 Training Officer
- 1 Logistics Officer
- 25 Dispatch personnel
- 3 Administrative Support staff
What You Bring
- Commitment to continuous learning
- Motivation and innovation, with a proactive approach to problem-solving
- Flexibility in dynamic work environment
- Dedication to physical/mental fitness, ensuring readiness for the demands of the role
- Lifelong learning mindset, with a commitment to continuous improvement
- Strong desire to contribute as part of a team
- Passion for giving back to the community
We are an innovative, well-equipped department with a commitment to excellence, strong labour relations, and robust support from Senior Administration and City Council.
Grow Your Career
At GPFD, you will have opportunities for career growth. As you gain experience, you can specialize in key areas such as Fire Suppression, Fire Prevention, Training, or Logistics. Your journey with us is not just a job—it’s a career with purpose.
GPFD is currently recruiting to fill 4 upcoming Firefighter positions.
What You Need
- NFPA 1001: Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications: Level 1 and Level 2
- ACP recognized EMR Program and/or recognized minimum 80 hour Advanced First Aid Certificate
- Valid Class 3 & 4 Alberta Driver's License with Air Brakes (Q) Endorsement or Equivalency
- Minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalency
If you are in the process of obtaining certifications for any of the aforementioned requirements, it is your responsibility to provide proof of registration from the certifying agency. This documentation should include the start date and expected completion date of your certification. Once the certification is complete, please forward a copy to GPFD
All requirements must be met by December 9, 2024. Failing to do so will result in your removal from the application process.
What We Offer
- Your firefighter class (with IAFF) will be considered for placement on our wage grid
- Participation in the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP).
- Fire specific supplemental pension plan
- Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision care
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which includes short term counselling, Legal services, Financial services, Career services, Nutrition services, Total Wellbeing Assessment
- Health and Wellness Account
- Enhanced mental health support through our peer support program, access to mental health psychologist
Hours
As per the IAFF Local 2770 Collective Agreement, Firefighters average 42 hours per week. Firefighters with the lowest seniority are scheduled on shift pattern to meet operational requirements with all attempts to provide a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours notice to shift changes. A 24-hour shift schedule is currently in effect.
Salary/Wage
Firefighters hired from Fire Departments where the individual held a classification of 3rd Class, 2nd Class, or 1st Class Firefighter will carry over their classification with regards to salary only. The Probationary Firefighter hired must be a member in good standing with another IAFF Local at the time of employment offer by the City of Grande Prairie.
Wages as per the IAFF Local 2770 Collective Agreement
Probationary Firefighter $37.72 per hour
3rd Class Firefighter $42.75 per hour
2nd Class Firefighter $47.78 per hour
1st Class Firefighter $50.29 per hour
Posting Closing
The posting will close at noon on November 5th, 2024
Selection Process
We thank you in advance for your interest. There are several steps within this selection process. Please ensure you follow the instructions carefully when uploading your information. Those selected to continue on within the steps will be contacted by email. You will be required to travel to Grande Prairie, AB for portions of this process.
1. Submit your application using the "Apply Now" tab on this web page.
2. Applications will be reviewed and short-listed.
3. Aptitude Test - You will be contacted by email if you are successful in this step.
4. Online Interview
5. Job Specific Fitness Testing - Task Evaluations, Treadmill Test, Swimming Proficiency Test, and Acrophobia Test
6. In-person Interview
7. Station Assessment
8. Medical Assessment
9. Security Clearance - Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector
Note: Once you apply and upload a resume you should receive an email confirming that your application has been submitted for this position. If you receive this email, there is NO further need to contact us regarding this position, please check your junk/spam email folder as well. All communications will be through the platform you applied through.
- This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in this position.
- This posting may be used to fill more than one position.
Due to the high volume of applications, we receive per job posting, we cannot answer job-specific questions before the interview stage. If you are successful in getting to the job interview stage, we will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have at that time.