City of Windsor Fire Fighter Recruitment FAQ

City of Windsor Fire Fighter Recruitment FAQ

What are the duties of a Fire Fighter position with the Windsor Fire and Rescue Services Department?
How often does the Windsor Fire and Rescue Services Department hire for positions of Fire Fighter?
What are the qualifications/requirements needed to be eligible to apply?
What other education/skills are considered an asset?
What is the rate of pay?
How are Fire Fighter positions advertised?
How do I apply (application process)?
Can I attach resumes, certificates, and additional information to my application?
What happens to my application once submitted?
How often can I update my application?
What tests are involved in the recruitment process and who administers the tests?
What is involved in the writing of the Aptitude Test?
How will I know if I passed the written tests?
I wrote the Aptitude Test previously. Do I have to write the test again?
I wrote the Aptitude Test previously but was not successful in passing the test. Can I write the Aptitude Test again?
What is involved in the Agility Test?
How long is the Physical Agility Test valid? If I completed the test previously do I have to take the test again?
How will I know if I passed the physical agility test?
Can I bring another person to the physical test as moral support or for other reasons?
How long is my physical test valid for?
What is involved in the Initial Shortlist Process?
What is involved in the interview process?
What happens after the Interview?
What is involved in the processing of my Offer of Employment?
What is involved in the payroll documentation process?
What is involved in the probationary period of the new employee?
Will orientation be provided?

What are the duties of a Fire Fighter position with the Windsor Fire and Rescue Services Department?

Reporting to a Captain of the Windsor Fire and Rescue Services, responds in all types of weather and other less than ideal conditions to fire, rescue, hazardous materials emergencies, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies as assigned; enters burning or contaminated buildings, structures and other areas to fight fires, stabilize or control emergencies and/or perform rescues; renders first aid, performs CPR and applies semi-automatic defibrillation to persons requiring these services; drives fire apparatus as assigned. Performs clean-up of site, fire fighting apparatus and equipment as well as areas of the fire station; assists in salvage operations, fire prevention inspections, public education activities and other fire department programs where required. Attends regular training sessions to practice existing and new fire fighting skills, rescue methods, fire prevention or other specialized procedures. Attends court and conducts station tours. Participates in public relations projects involving visits and demonstrations of fire equipment, apparatus and techniques. Performs Occupational Health and Safety duties as outlined in the Corporate Health and Safety Program. Performs other related duties as assigned.

How often does the Windsor Fire and Rescue Services Department hire for positions of Fire Fighter?

Generally, a new Fire Fighter Recruitment is initiated based on the need and subject to budget approval. Vacant positions are a result of attrition; therefore, it is not always known how many positions will become available from year to year and during a given recruitment period.

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What are the qualifications/requirements needed to be eligible to apply?

- At time of application, an applicant must be eighteen years of age or older;
- At time of application, must be legally entitled to work in Canada (i.e. Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, Legal Permanent Residence, Birth Certificate or Landed Immigration documentation);
- At time of application, must possess an Ontario Secondary School graduation diploma or Ontario Ministry of Education equivalency;
- At time of hire, must provide proof of a valid and lawful Class 'D' driver's license with 'Z' endorsement.

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What other education/skills are considered an asset?

Post secondary education from a university or community college in fire fighting or other course(s) in the field of skilled trades, construction or technical rescue may be considered an asset.

What is the rate of pay?

Successful applicants are hired as “Probationary Fire Fighters” and will be required to complete a 12-month probationary period as per the Windsor Professional Fire Fighters Association (W.P.F.F.A.) collective agreement. Once the employee has completed the 12-month probationary period and is confirmed in the position of Fire Fighter, he/she will be classified as a 3rd Class Fire Fighter. Performance appraisals will be conducted thereafter on an annual basis.

Bi-weekly wages are based on 96 hours of work and are subject to change based on the terms of the W.P.F.F.A. Collective Agreement.

Currently, the following represents the bi-weekly rate of pay for Probationary Fire Fighters.

Fire Fighter – Probationary – 1st 6-months $1,960.93
Fire Fighter – Probationary – 2nd 6-months $2,111.77
Fire Fighter – 3rd Class (completion of probationary period) $2,413.45

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How are Fire Fighter positions advertised?

The City of Windsor advertises vacancies as follows:

- Continuously through the City of Windsor’s website, for the duration that applications are being accepted. Go to www.citywindsor.ca, search for Current Job Postings, click on the advertisement referencing the Fire Fighter advertisement.
- Through approximately 20 outreach agencies such as the University of Windsor, Multi-Cultural Centre, St. Clair College, Unemployed Help Centre, YMCA, WEST, C.N.I.B, Coachworx, etc.

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How do I apply (application process)?

Application to a Fire Fighter Recruitment is by an official online application form only.

The City of Windsor Fire and Rescue Services Department has commenced a Fire Fighter recruitment in 2012. Details regarding the recruitment process are noted in the various sections of the City of Windsor’s Fire Fighter Recruitment FAQ.

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Can I attach resumes, certificates, and additional information to my application?

The City of Windsor has an online application process for the 2012 Fire Fighter Recruitment. The application process does not require submission of resumes, certificates or other additional information. The Human Resources Department will notify those candidates selected for an interview of the details associated with submission of resumes.

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What happens to my application once submitted?

A Human Resources Representative reviews your application to determine whether or not you meet the eligibility requirements. Those applicants who have met the initial application requirements will be invited to participate in job related testing.

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How often can I update my application?

The City of Windsor utilizes an online application process wherein, no paper documentation is provided. As such, the City of Windsor will not allow updates to the information applicants provide at time of submission. There are no exceptions to this procedure.

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What tests are involved in the recruitment process and who administers the tests?

Applicants are required to participate and successfully pass an Aptitude Test, Assessment Test and Physical Agility Test. The City of Windsor has secured a service provider, Gledhill/Shaw Enterprises, to administer the applicable tests. The three test components are considered qualifiers. Each candidate must successfully pass all three test components in order to be considered further in the competition.

Please note that fee schedules and specifics related to the Fire Fighter testing components can be subject to change as determined by the City of Windsor.

Please refer to the 2012 Fire Fighter Recruitment - General Information page for details related to the current recruitment process.

Failure to pass any of the test components in the current competition does not preclude an applicant from applying to future competitions.

What is involved in the writing of the Entry Fire Fighter Test (Aptitude) and Fire Fighting Assessment Written Test?

The Entry Fire Fighter Test is a cognitive test of selected knowledge, skills and aptitudes necessary to succeed as a Fire Fighter in today’s environment. It consists of approximately 100 questions, divided into sections to gauge the candidates understanding of written and oral information, arithmetic reasoning, maps, diagrams and mechanical drawings. It must be completed within a set time limit. Applicants must obtain a score established by the Corporation of the City of Windsor to pass the test to be eligible to proceed to the next step in the recruitment process.

The Fire Fighting Assessment test is a functional characteristics/readiness assessment on functional characteristics that are essential for effective Fire Fighter performance. The test includes questions that relate to specific emergency scenarios and work place environments as well as basic mathematical and logical reasoning problems. Applicants must pass the test by achieving a score established by the Corporation of the City of Windsor in order to proceed to the next step in the recruitment process.

For those who qualify to write the Fire Fighter aptitude and assessment tests, there is a fee. This fee will be due at the time specified by the selected service provider. Please refer to the 2012 Fire Fighter Recruitment - General Information page for details related to the current recruitment process.

How will I know if I passed the written tests?

Test results indicating whether a candidate has passed or failed each written test will be posted on the City of Windsor’s website approximately three (3) weeks after writing the tests. Candidates may check the City of Windsor’s website, www.citywindsor.ca, searching for Fire Fighter Recruitment, and then utilizing their Confirmation/Applicant Number to obtain your written test results. Test results will not be provided to candidates by telephone or in writing.

I wrote the Aptitude Test previously. Do I have to write the test again?

Applicants will be required to participate and successfully pass the Entry Fire Fighter Test and Fire Fighting Assessment test as a requirement under the City of Windsor’s 2012 Fire Fighter Recruitment. Once a candidate has completed the required tests through the City of Windsor's 2012 Fire Fighter Recruitment, marks will be valid with the City of Windsor for one year from date of testing. Depending on the timelines involved, if marks are still valid and upon verification of such, these marks may be used for future City of Windsor Fire Fighter hires.

For those who qualify, there is an administration fee to write the Fire Fighter aptitude and assessment tests. This fee will be due at the time specified by the selected service provider.

I wrote the Aptitude Test/Assessment Tests previously but was not successful in passing the test(s). Can I write the Aptitude/Assessment Tests again?

Those who were not successful in passing the Fire Fighter Aptitude and/or Assessment Tests in previous recruitments may reapply to the current recruitment for the opportunity to participate in the testing. Failure to pass the Aptitude and Assessment Tests in the current recruitment will eliminate the candidate from further consideration in the current recruitment process. Please note an applicant has only one opportunity to write the Aptitude Test and the Assessment Test per recruitment period.

What is involved in the Physical Agility Test?

Those applicants who have passed both the written aptitude and assessment tests will be eligible to participate in the Physical Agility Test and must successfully pass the Physical Agility Test in order to be considered further in the current recruitment. Failure to pass all components of this test will eliminate the applicant from further consideration in the current recruitment process.

The City of Windsor has secured the services of a service provider, Gledhill/Shaw Enterprises, to administer the Physical Agility Test.

Please note fees will be established and applicants will be required to pay these fees in order to participate in the required Physical Agility Test.

The service provider will advise candidates whether they passed or failed their Physical Agility Test at the conclusion of their test process. Please refer to the 2012 Fire Fighter Recruitment - General Information page for details related to the current recruitment process.

How long is the Physical Agility Test valid? If I completed the Physical Agility Test previously, do I have to take the test again?

The Physical Agility Test results are time sensitive. The test is valid for a period of six (6) months from date of completion.

Previous Physical Agility Test results can be used if they testing method was the York University Fire Fighter Fitness test developed by Dr. Norman Gledhill. Physical Agility Test results are valid for a period of six (6) months from date of completion. As a result, to coincide with our current recruitment schedule, we will accept an original certificate dated during the period of September 25, 2012 to December 17, 2012, which indicates successful completion of the testing. The City of Windsor will also contact Dr. Gledhill to validate authentication. An original certificate must be submitted to the Human Resources Department of the City of Windsor, 400 City Hall Square East, Suite 408, Windsor, Ontario by no later than December 17, 2012.

How will I know if I passed the Physical Agility Test?

The service provider will advise candidates of their results at the conclusion of their Physical Agility Test and issue a certificate to those candidates that have successfully completed the physical test in accordance with City of Windsor requirements.

Test results indicating whether a candidate has passed or failed the physical test will be posted on the City of Windsor’s website approximately three (3) weeks after completing the physical test. Candidates may check the City of Windsor’s website, www.citywindsor.ca, searching for Fire Fighter Recruitment, utilizing their Candidate/Applicant Number to obtain their test results. Test results WILL NOT be provided by telephone or via letter to the applicant.

Can I bring another person to the Physical Agility Test as moral support or for other reasons?

NO. Only City of Windsor Fire Fighter Recruitment candidates will be allowed into the testing area where the Physical Agility Test is occurring. Persons accompanying candidates to the test site should make other arrangements to occupy their time until the candidate has completed the test.

What is involved in the Initial Shortlist Process?

Those applicants who have successfully passed the related Aptitude, Assessment and Physical Agility Tests have qualified for further consideration in the recruitment process.

The number of applicants selected for an interview is based on the potential number of new recruits to be hired and subject to budget approval.

A Human Resources Representative will contact the applicant if he/she is chosen for an interview. Details regarding the interview will be provided to the candidate at time of contact.

What is involved in the interview process?

The Human Resources Department in conjunction with the Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Department attempts to interview a certain number of applicants based on the potential number of new recruits required, overall results of testing and budgetary matters.

A Human Resources Representative will provide the date, time, location and related details to those applicants who have been selected for the interview process. No alternate dates will be scheduled. Applicant(s) must successfully pass the interview in order to proceed to the next step.

An applicant is recommended to a Probationary Fire Fighter position based on the outcome of the test results and interview process. Please be advised the scores and ranking is confidential and will not be released to the applicant.

What happens after the Interview?

Those applicants recommended to a position of Probationary Fire Fighter would be contacted by a Human Resources Representative to arrange an appointment to review an Offer of Employment letter and commence the processing of their paperwork.

Upon completion of the current recruitment process and following the initial hire in March 2013 the candidates (based on overall scores/ranking in the recruitment) will have the opportunity to be placed on a waiting list in the event additional hires are required in 2013. The website will be updated to note when the recruitment has concluded.

What is involved in the processing of my Offer of Employment?

A Human Resources Representative contacts the applicant to offer employment. An initial appointment is scheduled with the recommended applicant to complete the following requirements:

A. Police Clearance Check Recommended applicants will be required to obtain a Police Clearance Check. The Police Clearance will be at the expense of the applicant. The Human Resources Representative, at time of first meeting with candidate, will provide appropriate paperwork, which is required by the Police Department to conduct the police check. It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain the completed police clearance from the Police Department and return to the Human Resources Representative. On average, the police clearance may take up to three (3) weeks for completion. An applicant’s police clearance record may be used to assess the candidate’s suitability to a position of Fire Fighter. Please note: A recommended candidate may have their offer of employment withdrawn based on the outcome of the police clearance.

B. References Check With the authorization of the applicant, the City of Windsor, Human Resources Representative will complete a reference check with the applicant’s present and past employers regarding his or her work record. At time of first meeting with applicant, the Human Resources Representative will review with the candidate his/her work reference information. The applicant’s work reference checks may be used to assess the candidate’s suitability to a position of Fire Fighter. Please note: A recommended candidate may have their offer of employment withdrawn based on the outcome of the work related reference checks.

C. Pre-Placement Medical Requirements An applicant recommended for employment will also be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination completed by a medical practitioner designated by the Corporation of the City of Windsor. At the first meeting with the Human Resources Representative, they will provide the applicant with formal paperwork in order to obtain the medical. This examination is at the expense of the Corporation and consists of the following:

- General Medical Examination
- Chest X-Ray
- TB Skin Test
- Lumbar X-Ray
- Any other testing and/or examination, which may be required by the medical practitioner and/or determined by the City of Windsor

The medical examination must indicate good health in accordance with the opinion of the Corporation’s examining medical practitioner.

Please Note: A recommended applicant may have their Offer of Employment withdrawn as a result of the outcome of the medical examination.

D. Driver's Abstract

Recommended applicants will be require to obtain a driver's abstract. The applicant is responsible for paying for the driver's abstract. The Human Resources Representative, at the time of first meeting with the applicant will provide the details required to obtain the driver's abstract. Please Note: A recommended candidate may have their offer of employement withdrawn based on the outcome of the driver's abstract.

E. Family Relationship Information
As per the current City of Windsor Family Relationship Hiring Policy per Council Resolution CR151/2006, every new employee is required to complete a Family Relationship Declaration Form. If a new employee is declaring a family relation working for the City of Windsor, approval is required by the Chief Administrative Officer or designate prior to the employee being hired. Family relationship information is collected under the authority of Council Policies and will be used to determine eligibility for employment/transfers/promotions.

Please note: An applicant’s Offer of Employment may be withdrawn if he/she is in contravention of the Family Relationship Hiring Policy.

F. Review of Educational Documents / Other Related Credentials
At time of first meeting, a Human Resources Representative will meet with the recommended applicant and he/she will be required to provide the following information:

- Proof of Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma or Ontario Ministry of Education Equivalency (original document is required);
- Proof of other related credentials referred to on formal application (original documents required);
- Proof of current valid and lawful Class “D” with “Z” endorsement driver’s license (original document required);
- Proof of Social Insurance Number Card (It is a requirement that the original card be provided. If you have misplaced your card, please contact the nearest Employment Office for a replacement card);
- Proof of Birth Certificate, Passport or Baptismal Certificate (original document required);
Please note: An applicant’s Offer of Employment may be withdrawn if he/she fails to produce the original required documents.

What is involved in the payroll documentation process?

Once the processing of a recommended applicant’s Offer of Employment has been completed and formally approved, a Human Resources Representative will schedule a second meeting to complete all paperwork related to employment. During this meeting, the applicant will complete the following:

- The City of Windsor’s payroll system utilizes Direct Deposit. The applicant will be required to provide a void cheque for the account they wish their monies deposited OR the applicant must provide a Direct Deposit Form completed by their banking institution;
- Completion of Revenue Canada Personal Tax Credit Forms (TD1/TD1 ON);
- Completion of benefit enrolment forms (Green Shield, Life Insurance, pension form called OMERS). Benefits will be afforded to an applicant as per the current Windsor Professional Fire Fighters Association collective agreement;
- Respectful Workplace Form as per the current corporate policy in effect;
- Completion of corporate identification card form as per corporate policy.
One responsibility of the Human Resources Representative is to ensure the applicant has completed all related documentation. The applicant will be advised of the details for reporting to work, location, etc. The new employee will commence employment on the established date; he/she will be required to complete the Basic Training Program as required by the Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Department.

What is involved in the probationary period of the new employee?

A new employee hired in the Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Department will be required to serve a 12-month probationary period as per the Windsor Professional Fire Fighters Collective Agreement (W.P.F.F.A.). Generally, performance appraisals are conducted at the 5th and 11th month of employment; however, performance appraisals may be conducted at different intervals depending on the employee’s performance. Once the employee has completed the 12-month probationary period and confirmed in the position of Fire Fighter, he/she will be classified as a 3rd Class Fire Fighter. Performance appraisals will be conducted thereafter on an annual basis.

Forming part of the probationary period, the new employee will be required to participate and successfully complete the Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Department Basic Training Program. The Basic Training Program commences the first day of employment; new recruits participate in the Basic Training Program for a period of time established by the department.

Please note: Failure to pass the written and practical examinations and obtain a satisfactory written evaluation from the authority having jurisdiction will eliminate the candidate from current and/or future employment with the Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Department.

After successful completion of a one-year probationary period, the employee may be confirmed in a regular full-time position of Fire Fighter. Based on the employee’s performance in this position, he/she may not be confirmed in the position, which would result in termination of employment.

Will orientation be provided?

The Corporation of the City of Windsor has a corporate e-learn Orientation Program, which all new employees are mandated to review and successfully complete on-line.

All new employees will be provided with procedures to access and participate in training under the Corporate e-learn program. There are currently nine (9) modules which incorporate Health & Safety training, Accessible Customer Service training, Respectful Workplace training, and General Orientation for New Employees. It is the responsibility of the new employee to complete the required training prior to their official documentation appointment. Please Note: Failure to complete and/or pass the training examinations may prevent the applicant from being hired under this recruitment.

The Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Department is responsible to provide the new employee with a Department specific orientation which is usually completed within the first week of training.

General Information

For general information, please call 311. For detailed inquiries, contact:
400 City Hall Square East, Suite 408
Windsor, Ontario N9A 7K6

(519) 255-6515 (phone)
(519) 255-6504 (fax)
hrdiv@city.windsor.on.ca (e-mail)