> Home > Public Safety > Fire-Rescue > Hiring & Job Requirements
Fire-Rescue

Hiring & Job Requirements

We thank everyone for their interest in Richmond Fire-Rescue.

At this time, there is no recruitment process planned for 2010, but you may familiarize yourself with our usual processes and requirements by reviewing our website.

Our process begins with:
  • Your complete application package sent to our Human Resources Department .
  • Sorry, late applications will not be accepted.
  • Review the Application Form carefully to ensure you include copies of all the necessary documents and certificates at the time of application. It is important that certifications are kept up-to-date.
  • Fit-Tech and MCM certificates must be no more than six (6) months old.
  • CPAT certificates are valid for one year.
  • Incomplete application forms will not be accepted nor considered.

Further Information

Note: In filling a majority of vacancies in each recruiting year through 2010, the City of Richmond has received approval from the BC Human Rights Tribunal to give hiring preference to women and visible minority candidates who meet firefighter testing standards and all other selection criteria. In addition, the City may be prepared to offer tuition assistance/loans to a limited number of preferred candidates who do not have Fire Academy training, but meet all other entrance requirements.

Recruitment Status (Test Results Filed by Identity Number)

Only those being considered will be contacted. Please DO NOT call Human Resources or the Fire Department to see if you will be part of the competition process. Applicants being considered for a competition will be contacted by phone and be given an Identity Number. If you are not contacted, you are not being considered for the intake.

You will keep the Identity Number assigned throughout the competition and it will be your responsibility to check your status regularly on the website to determine the results of your tests and whether you will be continuing in the competition. Please ensure you bring along your Identity Number for each stage of the recruitment process.

There are various stages to our competition process. All the required information, including testing dates/times throughout the process will be posted on this webpage.

The Fire Department and Human Resources are unable to accept phone calls and provide information or results due to the volume of applicants.

One of the stages of the recruitment process is Fit-Tech (Fire Fighter Fitness Assessment). Please call and book your appointment time.

Location: Justice Institute of BC Fire & Safety Campus
Address: 13500 - 256th Street
Maple Ridge, BC

Existing Justice Institute of BC students can register online at:
http://learning.jibc.ca/TP2005/tp2000web.dll/TP2005

The total cost for Fit-Tech is $102.50, so if you don't make your session, you will be billed for the cost. You can pay by credit card over the phone at 604-528-5590. If you want to pay by cash, cheque or debit, you will have to go to the Justice Institute Registration Office at 715 McBride Blvd., New Westminster, BC. There is a 14 day cancellation/transfer policy with a $25 fee to do either.

Proper photo identification (valid driver's licence or valid passport) is required to attend/complete this session .

You will need to sign an informed consent form at the time of testing. The fitness assessment will take approximately 2.5 hours, so bring something to eat and plenty of fluids. You should bring appropriate gym strip and footwear for different weather conditions.

The following PDF Document Fit-Tech Medical Release form MUST be downloaded, completed, and signed by your physician 2 weeks prior to your assessment.
For more information on Fit-Tech and to download the medical release form, please go to www.fit-tech.org.

Anyone getting a mark lower than 80% will not considered.

Another stage of the recruitment process is A.W. Fraser Psychological Assessments. You can visit their website at www.awfraser.com.

Proper photo identification (valid driver's licence or valid passport) is required to write this exam.

Another stage of the recruitment process is CPAT. Proper photo identification (valid driver's licence or valid passport) is required to attend/complete any CPAT sessions. All CPAT sessions (Orientation and Testing) are held at:

Location: 1544 Riverside Road
Abbotsford, BC
Phone: 1-604-853-3566

The total cost for all CPAT sessions (Orientation and Testing) is $210.00 which includes GST. Please bring along cash or a cheque and the following forms: PDF Document CPAT Sign In Sheet, Waiver of Claim for Injury, and Rehabilitation Form and a copy of your recent Fit-Tech certificate (valid within 6 months). If you don't have a Fit-Tech certificate, then bring along The City of Abbotsford forms PDF Document Form 1A and 1B that you have taken to your doctor for signature. You will not be able to take CPAT without these forms. If you do not pass, you may take this test up to three times. The cost for each test is $210.00 (including tax).

You must sign the City of Richmond's PDF Document "Release of Liability" form.

CPAT testing is valid for one year. If you have taken CPAT testing within the past year and have passed, you do not need to re-take the test.

Please ensure you bring the PDF Document appropriate attire to your CPAT testing.

It is important that you review these City of Abbotsford's CPAT Guides immediately to continue with your application: Another stage of the recruitment process will be the Ergometrics Test.

Please bring along proper photo identification (valid driver's licence or valid passport) to the test.

An outline of the Ergometrics Test is available by clicking the pdf below or visiting their website at www.ergometrics.org.

PDF Document Ergometrics FireTEAM

Entrance Qualifications
  1. Legal entitlement to work in Canada.
  2. Successful completion of an approved Fire Fighting training program to the B.C. Fire Fighter Standard, Fire Fighter II (Level II or NFPA 1001 Fire fighter I & II). Proof of entrance exam for Fire Fighters.
  3. High school graduation or GED equivalency.
  4. Valid B.C. Driver's License, Class 5 with Air Brake endorsement and a driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behavior. A record with more than six points will eliminate an applicant from further consideration.
  5. No conviction for a criminal offence related to the job of Fire Fighter.
  6. Minimum of Standard First Aid with CPR.
  7. A minimum of one year of work experience related to the needs of fire service (building construction, mechanical experience, driving large or emergency vehicles, first aid, nursing, paramedical, forest fighting, teaching or instructional experience, etc.)
  8. 20/30 visual acuity in each eye unaided and uncorrected. Colour and peripheral vision safe for the position of firefighter. Note: Successful corrective eye surgery or laser surgery may be acceptable providing it was performed prior to six months of this application, or after an acceptable waiting period as defined by your ophthalmologist.
  9. Normal unaided hearing.
  10. A current Fire Fighter Medical Examination Certificate for BC. *
    MCM Occupational Health Services
    Fairmont Medical Building
    Suite # 412 - 750 West Broadway
    Vancouver, BC V5Z 1H3
    Telephone: 604-878-1103
  11. A valid Physical Fitness Assessment through Fit-Tech Consulting (phone 604-462-1000) www.fit-tech.org *

* Note: #10 and #11 are part of Richmond Fire-Rescue's testing process and are not required at the time of application, but will be required prior to start date.

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Successful completion of a post-secondary education program (academic, technical or trades training).
  2. Ability to swim (bronze medallion, or swift water rescue certificate).
  3. Experience and certificates related to life saving (first responder level III, spinal & AED endorsement, CPR level C, standard first aid, occupational first aid level III).
  4. Completion of Fire Service related courses (auto extrication, surface water rescue, swift water rescue, high angle/rope rescue, confined space, hazardous material, incident command, shipboard fire fighting, critical incident stress).
  5. Knowledge and understanding of different cultures and fluency in a language(s) other than English.
  6. Volunteer experience in the emergency services field (volunteer fire fighting, coast guard, search and rescue).
  7. A demonstrated commitment to a lifestyle of fitness.

Salary, Benefits and Working Conditions
Monthly Salary


Rates as of October 1, 2009:
1st 6 Months - $4,460 2nd Year - $5,097 4th Year - $6,371
2nd 6 Months - $4,778 3rd Year - $5,734 10th Year - $6,498

Annual Vacations
  • 1 - 2 years service: 9 duty shifts
  • 3 - 10 years service: 13 duty shifts
  • 11+ years service: 17 duty shifts
  • In 21st year & after 23 years: 21 duty shifts

Statutory Holidays
Fire fighters are granted 11 duty shifts in lieu of the eleven Statutory Holidays granted to other civic employees and are taken separately from Annual Vacations.

Health and Welfare
Fire fighters are covered with Accumulative Sick Leave Plan, Group Life Insurance, Dental, Medical and Extended Health Plans.

Members are provided with work and dress uniforms on a regular basis and cleaning is provided by the City.

Hours of Work (Fire Suppression)
Rotating day and night shifts for a 42 hour week - two day shifts (0800 - 1800) followed by two night shifts (1800 - 0800). After each tour, a fire fighter has approximately four days off.


Hours of Work (Fire Prevention, Training Division, Mechanical Division)
4 day work week, 35 hours/week.

Pension Benefits
In addition to the Canada Pension Plan, fire fighters are covered by the Municipal Superannuation Act and contribute to the plan.
Training Exercise

Training and Probationary Period
New appointees are on probation for twelve months, during which time they undergo extensive training and evaluation to determine suitability to the occupation. Members failing to meet training standards may be released.

Information and Links to Training Programs
Outside Agencies

Fire Fighter Boot Camp (Fit for Duty)
Small group personal fitness training
For more information, please contact Carol Lepine at 604-718-8009.

Fire Fighter Boot Camp (Fit for Duty) is high level training designed to help those wishing to pass firefighter or police recruitment requirements, or to maintain fitness levels for those already on the job. It includes a weekly training session plus personalized workout assignments to be completed throughout the week. This class promises to be fun, challenging, and designed to keep you in fighting form. The general public is welcome to register.

To register:
Online: www.richmond.ca/register
Call Centre: 604-276-4300
Sports Pavilion: 604-718-8004

Justice Institute of B.C.
(Fire Academy) - 604-528-5657
715 McBride Boulevard, New Westminster, BC V3L 5T4
www.jibc.bc.ca

Offers programs in Distance Learning and has introductory fire service information programs. Also offers an auto extrication program, and other hands-on programs. For information on their Career Fire Fighter Pre-employment Training Program, call 604-528-5662.

Pacific Marine Training Institute - 604-462-7317
265 W. Esplanade, North Vancouver, BC V7C 1A5

Offers training programs in Marine Fire Fighting, Industrial Fire Fighting, and Dangerous Goods.

Industrial First Aid
Industrial First Aid programs are offered by a variety of private institutions.

Driving Programs
There are a variety of private driving schools as well as the B.C. Safety Council.

B.C.I.T. - 604-424-5734
3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5G 3H2

This institute offers Fire Protection programs.

To Apply
Candidates who meet the qualifications above are required to submit both of the following:

  • A detailed resume including copies of certificates.

AND

Please send in your application/resume to:

Human Resources Division
City of Richmond
6911 No. 3 Road
Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1
Fax: 604-276-4169
E-mail: (Adobe PDF or MS Word format only): resume@richmond.ca
Hours: 8:15 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

The City of Richmond is an Equal Opportunity Employer.