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Career Recruitment

The 2023 Firefighter recruitment drive is now closed. 

At the City of Kamloops, we believe in progressive and barrier-free recruitment for everybody every day.  This means employment opportunities for all in a safe, inclusive, and diverse workplace. We know our city is stronger when we hire qualified individuals from different backgrounds with diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives. 

All applicants are considered, regardless of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, family status, marital status, physical and mental disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political belief, or conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offence unrelated to their employment.

Summary of Key Points

  1. You can only submit an online application form and résumé.
  2. You need to be successful at each stage of the selection process to advance to the next stage and be considered for hire.
  3. If you are unsuccessful at any step throughout the testing process, you will be informed via email that you cannot continue in the current recruitment process.
  4. You are responsible for ensuring that your application package is complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  5. If you intentionally misrepresent yourself or your qualifications, knowingly withhold information or are deceitful at any stage in the process, your application will be withdrawn.
  6. Unless your contact information changes during the recruitment process, no phone calls or emails please. All information you need can be found on this page and on our recruitment page.
  7. The 2023 recruitment competition closed on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 11:59 pm. The eligibility list will be completed on October 13, 2023.

Forms, Checklist, and FAQs:

KFR Career Recruitment

How does the online application process work?

The online application system can be found on the City's Career Opportunities webpage.

You must have a candidate profile in the system in order to apply for current job postings. Click the “View Current Opportunities & Apply” tab to create your online profile. From there, you can apply for the Firefighter job posting. Upload your résumé into your profile and attach all supporting documentation under the “Resume Attachments” section.

Note: The firefighter competition will be live from June 5 to June 25, 2023.

Can I submit my application and résumé in person, by fax, or by email?

No. Applications and résumés will only be accepted through the online process, as outlined in the job posting.

Do I need to submit a résumé along with my online application?

Yes. In order to thoroughly assess your application, we require a résumé outlining your skills, past work experience, and education. It is recommended that you copy and paste your resume into your online profile and attached a MS Word or Adobe Acrobat PDF file.

Do I need to submit copies of my certifications/proof of qualifications with the online application?

Yes. Copies of all of your documents and certifications must be uploaded in the “Resume Attachments” section of your online profile on the City of Kamloops recruitment page.

How do I know if my online application was received?

You will receive an email confirming that your online application was received. Please do not reply to this email. Please check your SPAM folder in the event that your confirmation email was filtered there. Please do not call us to verify that your application was received unless you did not receive an email confirmation.

Will my application be considered if I submit it after the closing date?

No. The posting will be removed from the site after the closing date.

How long is the recruitment process?

The recruitment process lasts several months. We do our best to condense the testing into a short period of time for the convenience of applicants but the rest of the process i.e. interviews and selection decisions will take place over a number of weeks.
 

How often should I expect to hear from the recruitment panel?

Only those applicants selected to enter the recruitment process will be contacted. We will endeavour to keep you informed and current with information as it is relevant to the status of your application. It is your responsibility to advise of changes in your contact information or if you will be unavailable for a period of time. All correspondence with applicants will be done through email via the City’s recruitment page.

What are the scheduled dates for testing and other steps in the recruitment process for 2023?

Recruitment StepDatesLocation
Competition OpenJune 5, 2023Online
Competition ClosedJune 25, 2023Online
Written TestJuly 20–23, 2023Online
First Interviews (VidCruiter)July 27–31, 2023Online
Physical Performance TestSeptember 7–10, 2023Kamloops
Prevue Job Fit AssessmentOngoing from September 18–22, 2023Online
Second InterviewsSeptember 25–October 6, 2023 (please note, candidates that are successful in moving onto second round interviews will be notified on September 13, 2023 and have the ability to select their date/time for their second round interview on one of the dates above)Kamloops
Eligibility List FormedOctober 13, 2023Kamloops
References, Medical Exam, and & Police Information CheckCandidates to be advisedKamloops

** Note: these dates are subject to change **

If I am unable to make the scheduled dates for the testing, can I schedule another time?

No. Unfortunately, the recruitment schedule is set, and we are unable to accommodate individual requests.

Do you accept out-of-province applications?

Yes. However, be aware that you will be required to travel to Kamloops on separate occasions to attend testing and interviews. Any costs associated with travel and/or relocation expenses are your responsibility.

I am currently a professional firefighter with another city. Do you have an experienced firefighter transfer program?

No. However, we encourage applications from both entry-level and experienced firefighters.

Can you recommend courses to take to better my chances of being selected?

Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, we do not counsel or provide recommendations to potential applicants on how to increase their competitiveness. All requirements are set out in the job application process.

I am an auxiliary or paid on call firefighter. Do I have an advantage?

All applications are considered as per the requirements of the position. Having experience as a firefighter of any kind will enhance the applicant’s qualifications.

What is the cost to participate in the recruitment process? When do I pay the fee?

There are costs associated to participate in certain steps of the recruitment process. You only pay if you make it to each step in the process. Costs are as follows:

Moderated Online Assessment (Written Test) - $280+GST

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by Trainor Vocational Consutling Corp. (https://trainorvocational.ca/) to register and pay via e-transfer $280.00+GST to complete the required testing. Payment will be made via e-transfer prior to the testing date (July 20–23, 2023) or the applicant will not be able to participate.

Performance Testing (VO2 Max) - $25

Only exact cash or pre-written cheque will be accepted. Please make cheques payable to Stride Performance. Candidates should have their cheque prepared or exact cash prior to arrival for performance testing on September 7,8, 9,  or 10, 2023.

Note that any fees received for a specific step in our process are non-refundable and will be required before you can participate in that step.

Why do candidates pay fees to participate in the hiring process?

As a municipal organization, our department must be fiscally responsible for managing funds we receive through taxes. To ensure there are enough resources to provide emergency response services, firefighter applicant testing procedure must run on a cost-recovery basis. This is standard procedure throughout the province(s).

What does the written knowledge test involve?

The written test is a series of multiple choice questions. Testing will be conducted via Zoom between July 20–23, 2023 and the candidates will receive full instructions on the date of their test. The assessment will be conducted by Trainor Vocational Consulting Corp and will encompass verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, spatial reasoning, mechanical reasoning and an English language test (literacy). In order to participate, it is highly recommended that candidates have a laptop or desktop computer and a good internet connection.

Please note that scores from previously written knowledge tests will not be allowed. Candidates will be required to complete a current written knowledge test in the recruitment process.

What does the physical testing involve?

The physical testing is a series of tasks that are typical to the position of Firefighter. These tasks are outlined on the Physical Fitness Test - Doctor’s Consent Form that you must complete and submit with your application.

When is vision and hearing testing required?

Candidates will have their vision and hearing tested if they make the final eligibility list. You are not required to provide us with your results for previous vision and hearing tests prior to this.

How many positions are available?

The purpose of this current recruitment will be to fill any vacancies that may arise in 2023 and 2024.

If I am unsuccessful at any step in the selection process, what feedback can I expect?

Unfortunately, due to the high number of applications received in the recruitment process, we are unable to provide applicants with individual feedback. If you are unsuccessful as any stage in the process, you will receive an email through our recruitment system. You are however welcome to apply for future firefighter recruitments.

I have a conviction for driving under the influence, will that prevent my application from being considered?

A driving record that demonstrates safe and responsible behaviour is a requirement of the position of firefighter. While any one factor does not prevent an application from being considered it is taken under consideration when reviewing a candidate’s application. Applicants who have more than six (6) points in the last three (3) years from the date of application are considered excessive and will exclude the applicant from further consideration.

I live in another province and have a driver’s license, can I still apply?

Yes, but it is your responsibility to provide proof of your licence equivalency.

I passed each stage of the testing process, but did not get an interview, why?

Passing each stage of the testing process does not automatically merit an interview. Due to the high number of applications received, the testing process is used as a screening tool. The recruitment panel reviews each application, and only those with the strongest overall scores are selected for interviews. The number of candidates selected for interviews will also depend on Kamloops Fire Rescue’s expected hiring needs.

I do not have a Class 3 or Class 1 license, can I still submit an application?

You must have proof that you have an appointment to complete the Class 3 or 1 when submitting your application, and you must provide a valid Class 3 or 1 with air brake endorsement prior to reaching the first interview stage (VidCruiter).

I have all the required qualifications, why wasn't I selected for the testing stages?

Unfortunately, not everyone who meets the required qualifications can be selected. The application process is highly competitive. We accept applications from people with a wide variety of skills, experiences, and attributes. Applicants are measured on their ability to meet or exceed our standards and we strive to select the very best candidates.