Fire Prevention Officer(s)

People, Place, Prosperity

Working within our Strategic Plan, Cambridge Connected, and committing to our values of Integrity, Respect, Inclusiveness and Service, the successful candidate will work together to help the City of Cambridge achieve our vision: A place for people to prosper – alive with opportunity. 

Who is eligible to apply

All qualified candidates are eligible to apply who have achieved the minimum qualifications as outlined within the posting.

What the process is

Candidates will participate in an interview, written and practical exam(s) on a subject(s) determined by the employer based on the minimum qualifications in the posting.

What you will be doing

1. Conducts fire and life safety inspections;
2. Enforces the Ontario Fire Code and other applicable provincial codes and any authorized municipal fire prevention by-laws;
3. Prepares prosecution briefs, attends Provincial Offenses Court and testifies in the prosecution of offences under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997;
4. Evaluates, approves and enforces fire and life safety plans and observes fire evacuation drills;
5. Communicates fire and life safety messages with the public and assists in the delivery of public education programs;
6. Performs public relations, liaises and collaborates with other city divisions, partner agencies and community organizations;
7. Delivers internal training to department personnel to raise awareness of fire prevention & public education programs and activities;
8. Conducts fire investigations, documents fire scenes and reports on origin, cause and circumstances;
9. Evaluates development proposals;
10. Reviews building plans for compliance with relevant codes and standards;
11. Conducts inspections of new or renovated buildings;
12. Issues plans approvals for compliance equivalencies;
13. Provides technical support and training for fire department personnel;
14. Performs administration duties;
15. Maintains professional competency;
16. Required to attend, and successfully complete, any training required by the Fire Chief or designate which may be internal, off site or out of City;
17. Performs after-hours fire prevention programs, fire investigations and public education activities, as required; and
18. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirement

• Possess a satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (external candidates);
• Must have a valid Ontario Driver’s License (minimum Class “G”) with a clean driver’s abstract;
• Must be proficient in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), the Internet and the ability to develop proficiency in other corporate solutions;
• Physical ability to wear SCBA and respirator mask while performing work for long periods of time;
• NFPA 1031 – Fire Inspector Level I & II
  • Includes of all the Ontario Fire College supplemental courses prescribed by the OFMEM including, NFPA 472 or 1072 Awareness Level, Legislation, Part 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 9, and Courtroom Procedures, plans examination; and
• NFPA 1033 – Fire Investigator; and
• NFPA 1035 – Fire and Life Safety Educator Levels I and PIO; and
• Full understanding and knowledge of the Fire Protection & Prevention Act as amended (i.e. Section 15, section 21, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Fire Prevention and investigation certifications with a minimum 3 years of field experience as a fire prevention officer conducting fire inspections and investigations; and
• OFC Commercial Cooking qualification; and
• Knowledge of the Ontario Building Code Act and regulations are considered an asset. For example, possess a BCIN with qualifications in Part 3 Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility; and
• Experience with code enforcement and courtroom procedures would be considered an asset; and
• NFPA 1035 – II; and
• NFPA 921 – Fire & Explosion Investigator; and
• NFPA 1041 – Fire Instructor
• Experience with Telestaff & Amanda Software an asset; and
• PSHSA - Improving Fire Safety for Vulnerable Ontarians: Training for Chief Fire Officials.

We actively seek candidates who possess the knowledge, skills and abilities that are over and above our minimum requirements.

Additional courses, education or training that are related to fire, public education, fire prevention or emergency services would be considered definite assets. These include post-secondary education, trades qualifications, civil engineering programs, architectural programs or fire protection engineering programs. We value skills or experiences such as previous firefighting, teaching, inspection, plans examination or emergency service experience, coaching and volunteer work. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment are very important.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Working knowledge of the following legislation, regulations, standards or requirements:

• Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA);
• Ontario Fire Code (OFC);
• Office of the Fire Marshal Technical Guidelines (TG);
• Fire Marshal’s Directives;
• Provincial Offences Act (POA);
• Ontario Building Code Act (OBCA);
• Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA);
• Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA);
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA);
• Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC);
• Workplace Safety Insurance Act (WSIA);
• Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA);
• Electrical Safety Authority (ESA);
• Canadian Standards Association (CSA);
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); and
• City of Cambridge by-laws.

Your compensation

This position has an annual salary range of $64,036 (55% of 1st Class Fire Fighter Rate) to $125,744 (108% of 1st Class Fire Fighter Rate) (2025 Rates).  (External candidates - renumeration will be based on experience and qualifications of applicants; Fire Chief to determine classification of applicant)

Hours of work

This position requires working a 4-day compressed work week (10-hour shifts), either Monday to Thursday or Tuesday to Friday. Emergency Call-In is a requirement of this position.