Our team is highly skilled, passionate about our community, and we care. Let’s grow together.

Probationary Firefighter

Who We Are

In Whitby, we are dedicated to our work, our community, and each other. We work hard, we have fun, and we celebrate our successes.

The Town of Whitby is a community in transformation that is located in the heart of Durham Region in the eastern Greater Toronto Area. Whitby is the second-largest municipality in the region and one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada. Located on Lake Ontario and only an hour east of Toronto, the population of Whitby is expected to grow from 140,000 to more than 200,000 by 2031. Whitby’s Official Plan has been updated to establish new directions for Whitby’s planned growth and development; the protection of our natural and built environments; urban design intensification; sustainability; community improvement; and new employment within this time frame.

The Town of Whitby combines a small town atmosphere with the sophistication and amenities of a larger urban centre.  Whitby boasts two beautiful heritage downtowns, one of the finest recreational harbours with an award-winning marina, year round sports and recreation activities, parks, trails, and a robust arts and culture scene, all of which are part of the extraordinary amenities that Whitby residents enjoy every day.

Whitby has an exciting and aspiring future, with a growing and increasingly diverse community where according to 2021 Stats Canada data, 35% of residents identify as a visible minority. With a community growing and transforming, the Corporation of the Town of Whitby is committed to being a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive employer and service provider

On our team, you can expect to make a difference through your work and have a direct impact on shaping our community. Creating an inclusive environment where employees experience job satisfaction and have rewarding careers is important to us. We live our values and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, respect and engagement where people enjoy coming to work, and are valued for the experience that they bring, both personally and professionally.

We want to be the preferred employer for the most talented people who care about the Town of Whitby and are excited and proud to serve our vibrant community.

Let’s grow together.

What You Will Get to Do

The successful candidate will have a positive impact on our corporate culture by demonstrating the Town’s CARE core values (Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful, Engaged) through daily interactions with individuals at all levels of the organization, external contacts and elected officials.

By effectively building positive rapport and relationships both internally and externally, the successful candidate will help us achieve our corporate mission that together we deliver services that make a difference in our community.

Reporting to the Fire Chief, and under the direction of the Deputy Fire Chief(s) and/or Platoon Chief(s), the Probationary Fire Fighter is required to:

• work as part of a professional team;
• respond to alarms and participate in all phases of firefighting, medical responses, specialized responses (ie. hazardous materials, water/ice rescue, confined space etc.) and all other emergency operations;
• administer designated emergency medical procedures;
• complete thorough inspection and maintenance of all apparatus and equipment, including post emergency maintenance and regularly scheduled inspections and maintenance;
• safely drive and operate departmental vehicles, apparatus and equipment in compliance with provincial legislation and corporate/department guidelines and procedures;
• participate in all training sessions/programs, post fire evaluations and critical incident stress debriefings;
• successfully complete training and/or promotional examinations, as required/applicable;
• participate in all public safety education and special events as required;
• maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness and/or a healthy lifestyle; and,
• other related duties as may be assigned.

Who You Are

Our Fire & Emergency Services team is looking for an individual who is eager to embrace and model not only the Corporate core values; but also, the core values of the Whitby Fire & Emergency Services Department of Compassion, Integrity, and Excellence. With these values embedded in your everyday approach to work; you are committed to living the Department’s vision to create a culture of community safety.

You are an enthusiastic, self-motivated team player who sees the importance of respecting and embracing diversity within the community we serve and your co-workers. 

Your excellent communication and interpersonal skills allow you to connect quickly with people in an outgoing and friendly manner.  You are tactful, empathetic and treat everyone with fairness and respect.  You work diligently to provide optimal customer service to all individuals, as you genuinely care about helping people.

A high volume of work does not intimidate you.  You adapt and cope in challenging and changing situations.  You remain calm, maintain perspective and respond in a professional manner even when things are tough.   You are knowledgeable about and work in compliance with all workplace regulations, standards, and practices.  You pay attention to the details.  You foster a collaborative team environment among co-workers, and work to solve problems using relevant information to determine possible solutions.

What You Bring to Our Team

As the successful candidate, you must be legally entitled to work in Canada and possess the following qualifications:

• an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD – Grade 12) or equivalency;
• a Certification from a recognized/accredited Pre-Service Fire Fighter Training Program; or a NFPA 1001 FF1, FF2 Certificate from a recognized institution accredited by IFSAC or Pro Board (proof of certification will be required at the time of interview).
• Proof of completion of all six (6) test components through Ontario Fire Administration.  For more information, please see https://ofai.ca/ofai/assessments . 
• All costs associated with these assessments are the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test
  • Hearing Assessment
  • Vision Assessment
  • Encapsulated Treadmill Test
  • Firefighter Physical Aptitude Job – Related Tests (FPAT)
  • Firefighter Technical Skills Assessment
• a valid Swim Test from an accredited Ontario Fire testing institution. The Town of Whitby will arrange for testing dates for any top candidate who does not currently possess a valid Swim Test.
• a current Standard First Aid, CPR-C, with AED Certification (within 12 months prior to the posting closing date);
• possess a valid and unrestricted Ontario class “D” driver’s license with a “Z” air brake endorsement and a driving record that meets the Town of Whitby Corporate standard.
• a demonstrated ability to speak, read and write English fluently, and communicate clearly and precisely under demanding and high pressure conditions;
• an ability to carry out firefighting and rescue duties in a teamwork setting under hazardous physical conditions with a capacity for rapid, intense and sustained physical effort;
• a demonstrated commitment to maintaining good physical and mental health/fitness; and,
• an ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.

The following qualifications would be considered assets:

• previous work experience in a physically strenuous position such as construction, general labourer, farming etc.;
• previous Municipal work experience in firefighting, fire prevention and/or public education;
• previous experience and/or education in emergency services, trades, mechanical, large vehicle operation or other related disciplines; 
• completion of higher-level EMS First Aid and/or Medical training;
• swimming certification such as Bronze Medallion or higher; and,
• demonstrated ongoing commitment to community services involvement/charitable or volunteer work.

Selection Process

Step 1 – Posting

Vacancies will be posted on the Town of Whitby’s Careers Page. (https://whitby.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/EXT).

• Click apply on the job posting
• If this is your first time applying to the Town of Whitby:
  • Select Create Account to set up a candidate home account
  • Enter the email address and create a password
  • Verify your email if prompted

*be sure to check your email and junk regularly for any communication regarding recruitment competitions you have applied to

• When submitting your application, choose one of the following options:
  • Autofill with Resume to have Workday populate your application using your resume; or
  • Apply Manually to enter your information yourself
• Complete all required sections of the application including:
  • Personal information
  • Work experience
  • Education
  • Certifications and licenses
• Upload your resume and any additional documents required in the posting
• Answer all application and screening questions accurately and completely. All required questions are marked with a red asterisk (*)
  • Predictive Index assessment will be part of the screening questions
    • Predictive Index is a behavioural assessment
    • Link will be provided as part of your screener questions, and you will copy/click the link to complete the assessment. This assessment will be conducted on a third-party website, and it will take approximately six (6) minutes to complete.
• Review your application to ensure you have entered all required information
• Click submit to complete your application. You will receive confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted

Applicants that are selected to proceed in the recruitment process will be contacted through the email address listed on their application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to regularly check their email for any recruitment correspondence from the Town of Whitby.

To be considered all applicants must apply online by the August 9, 2026, at 11:59p.m.

Step 2 – Verification of Qualifications

Applications selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be required to provide documentation verifying qualifications identified in the “What you Bring to Our Team” section of this posting at the time of interview. Preferred qualifications may also be considered as part of the overall candidate assessment.

Step 3 – In-Person Panel Interview

Candidates who successfully complete the Verification of Qualifications will be invited to participate in an in-person panel interview

• The interview panel will consist of representatives from Whitby Fire and Emergency Services and Human Resources.
• Interview questions will be behavioural and situational in nature and will focus on your professional and personal experiences, competencies, and attributes relevant to the position.

Step 4 – Practical Assessment

Applicants selected to proceed will be invited to participate in an in-person Practical Skills assessment.

• Each session is expected to take approximately two (2) to two and on-half (2.5) hours to complete
• The assessment is based on the bona fide occupational requirements outlined in the NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and II standards.
• Candidates must perform each evolution in accordance with evaluator instruction and safety requirements
• Each evolution will have a maximum time limit of fifteen (15) minutes

Step 5 – Conditional Job Offer

Successful candidates will receive a conditional offer of employment, subject to the satisfactory completion of the following requirements:

• • Pre-employment Psychological Assessment
  • Candidates will be required to submit proof of a valid, successfully completed Swim Test from an accredited Ontario Fire testing institution.
    • The Town of Whitby will arrange for testing dates for any top candidate who do not currently possess a valid Swim Test, successful completion required
  • Valid Vulnerable Sector Check
  • A ministry of Transportation Driver’s Abstract
  • Reference Check

What We Offer You

• Salary: $74,036 per annum; in accordance with the current Collective Agreement
• A comprehensive benefits and pension program to ensure that your total compensation package addresses both your work and life needs.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

At the Town of Whitby, our values guide everything that we do. We celebrate our differences, which is why we are committed to building an inclusive and barrier-free environment for our team. If you need a specific accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will be happy to provide. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

Acknowledgement will only be forwarded to those applicants who are invited to participate in the selection process.  As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email/junk mail regularly.

We kindly ask that you do not contact Human Resources or Whitby Fire and Emergency Services regarding your application, or visit any of the Whitby Fire Stations, during the recruitment process.

Personal information provided is collected under the authority of The Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Posting Date:  Monday, July 27, 2026

Union Affiliation: I.A.F.F. Local 2036

Hours: Flex rotating shifts; currently a twenty-four (24) hour shift system which includes weekends and holidays.

Application Deadline:  Sunday, August 9, 2026