Volunteer Firefighter (VFF)

Career Center Volunteer Firefighter (VFF) Department Fire Services Department - Support Division Location City of Kawartha Lakes, ON Apply Now Job Brief Responds to suppression and emergency call-outs and attends mandatory Fire training. Employment Status: Volunteer Firefighter Union: CUPE 5453 Open To: Internal/External Applicant(s) Closing Date: 22/05/2026 Duration (if temporary): N/A Position Summary Reporting to the District Chief and working collaboratively with the Volunteer Station Coordinator, the Volunteer Firefighter plays a vital role in protecting the safety and well-being of the community. While referred to as “volunteer”, this position is remunerated for service and carries responsibility comparable to those of full-time Firefighters. This role demands a high level of commitment, dedication, compassion, and a genuine desire to service and support the community. The Volunteer Firefighter is an integral member of the Fire Services team. Job Title: Volunteer Firefighter Wage: $26.85 per hour (2026) Reports To: District Chief, Volunteer Operations Department: Fire Services Location: City of Kawartha Lakes (multiple volunteer stations, see working locations below) Hours: Response (suppression) and Training hours Closing Date: May 22, 2026 Other: This posting is for an existing, currently open position within the Kawartha Lakes Fire Services Department. Applications will be reviewed as received. Availability to respond to suppression activities and mandatory training sessions is required on an ongoing basis. Applicants must be prepared to complete required training, including approximately 100 hours of unpaid mandatory self-directed online training and up to 180 hours of in-person recruit training. Applicants must be physically capable of performing duties that include lifting up to 30 kg as part of testing, training, and operational response. Essential Duties: Respond to suppression and emergency call-outs in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and in circumstances of extreme weather and temperature conditions. Duties on scene may include, but are not limited to the following: Wearing of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); Strenuous physical activity; Lift, carry, and set-up of equipment and materials on scene; Operation of pressure pumps and hoses; Crawling, climbing, carrying/climbing of ladders; Operation of rescue equipment; Performing salvage and ventilation work at fire and emergency scenes; Potential exposure to extremely dangerous physical hazards, entering burning or contaminated buildings, structures, and areas to perform rescues or to fight fires, wearing required clothing and safety equipment; Providing first response medical assistance to the injured; Work in a team environment in accordance with established policies, operational guidelines, the Occupational Health and Safety Act , and under the direction of supervisory staff Perform Hall duties, such as washing trucks and equipment, ensuring that equipment is in a state of readiness for response, and cleaning and maintaining gear Participate in promotional and community events, including Peer Support and Mental Health initiatives, as assigned, acting as an ambassador of Fire Services Perform other related duties as assigned Qualifications Secondary school diploma or equivalent Possess and maintain a valid Class “G” Driver’s Licence in good standing with the Province of Ontario, along with the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Class “D” Licence with “Z” endorsement within one (1) year from date of employment Completion of Pre-Service Firefighter program, or related fire or emergency training or courses is an asset Possess and maintain the physical strength and agility necessary to perform arduous work, and to competently operate firefighting/rescue equipment, and safety equipment, under all types of adverse conditions, for prolonged periods of time, lifting up to 30kgs or more in a physically demanding environment Must have a good attitude and the ability to support and project values compatible with the organization Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with effective conflict resolution skills Ability and willingness to attend required training, and to perform learned tasks and techniques used in extinguishing and prevention of fire; and in rescue operations Previous related experience and/or training, including First Aid/CPR certification is an asset Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality at all times Ability to exercise discretion and tact and to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations Effective oral communication; strong interpersonal skills; and good written communication skills to interact with members of the public, and staff Upon a verbal offer of employment, a satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search, and Driver’s Abstract, will be required Working Conditions Must be available to respond to emergency and suppression incidents as required and attend mandatory and ongoing training sessions. Response and training hours are governed by the current CUPE 5453 Collective Agreement Potential exposure to hazardous conditions, including entering burning or contaminated structures while wearing protective equipment Work Locations Volunteer Firefighters are assigned to one of the following stations within the City of Kawartha Lakes: Lindsay (Station 1): 9 Cambridge Street North, Lindsay, ON K9V 4R8 Omemee (Station 2): 14 Mary Street, Omemee, ON K0L 2W0 Bobcaygeon (Station 3): 1 Duke Street, Bobcaygeon, ON K0M 1A0 Ops (Station 4): 2571 Highway 7, Ops, ON K9V 4R2 Dunsford (Station 5): 48 Community Centre Road, Dunsford, ON K0M 1L0 Emily (Station 6): 599 Centre Line Road, Omemee, ON K0L 2W0 Bethany (Station 7): 88 Ski Hill Road, Bethany, ON L0A 1A0 Pontypool (Station 8): 287 John Street, Pontypool, ON L0A 1K0 Janetville (Station 9): 669 Janetville Road, Janetville, ON L0B 1K0 Cameron (Station 12): 16 Cameron Road, Cameron, ON K0M 1G0 Woodville (Station 14): 114 Argyle Street, Woodville, ON K0M 2T0 Kirkfield (Station 15): 16 Munroe Street, Kirkfield, ON K0M 2B0 Carden (Station 16): 12 Lake Dalrymple Road, Sebright, ON L0K 1W0 Norland (Station 17): 7481 Highway 35, Norland, ON K0M 2L0 Kinmount (Station 18): 24 Majestic Street, Kinmount, ON K0M 2A0 Coboconk (Station 19): 47 Grandy Road, Coboconk, ON K0M 1K0 Burnt River (Station 20): 186 Burnt River Road, Burnt River, ON K0M 1C0 Little Britain (Station 21): 552 Eldon Road, Little Britain, ON L0C 1K0 Fenelon Falls (Station 22): 9 John Street, Fenelon Falls, ON K0M 1N0 Applicants’ Permanent residence must be within 15 kilometers of an assigned fire station to ensure timely emergency response and meet operational response requirements. Recruitment Process Step 1: Candidates must be prepared for skill, physical and knowledge testing as apart of the recruitment process. Testing and training require lifting up to 30 kg. Step 2: Successful candidates from Step 1, Successful must complete up to 100 hours of self-directed online unpaid mandatory firefighter training prior to in-person practical training. Step 3: Recruit firefighting in-person practical training consists of up to 180 hours, delivered over scheduled weekday evenings and weekends. Dates will be confirmed throughout the process. Step 4: Upon completion of recruit training, candidates must successfully obtain NFPA 1001 Level 1, NFPA 1001 Level 2, and NFPA 472 Hazmat Operations and Awareness Certifications. Additional NFPA certifications must be obtained as outlined in Ontario Regulation 343/22 or as directed by the Fire Chief or designate. Confidentiality All employees of the City of Kawartha Lakes are required to sign and abide by the Employee Confidentiality Statement and the Code of Conduct and Ethics Value Statement of Commitment. Accommodation Accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with Ontario’s Human Rights Code ( HRC ) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act ( AODA ) and any other Federal or Provincial legislation Application Applications must be submitted online no later than May 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM: https://www.kawarthalakes.ca/community-emergency-services/fire-services/become-a-volunteer-firefighter/ For additional information regarding the Volunteer Firefighter position, including duties, qualifications, and the recruitment process, please refer to the posting link above. Back Share Apply Now