A fully trained firefighter is a skilled professional who uses modern equipment, methods and techniques to undertake a range of activities associated with the preservation of life and property.

Each platoon, led by a Fire Officer, works as a team. As a member of a platoon, you will be required to work shift work, including evenings and weekends.

• Proven ability to interact positively with team members, customers, and those we serve.
• The physical strength and capacity for intense and sustained effort.
• Ability to carry out orders in emergencies, combined with the capacity to assess and act on his/her own initiative and/or work effectively as a part of a team.
• Practical understanding of a wide range of subjects related to fire hazards, including the ability to operate and understand the operation of mechanical equipment.
• Concern for the reduction of pain and suffering for victims of emergencies, combined with personal characteristics including loyalty, dedication, and commitment to duty.
• Ability to perform firefighting duties during extremely taxing circumstances.
• Ability to learn new concepts, teach others, and continuously improve performance.

The City of Grande Prairie is an equal opportunity employer and selects candidates on the basis of merit. We invite applications from qualified men and women.

A policy has been established whereby the applications for the position of Firefighter will be accepted within a specified time frame. The position is advertised on multiple platforms, with local media, and with fire-related schools.  

Various steps are followed in selecting applicants for the firefighter position. These take place over a number of weeks and include the following:

• Applications received and processed during the recruitment, as well as those currently on file
• Elimination of applications that do not meet the minimum requirements
• Written firefighter aptitude test (evaluation of the applicant to assess the ability to understand instruction, mechanical aptitude, judgment, and reasoning)
• Physical fitness testing based on the University of Alberta - Firefighter Assessment Guidelines
• Personal interview with hiring board
• A medical exam by Grande Prairie Fire Department Medical Director
• Security clearance (Criminal Record) by RCMP
• Reference checks

• College of the Rockies 
• Lakeland College
• JIBC- Maple Ridge
• Fire Academy Online

These are just some of the academic institutes that offer firefighter training.