Become a paid on-call firefighter

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Female Firefighters and Fire Prevention Captain

We are currently recruiting firefighters - apply online today!

The Municipality of North Cowichan is the largest municipality in the Cowichan Valley with fire halls located in Chemainus, Crofton, Maple Bay, and South End staffed by trained and dedicated paid on-call firefighters (POC).

North Cowichan recruits firefighters once each year in early fall.

Being a paid on-call firefighter is a rewarding but demanding role. POC firefighters are your neighbours and your coworkers, and represent all walks of life that respond 24/7 when paged to attend emergencies such as fires, motor vehicle incidents, and medical emergencies in our community.

Paid on-call firefighters are paid to attend weekly training at a one of North Cowichan’s four fire halls, and when called to respond to emergencies.

Training

Training takes place weekly at one of the fire halls:

  • Chemainus: Thursday from 7pm to 9pm
  • Crofton: Wednesday from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
  • Maple Bay: Thursday from 7pm to 9pm
  • South End: Wednesday from 7:30pm to 9:30pm

Fire training consists of theoretical and practical elements found in the National Fire Protection Associated 1001 Standard; this training is recognized nationally. Firefighters also go through Emergency Medical Assistant First Responder training and supplement BC Ambulance Service responses as required.

How to apply

Apply online

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Fire Services at 250-746-3107 or email fire@northcowichan.ca

The North Cowichan Fire Department typically conducts recruitment once a year and the number of firefighters hired may differ each year. Due to the large number of applicants, those meeting the minimum required qualifications may not automatically proceed to the next stage of the competition.

CUPE Collective Agreement

North Cowichan's paid on-call firefighters are unionized employees of the Municipality of North Cowichan represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 358.

View the Collective Agreement