Volunteer Firefighter Information

Member Application Information

Welcome to the City of Salmon Arm Fire Department paid-on-call (volunteer) firefighter recruitment and selection process. This page provides an outline of the recruitment and selection process as well as outlining the duties and responsibilities of the position of a paid-on-call (volunteer) firefighter. The City of Salmon Arm is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), however, the city maintains a policy that precludes spouses or significant others from working within the same department of the municipality.

Vacancies are filled by qualified candidates selected and appointed on the basis of education (grade 12 or equivalent preferred), experience knowledge, ability and suitability. Preferred candidates are expected to be employed full-time, be over 18 years of age, reside in Salmon Arm and have a valid BC driver's license.

The Fire Department recruitment and selection process follows an equal opportunity policy through each of its four stages. In this way, the Fire Department finds and selects the best qualified candidates to fill the firefighting ranks. All enquiries regarding the recruitment / application process should be made to:
Fire Chief Brad Shirley
Email
City of Salmon Arm Fire Department
141 Ross Street NE
P.O. Box 40
Salmon Arm BC V1E 2E9
Ph: 250.803.4060

Recruitment and Selection Procedure

  • Stage 1 – Application
  • Stage 2 – Screening and Personal Interviews
  • Stage 3 – Job-Related Fitness Training
  • Stage 4 – Completion of Recruit Training Program and Probationary Period

Stage 1 - Application

The minimum candidate standards for application are:

  • Minimum age of 18 years coupled with good physical condition
  • Have and maintain a valid BC driver's license with an acceptable driving record
  • Be employed full-time
  • Must reside in Salmon Arm

The application package includes:

  • Employment application for paid-on-call volunteer firefighter
  • Consent for disclosure of criminal record information (2 pages); must be taken to local RCMP detachment by applicant
  • Physical Fitness Medical Release.
  • Applicant must attach driver's license abstract from Service BC

The application will not be deemed to be complete unless all four elements are returned to the Fire Department Administration Office completed in full.

Other forms to be completed once successful in the interview process:

  • Semi-Annual Direct Deposit Authorization
  • Semi-Annual Income Tax Deduction
  • Hepatitis B Vaccine Program

Stage 2 - Screening and Personal Interviews

At this stage, the Fire Department will check references provided on the application forms and confirm criminal record search with the R.C.M.P. Security check and reference check will be kept strictly confidential for use by the Fire Department. Candidates successful after that process will be invited for a short interview and have an opportunity to discuss any questions they may have relating to the Fire Department.

Stage 3 - Job-Related Fitness Testing

Job-related fitness testing will be conducted at one of the fire halls as determined by the fire chief. The fitness test consists of the following:

1. Stair Climb: To ensure you can carry equipment up multi-story buildings using stairwells

  • You will have one (1) minutes to complete this task.
  • You will carry an apartment pack and hose up and down one flight of stairs three times.
  • You will start by picking up the hose bundle and placing it on your shoulder while carrying the apartment pack in your other hand.
  • A foot must land on each stair, you may not skip stairs.
  • Timing starts when you touch the bundle fold and stops when you place the bundle fold and apartment pack on the ground after the second descent.

2. Sled Drag: To simulate a rescue scenario.

  • You will have one (1) minute to complete this task.
  • You will drag a 175lb sled a total of 100 ‘
  • You’ll be moving backwards dragging the sled around a pylon and back to the starting point.
  • Drag the sled 50’ around the pylon and back to the starting point

3. Ladder Extension: To ensure you are capable of raising and lowering a ladder to maximum height.

  • You have one (1) minute to complete the task.
  • You will lift and lower a 40 lb hose roll in a controlled hand-over-hand fashion.
  • The rope cannot be wrapped around the hands and will be raised to the top of the hose tower and back to the ground. The rope canStair not slide through your hands.
  • Timing starts when you touch the rope and stops when the weight is lowered to the ground.

4. Aerial Climb: To ensure that you are comfortable at working at heights,

  • You will climb the ladder using the rungs only and do not skip rungs
  • Ascend to the top of the ladder (50’ @ 75 degrees), enter the basket
  • The platform will then be extend to full height (104ft.).
  • Return the ladder to the bed of the truck and exit the platform.

5. Hydrant Bag Carry: To ensure you can carry equipment in environments which require balance

  • You will have 30 seconds to complete the task.
  • You will be required to carry a hydrant bag in one hand and walk across the rungs of a 14 foot ladder and back without falling off.

6. Simple Maze

  • (Blacked out SCBA mask, walk perimeter of meeting room)

7. Stortz Hose Carry: To ensure you are capable of typical post-incident clean-up activities.

  • You will have 15 seconds to complete the task.
  • Lift and carry a 90-pound roll of large diameter supply line 50 feet
  • You will lift the roll from the height of a tail board of a fire truck
  • Carry the hose around the pylon and back to the truck.

NOTE:  All activities to be performed while wearing a helmet, gloves and SCBA (less face piece).

NOTE:  Candidates will be given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with all fitness testing exercises before being tested.

Stage 4 - Completion of Recruit Training and Probation

As soon as is practical upon meeting the other requirements, the candidate will be enrolled in the Salmon Arm Fire Department Recruitment Training Program. This program consists of approximately 120 hours of training. A candidate must successfully complete the Recruitment Training Program including the practical and written evaluations throughout and at the end of the training program. After the firefighter has successfully completed the Recruit Training Program a 3 month probation period must be completed. At any time in the process, actions of the candidate which are in contravention of Fire Department policy and standing orders may result in dismissal at the discretion of the fire chief.