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 community that is welcoming, growing and transforming. On our team, you can expect to make a difference through your work and have a direct impact on shaping our growing 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.
The Town of Whitby is a hybrid organization. This means staff are empowered to do their best work from various locations, as appropriate for the position.
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.
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.
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.
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).
When submitting your application, choose one of the following options:
Complete all required sections of the application including:
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 (*)
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 - Verifications 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.
Valid Vulnerable Sector Check
A ministry of Transportation Driver’s Abstract
Reference Check
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.
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.
Hybrid information:
Frontline
Hours:
Flex rotating shifts; currently a twenty-four (24) hour shift system which includes weekends and holidays.
Closing Date:
August 9, 2026
Vacancy Statement: Unless specifically stated, all job postings at the Town of Whitby are to fill existing vacancies within our organization.
Our commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Antiracism
At the Town of Whitby, we view holistic inclusion as the pathway to achieving healthy relationships, inclusive excellence and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We acknowledge our history—the good and the bad, promote social justice and address discrimination and inequities. We strive to create a workplace that encourages you to always bring your authentic self to work.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Town of Whitby is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Accommodation
The Town of Whitby is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request.
We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
The Town of Whitby confirms that artificial intelligence (AI) will not be used in the screening, assessment, or selection process for this position.
Personal information provided is collected under the authority of The Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
