The Municipality of North Cowichan (population 32,000) is located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Southern Vancouver Island, between Nanaimo and Victoria. Our communities of Chemainus, Crofton, Maple Bay, and the South End are home to a multitude of artistic, cultural and outdoor recreational activities. North Cowichan has four Fire Halls located in these four communities which are entirely staffed by paid-on-call, trained and dedicated Firefighters.

The North Cowichan Fire Department, led by the Municipality's Fire Chief and two Deputy Chiefs with each Fire Hall having a Station Chief, Deputy Station Chief, Captains, and regular Firefighters. In addition to being employed at their regular jobs, our dedicated paid on call Firefighters work hard to keep North Cowichan protected. After mandatory training is completed, our Firefighters are issued a pager and firefighting gear in order to respond to their assigned Fire Hall. Fire Training consists of theoretical and practical elements found in the National Fire Protection Associated 1001 standard; this training is recognized nationally. Members also go thru First Responder medical training and supplement BC Ambulance responses as required.

Paid-on-call Firefighters are paid for attending practices, callouts and duty weekends. Practices are held once a week and usually last a few hours. Duty crew weekends, which occur once every four weeks, you are required to spend approximately 3-4 hours at the Station maintaining equipment, training and providing regulatory checks as part of your scheduled duty weekend. Callouts may occur any time during the week, day and night.

Required Skills, Qualifications, and Abilities:

1. At least 19 years of age
2. Junior firefighters are acceptable after meeting with the Fire Chief at 16 years of age
3. Resident of North Cowichan
4. Current Class 5 non-restricted driver's license provided with resume
5. Driving record that demonstrates safe and responsible driving behavior
6. Must pass a medical assessment.
7. Must pass a criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check
8. Must be able to attend all scheduled training sessions
9. Must work well with others and be able to function in the dynamic and fast paced emergency services environment
10. Must be in good physical condition and able to successfully complete an agility test
11. Complete a basic multiply question written Exam
12. Interview with Fire Chiefs from the Department

Considered an Asset:

• Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 driver's license
• Air brake endorsement
• Fire related courses, such as NFPA 1001 Level II, NFPA 1002, NFPA 472
• Post-secondary education
• Technical or trade certificate
• Advanced first aid training
• Previous fire or emergency services experience
• Ability to respond to daytime emergencies

Paid On-Call Firefighter Benefits:

• Paid, accredited training (e.g. NFPA 1001, CPR, Class 3 Licence, Airbrake Endorsement, Live Fire Training, First responder medical training)
• Equipment and gear provided
• Membership into firefighter's social club and use of amenities
• Invitation to annual banquets
• Free counseling services for firefighters and immediate family
• The opportunity to be part of a team of people serving the community

This is a unionized position (CUPE Local 358) and the collective agreement may be viewed on our website.

Wages for the Paid On-Call Firefighter position are outlined in the Collective Agreement. As per the current agreement, the wage range as of January 2025 for a Level 1 Paid On-Call Firefighter is $18.54 per hour for months 1-6 (during probation) and $22.37 per hour beginning at month 7. Please refer to the Collective Agreement for the full schedule of wages and additional details.

Candidates being considered will be required to undergo a comprehensive evaluation of skills, qualifications, and abilities. The successful candidate must pass security clearance levels as established by the RCMP.

District of North Cowichan is looking to increase membership with Paid on call firefighter at the Crofton Fire Station. Please identify your residential address or Station you are applying for on your application. Please note, your residence must be in the same community as the Station you are applying for.