Competition is closed

Fire and EMS services from Strathcona County, St. Albert and the City of Spruce Grove have joined efforts to conduct a regional recruitment campaign. Qualified candidates interested in working for a fully integrated fire and EMS service will have the opportunity to submit their resume during the active recruitment.

The joint recruit competition runs from March 1 to 31, 2022. Resumes are being only accepted during this time. 

Please note: information collected through this recruitment including results of testing will be shared between Strathcona County, St. Albert and the City of Spruce Grove and their delegates. 

APPLY TODAY

You will be taken to St. Albert's website to upload your application.

Considering a career as a firefighter/paramedic?

A career with a fully integrated fire and emergency medical service (EMS) service is exciting, fulfilling, diverse and challenging. We are ready to respond to any emergency 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Dedicated teams of emergency services professionals (from Strathcona County, St. Albert and City of Spruce Grove) save lives and protect property by responding quickly and effectively. If you thrive on teamwork, want to help those in need, and have a desire to contribute to your community, consider applying today. 

Complete a self-evaluation questionnaire. (43.6 KB)

Things to consider before applying

Before you submit your firefighter application, take the time to learn all you can about the job and requirements. Familiarize yourself with the job tasks and the different steps in the selection process. Do your homework; better to be over prepared than unprepared.

• Although exciting, this is also a dangerous job. You may be exposed to many hazardous conditions, loud noises, and contaminants, and have to work in extreme temperatures.
• You need to be prepared to travel (if required) to complete various testing events. It is not always possible to participate in multiple tests in one trip.
• A commitment to maintaining a daily fitness regime and monitoring your personal wellness is essential to ensuring personal safety and longevity. Make sure you have the strength, stamina and cardiovascular conditioning required to take on the physical challenges of this career.
• Ethical behaviour and accountability must be part of your nature. Taking responsibility for and ownership of your actions is vital to success in the hiring process.
• An ability to carry out orders at emergencies, combined with the capacity to assess and act on own initiative and/or work effectively as part of a team.
• Job fit is one of many critical factors considered in our decision making processes. Successful completion of all steps in the process does not ensure a job offer.
• You must be able to follow and act on complex oral and written instructions; you will be evaluated on these skills throughout our assessments.
• A practical understanding of a wide range of subjects related to fire, rescue, dangerous goods and EMS, including the ability to operate and understand the operation of mechanical equipment
• Your demeanour and input throughout the selection process are taken into consideration as part of the final hiring decision.

Duties of a Firefighter. (57.7 KB)

Minimum qualifications for applying

You must meet ONE of the following minimum qualifications on the date you submit your application. Proof of registration must be provided upon application.  

• Registered Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) 
• Registered Primary Care Paramedic (PCP)  

Additional requirements:

• Hold a valid Class 4 drivers licence. A valid Class 3 drivers licence and Air Brake (Q) endorsement must be completed by start date and is a condition of employment.  This will be provided in the form of a driver's abstract demonstrating a satisfactory driving record with six demerits or fewer. 
• Have the ability to successfully obtain, and maintain, a vulnerable sector police information check (required upon offer and is a condition of employment). 
• Ability to pass physical and medical standards, including eyesight and audible, as outlined in the NFPA standard. 

Please refer to this document for pre-existing medical conditions which would be considered disqualifying. (126.6 KB)  

NOTE: Out of province applicants with provisional registration with the Alberta College of Paramedics (pursing a Labour Mobility application) may be considered, full registration is required by the date of the interview. 

The following qualifications are preferred, but not mandatory: 

• NFPA 1001 – Level I & II certification 
• Emergency medical/fire response work experience 
• Current ITLS certification. 
• Current PALS certification. 
• Current ACLS certification

Successful candidates will receive training for NFPA 1001. Dependent on the department, successful applicants that have their PCP and NFPA 1001 will be given training to become a certified Advanced Care Paramedic.

The following attributes would be considered an asset:

• Reported completing additional education such as a college diploma, university degree, journeyman certificate, etc. 
• Completion of post-secondary education and/or trades certifications.
• Building construction, mechanics, welding, plumbing, electrical, pipe fitting, or other skilled trades.
• Use of hydraulic systems/tools, pumps, self-contained breathing apparatus, and/or communications equipment.
• Operating heavy-duty equipment.
• Driving tandem-axle vehicles using Class 1, 2, or 3 licences.
• Teaching or instruction.
• Life saving, rescue, etc.
• Participation in a Cadet Program (Fire, Sea, Air, Army, etc.)
• Community involvement or volunteering.

Recruiting timelines

This process usually takes six months to complete with the following steps:

• Competition opens – March 1, 2022
• Closing date – March 31, 2022
• Aptitude/Knowledge test – April 2022. A two hour in person test that measures candidates’ understanding of oral, reading and written information, numerical skills, maps, diagrams, mechanical reasoning and teamwork/public relations. Candidates are assigned to one time slot on one of the days.
• Physical agility exam – May 2022. The candidate is responsible for paying for the cost.
• Medical knowledge testing - June 2022. Candidate attends only one day during this time frame. This is an in-depth written exam coupled with a circuit of short (the usual is five to 10 minutes) stations, in which each candidate is examined at a one-on-one basis.
  • Each station has a different examiner and candidates rotate through the stations, completing all the stations on their circuit. During each station, candidates will be requested to provide clinical assessments and review the potential differential diagnosis and possible treatments.
• Behavioural based interviews – June 2022. Responses given in a "targeted selection" interview are collected using the S.T.A.R. format.
  • Interviewees should be prepared to answer questions the following way - Situation/Task (what was the circumstance or what needed to be done); Action (what did you do?); Result (what happened or what feedback did you receive?).
• Conditional offer of employment – July 2022.
• Pre-employment medical assessment and drug screening – July/August 2022. The medical assessment is a condition of employment and is a general physical, ensuring candidates meet the requirements and physical demands of firefighting.
• Anticipated start date – August 29, 2022

Please note that all dates are subject to change.

Collective bargaining agreements

• Collective Agreement with Strathcona County and IAFF Local 2461
• Collective Agreement with City of Spruce Grove and IAFF Local 3021
• Collective Agreement with St. Albert and IAFF Local 2130

Common questions and answers