Recruitment
Sooke Fire Rescue is a composite department made up of seven (7) career personnel: Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, two Captains, and three Firefighters. These career members augment the Paid On-Call Firefighters, and the Fire Incident Support Team (FIST).
The Sooke Fire Rescue Department strives to maintain a roster of 45 Paid On-Call members, and welcomes a diverse array of skills and experience to the team. If you enjoy helping people, appreciate continuous learning and are physically fit, we invite you to apply for a position as a Paid On-Call Firefighter. Firefighters must be 18 years old by the time the probationary period commences (can be 17 during recruit training months).
Becoming a Paid On-Call Firefighter
Looking to serve your community and be a part of a rewarding team? The District of Sooke hosts a Paid On-Call (POC) Firefighter Recruit Information Session in August each year – and residents of Sooke interested in joining are invited to attend.
The session will provide information about Sooke Fire Rescue Department, the application process, and the recruit school experience. The opportunity exists to ask questions and meet fellow potential applicants.
The application deadline to apply for the 2023-2024 Recruit Class is September 8, 2023. Application documents include:
- volunteer application form;
- criminal record check;
- driver’s abstract, copy of driver’s license (front and back), and;
- proof of education (copies of certificates and/or credentials).
The application process involves the submission of a complete application package, an interview, a written aptitude test and an agility test. Once welcomed to the team, Paid On-Call Firefighters benefit from a robust and comprehensive training program that runs throughout the year on Thursday nights, with additional training opportunities offered over weekends as interests and abilities progress. A number of fun activities and team-building events are planned throughout the year that members’ families are welcome to participate in.
Frequently Asked Questions
POC firefighters are your neighbours, your co-workers and your friends. They are men and women in all walks of life that live close to you and respond 24/7 when paged to deal with the emergencies in our community. They are people of all ages, races and backgrounds. They are people who choose to give to our community.
- Resident of the District of Sooke
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Drivers’ license; access to a vehicle, and a driving record that demonstrates safe and responsible driving
- At least 18 years of age
- Police Information Check clearance
- Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 driver’s license
- Air brake endorsement
- Previous fire or emergency services experience
- Fire-related courses, such as NFPA 1001 Level II, NFPA 1002, NFPA 472, NFPA 1051
- Post-secondary education
- Technical or trade certificate
- First aid training
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work well as a team player
- Application Form completed in full and submitted by the September 9, 2022 deadline
- Copies of education certificates
- Drivers Abstract from ICBC
- Copy of Drivers License (front/back)
- Police Information Check
- Resume and Cover Letter
POC firefighters are paid an hourly wage when called to respond to emergencies and to attend weekly training sessions.
Learn more and watch the recruiting video here:
Contact:
Sooke Fire Department
Email: fire.recruitment@sooke.ca
Phone: 250.642.5422