Before You Apply

Before you apply, review the Coquitlam Fire/Rescue Firefighter Application Manual (PDF).

Effective this Firefighter recruitment process, job candidates will be covering the $340 costs of the Firefighter Competency Test through BL Associates Corporate Psychologists Inc.

Please note that your psychometric test result may be applied to other BC fire department hiring processes and is valid for up to one year. If you have completed a psychometric test with BLA from another process within the past 12 months and wish to use those results for Coquitlam, please contact BLA (details below) to confirm if that your results meet the minimum threshold and are eligible to be used. Once you have received confirmation that your previous results are eligible, you will receive instructions from BLA about how to proceed. There is a $115 fee to have your test result sent to Coquitlam. Email Human Resources to advise if your test result will be coming from BLAssociates.

More about Firefighting Competency Testing can be found at blassociates.ca/information-for-applicants. To contact BLA, email their Testing Coordinator, Naomi Stinton.

If your current financial situation is an obstacle to affording the psychometric testing, please don’t let that stop you from applying. Rather, reach out to request a confidential conversation with one of our Human Resource Professionals by email. There are opportunities for limited financial subsidies on a case-by-case basis. The recruitment selection committee will not be made aware of which candidates in the process received subsidy support

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

During periods of active Firefighter recruitment campaigns, candidates are encouraged to carefully consider their qualifications against the stated requirements prior to completing and submitting their application.

Order of selection will be based on a competitive process where only those candidates that exemplify all requirements for the position (minimum and preferred qualifications) of Firefighter will be selected first.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidate under consideration will have successfully completed the following:

  • Completed Grade 12 or GED. 
  • Possess a valid Class 3 British Columbia Driver’s License with a safe driving record. 
  • EMA First Responders License (or higher) valid until January 2025 at a minimum.
  • Successfully completed NFPA 1001 Level 1 and 2 Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates have a much higher chance of being shortlisted if they possess preferred qualifications. These should be clearly demonstrated on your resume. Preferred qualifications include:

  • Successful completion of any one of the following technical courses:
    • Hazardous Materials Tech Level
    • Swift Water Tech Level
    • Technical Rope Tech Level
  • Valid Emergency Medical Responder, Primary Care Paramedic or Advanced Care Paramedic license through EMALB or a Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse in BC.
  • Successful completion of a trades qualification or relevant post-secondary degree.
  • Accumulated work experience related to the needs of the Fire Service such as paid firefighting, auxiliary firefighting, forestry firefighting and/or, paramedic experience.
  • Experience giving back to the community by volunteering and community activities.
  • Experience in the construction industry or trades is considered an asset. 
  • Ability to fluently speak languages other than English.
  • Knowledge and awareness of other cultures.
  • Committed to a lifestyle that prioritizes physical and mental well-being, including a focus on fitness and health. 
  • Committed to continuous learning.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment

Important Note

At the time of application you will be required to upload all supporting documents as one PDF file. Most printing service stores will be able to assist you to scan your paper documents into a single PDF.  Documents must be listed in the following order:

  1. Current Drivers Abstract (within last 30 days) –required.
  2. Secondary School diploma or equivalency- required
  3. Post-Secondary Program Certificate, Diploma, Degree, or Trades Qualification (Red Seal) if applicable
  4. Any completed Hazard Materials Tech Level, Confined Space Tech Level, Swift Water Tech Level, Technical Rope Tech Level or Trench Rescue Tech Level certificates if applicable.
  5. Your NFPA 1001 level 1 and 2 Pro Board/IFSAC certifications- required
  6. EMR or First Responder license and/ or certification or Current First Aid certificates - if applicable