Firefighter

The City of Grande Prairie is a vibrant and growing regional center in Alberta’s Peace Country. With a strong sense of community, access to year-round outdoor recreation, and a high quality of life, Grande Prairie is a place where people can build both meaningful careers and full lives.

We are committed to delivering exceptional public service and supporting those who serve our community.

The Opportunity

The Grande Prairie Fire Department is recruiting career Firefighters to join our professional, full‑service fire department. This competition is open to both:

• New firefighters beginning their careers, and
• Experienced firefighters seeking new opportunities in a progressive, well‑equipped department.

GPFD firefighters respond to a wide range of emergencies, including structure and wildland fires, medical co-responses, motor vehicle collisions, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescue operations.
We support our members with modern apparatus, evidence‑based training, and a culture that values professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Who We Are

The Grande Prairie Fire Department provides 24/7 emergency response, fire suppression, fire prevention, training, and public safety services through multiple fire stations across the city. Our operations encompass:

• Structural and wildland firefighting
• Medical co-response
• Technical rescue
• Hazardous materials response
• Motor vehicle collision response
• Dedicated emergency communications and dispatch services

A strong organizational structure supports frontline operations through integrated leadership, prevention, training, logistics, and administration. Standardized procedures, modern technology, and a risk‑based approach ensure firefighter safety and operational consistency.

As Grande Prairie continues to grow, GPFD remains focused on maintaining effective response capability, adapting to emerging risks, and delivering high‑quality emergency services to the community.

What You Bring

Successful candidates demonstrate:

• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic operational environment
• Dedication to physical and mental fitness
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset
• A genuine desire to serve and support the community

Career Growth at GPFD

A career with GPFD offers opportunities to grow and specialize over time. Firefighters may pursue development in areas such as Fire Suppression, Fire Prevention, Training, or Logistics.

This posting is intended to fill:

• Two (2) permanent firefighter positions

It may also be used to establish eligibility lists for future vacancies.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• NFPA 1001 – Firefighter Level I and II
• ACP-recognized EMR program and/or a recognized minimum 80-hour Advanced First Aid Certificate
• Valid Alberta Class 3 & 4 Driver’s License with Air Brake (Q) endorsement, or equivalent
• High School Diploma or equivalent

Applicants who are in the process of completing required certifications must provide proof of registration from the certifying agency, including start and anticipated completion dates. Final certification documents must be submitted upon completion.

Experience Recognition (For Experienced Firefighters)

GPFD welcomes applications from experienced IAFF firefighters.
Firefighters hired from another IAFF department who hold a recognized 3rd, 2nd, or 1st Class Firefighter classification will receive salary placement consistent with the Collective Agreement.

Compensation & Benefits

• Wage placement in accordance with the IAFF Local 2770 Collective Agreement
• Participation in the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP)
• Fire-specific supplemental pension plan
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including short-term counselling, legal and financial services, career and nutrition supports, and a total wellbeing assessment
• Health and Wellness Spending Account
• Enhanced mental health supports, including peer support and access to a mental health psychologist

Hourly Wages (IAFF Local 2770)

• Probationary Firefighter: $39.32/hour
• 3rd Class Firefighter: $44.56/hour
• 2nd Class Firefighter: $49.81/hour
• 1st Class Firefighter: $52.43/hour

Hours of Work

Firefighters work an average of 42 hours per week and currently follow a 24-hour shift schedule.

Firefighters with the lowest seniority will be considered flex firefighters and may have their schedule changed with less than 24 hours to meet operational needs.

Selection Process

The selection process includes multiple stages. Applicants must carefully follow all instructions when submitting their application. Short-listed candidates will be contacted by email.

Applicants should expect to travel to Grande Prairie, Alberta for portions of the selection process.

Selection steps include:

1. Online application submission
2. Application screening and short-listing
3. Aptitude testing
4. Online interview
5. Job-specific fitness testing (task evaluations, treadmill test, swimming proficiency test, and acrophobia test)
6. In-person interview
7. Station assessment
8. Medical assessment
9. Security clearance (Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector)

All communication will occur through the Startdate application platform. Please monitor your email, including junk/spam folders.

Posting Details

• Posting closes: November 27, 2026
• This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies
• Multiple positions may be filled from this competition

Due to the high volume of applications received, job-specific questions cannot be addressed prior to the interview stage.