WE PROVIDE THE TRAINING: YOU PROVIDE THE COMMITMENT
The Central Saanich Fire Department is now recruiting Paid On Call (POC) firefighters.
Paid On Call firefighters are trained professionals who respond to emergencies on an on call basis, playing a vital role in keeping Central Saanich safe. The department provides comprehensive professional training and operational support. We are looking for individuals who bring commitment, value teamwork, and are able to respond when available in support of their community.
JOIN US FOR OUR NO OBLIGATION INFORMATION SESSION – AUGUST 10
The Central Saanich Fire Department is hosting a free, no obligation Paid On Call Firefighter Information Session for anyone interested in learning more about the role. You’ll hear what Paid On Call firefighters do, how training and on call response work, and what the commitment looks like in real life.
We encourage families and partners to attend. Even when one person joins the fire department, it’s a family commitment — built on understanding, support, and balance. This session is a chance for everyone to ask questions, hear honest answers, and decide together whether this role fits your life.
Date: Monday, August 10, 2026 Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Central Saanich Fire Department
No experience required — everyone is welcome.
Application Requirements:
Resident within the District of Central Saanich
High school diploma or equivalent
Drivers’ license; access to a vehicle, and a driving record that demonstrates safe and responsible driving
At least 19 years of age as of January 1, 2026
Police Information Check clearance
Beneficial Attributes:
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, NFPA 1002, NFPA 1051
Post-secondary education
Technical or trade certificate
First aid training
Capacity to respond to daytime emergencies
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to work well as a team player
Paid On Call firefighters live in the community they serve and provide emergency response on an on-call basis. Members respond when they are available, supporting public safety in Central Saanich while balancing work, family, and everyday life. This compensated position offers professional training and ongoing skills development as part of a dedicated response team. We are seeking individuals who bring commitment, value teamwork, and are able to participate in training and respond when circumstances allow.
Paid On Call firefighting isn’t about having prior experience — it’s about having the right mindset. We’re looking for people who show up ready to learn, follow through on commitments, and work well as part of a team. Professional skills can be taught through training; attitude, reliability, and teamwork are what make that training effective in real world situations.
Paid On Call firefighters come from a wide range of backgrounds and balance work, family, and everyday life. What connects them is a shared approach: taking the role seriously, supporting one another, and being ready to contribute when they’re able.
If you value teamwork, can be counted on, and want to serve your community in a meaningful way, this role may be a good fit.
Central Saanich's Paid On Call firefighters receive professional, structured training designed to prepare them for real world emergency response. Our training focuses on practical skills, decision making, and teamwork so members are ready to respond safely and effectively when emergencies occur.
This role is suited to community members who are willing to invest in training, work as part of a team, and respond when they are available — recognizing that members must balance work, family, and other commitments. The result is a locally based response model built on preparation, readiness, and professionalism.
Training includes:
Regular training sessions (typically evenings)
Hands-on learning and skill practice
Ongoing development as part of a team
Our Paid On Call firefighters balance training, on call availability, and everyday life — with support from employers, families, and the department. Members respond when they are available, allowing them to contribute in a meaningful way while maintaining commitments outside the fire service.
Recruit training is structured and fast paced, and can feel demanding while you’re learning new skills and routines. Throughout the process, you’ll have support from the department and your training team as you build confidence and competency. Once recruit training is complete, the schedule becomes more predictable and generally easier to balance.
Many Paid On Call firefighters work full time, attend school, or raise families while serving their community. This flexible service model makes a real impact by ensuring trained, local responders are ready to support public safety when emergencies occur.
We are a close-knit team working toward a shared goal: protecting our community. Training together, responding together, and supporting one another are what make this model work.
Whether members respond frequently or when they’re able, every contribution matters. Paid On Call firefighters bring different backgrounds, skills, and availability — united by teamwork, trust, and a commitment to public safety.
Being part of the fire service means more than responding to emergencies. It means belonging to a team with a shared purpose, where everyone plays a role in ensuring the community is ready when it matters most.
Paid On Call firefighting is a physically demanding role, and physical readiness is an important part of doing the job safely.
The Central Saanich Fire Department provides structured, progressive training designed to build strength, endurance, and confidence over time. Training focuses on functional, real-world skills that prepare members to respond safely and effectively in emergency situations.
What we’re looking for is a willingness to train, commit to the process, and maintain personal fitness. With dedication and consistent effort, members develop the physical readiness needed to support emergency response — while balancing work, family, and everyday life.
Step 1: No Obligation Information Session Information Session: August 10 | 6:00 p.m., Central Saanich Fire Department
Step 2: Apply Application deadline: September 10
Step 3: Application Review September 10-12 Applications are reviewed to ensure eligibility requirements are met.
Step 4: Testing & Assessments Psychometric testing: September 17 Recruit Assessment Day: September 26 | 8:00 a.m.
Step 5: Interviews and Selection Interviews, final selection and notification: October 5-9
Step 7: Recruit Class Orientation October 21 | 6:00 p.m.
Step 8: Recruit Class Training Training begins in November and continues through June. Training includes evenings and weekend sessions, as well as scheduled evaluations. Training dates include:
November: Nov 6–8, 13–15 (Fri 6:00–9:00 p.m.) Nov 20–22, 27–29 (Sat/Sun 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
January: Jan 3–4, 9–10, 23–24 (7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
February: Feb 6–7 and 20–21 (7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
March: Mar 6–7 and 20–21 (7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
April: Apr 3–4 and 17–18 (7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
May: May 1–2, 15–16 and 29–30 (7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
June: Jun 12–13 and 26–27 (7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
Additional evaluations may be scheduled as required.
Application Form
Copies of education certificates
Drivers abstract from ICBC
Copy of Drivers License (front/back)
Police Information Check
Resume and cover letter
Contact Information:
Email: fdadmin@csaanich.ca Phone: 250.544.4238 Visit: Central Saanich Fire Department, 1512 Keating Cross Road, Saanichton, BC, V8M 1W9.
