Join our Team

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