Paid On Call Firefighters

Applications Closed

We are not accepting applications for Paid On Call Firefighters at this time.

Welcome to View Royal Fire Rescue

View Royal Fire Rescue is proud of the high level of service we provide to our community and the key role we play in protecting the West Shore and supporting our regional partners.

Every member of our department contributes to emergency response, fire prevention, public education, training, and community safety. We are committed to meeting the needs of a growing and diverse community while maintaining the professionalism and reputation that our residents expect.

This guide outlines who we are, what we expect from Paid On Call firefighters, and how to apply.

About View Royal Fire Rescue

View Royal Fire Rescue is a composite department consisting of:
• 3 Chief Officers (Management)
• 12 Career Firefighters (IAFF)
• 14 Paid On Call Firefighters
• 1 FireSmart Coordinator
• 1 Administrative Assistant

We respond to approximately 1,200 calls per year.

Our response area is diverse and operationally complex. It includes:
• Highway corridors and major transportation routes
• Residential neighbourhoods
• Commercial and light industrial properties
• Thetis Lake Regional Park and surrounding wildland interface areas
• Marine environments and shoreline access

We work closely with our West Shore partners and Esquimalt Fire Rescue through automatic aid and mutual aid agreements. Members can expect to respond alongside neighbouring departments on structure fires, wildland incidents, technical rescues, and large-scale emergencies.

Our all-hazards response model includes:
• Structural firefighting
• Wildland and interface firefighting
• Motor vehicle rescue and extrication
• Marine and water rescue
• Hazardous materials response
• Medical first response
• Fire prevention and inspections
• Public education
• Emergency management and disaster response

Our Mission

View Royal Fire Rescue is committed to providing the highest level of life and property protection with caring professionalism through effective training, fire prevention, public education, emergency response, rescue services, and emergency management.

Our Values and Expectations

Joining View Royal Fire Rescue is a significant commitment. We are looking for individuals who
understand that being a firefighter is about more than responding to emergencies.

We expect members to:
• Demonstrate integrity and professionalism on and off duty
• Protect the reputation of the department
• Maintain the trust of the community
• Work effectively as part of a team
• Accept feedback and pursue continuous improvement
• Commit to ongoing training and skill development

Paid On Call firefighters represent our department at incidents, during public events, and in daily
interactions with the community. Reliability and accountability are essential.

Time Commitment and Scheduling

Paid On Call firefighters at View Royal Fire Rescue work assigned 12-hour shifts.
Members are required to:
• Commit to a minimum of four (4) shifts per month
• Remain at the fire hall for the duration of their assigned shift
• Participate in scheduled training and onboarding requirements

Shifts are scheduled in advance. Members select and are assigned shifts through the department’s scheduling system. Once assigned, members are expected to fulfill their commitment or arrange appropriate coverage in accordance with department policy.

This model ensures predictable staffing levels and allows Paid On Call members to balance fire service with other employment or personal commitments.

Compensation

Paid On Call firefighters receive compensation for their participation with our department.
Compensation is provided for scheduled duty shifts, required training, and emergency call backs.

Rates are established by the Town and are based on a number of factors, including time served, qualifications, certifications, and successful completion of internal training benchmarks.

Additional compensation may apply for approved training, special assignments, or responses outside of scheduled shifts, in accordance with department policy.

Onboarding and Training Process

All successful applicants must complete a structured onboarding program before being cleared for operational duty.

Initial Training Phase:
• Eight weeks of weekend-based recruit training
• Expectation is that recruits attend the majority of scheduled sessions
• Focus on safety, core firefighting skills, equipment use, department procedures, and team
integration

Ride-Along Phase:
• Approximately four (4) night shift ride-alongs
• Supervised operational exposure
• Evaluation by officers and senior members

The initial onboarding phase, including weekend training and ride-alongs, is not compensated.
Successful completion of onboarding is required before assignment to regular Paid On Call shifts.
Ongoing training is mandatory. Members are expected to attend scheduled drills and maintain
competency in all required disciplines, including structural firefighting, wildland response, medical first response, and specialty operations relevant to our response area.

Who Should Apply

We are seeking individuals who:
• Are physically fit and capable of performing demanding work
• Thrive in team-based environments
• Remain calm under pressure
• Are available and willing to commit to scheduled shifts
• Live or work within a reasonable response distance to the fire hall
• Demonstrate maturity, reliability, and sound judgment

Prior fire service or emergency services experience is an asset but not required. We value diverse backgrounds including trades, mechanical experience, medical training, leadership roles, and community involvement.

Minimum/Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applications will be screened to ensure the following qualifications have been met:

• Grade 12 diploma or GED equivalent
• Canadian citizenship, permanent resident, or landed immigrant status (work visa not accepted)
• Current Driver’s Abstract (dated within 30 days of application deadline; more than 6 points may disqualify)
• Valid BC Emergency Medical Assistance Licensing Board (EMALB) License in one of the
following:

o First Responder (FR) with schedule two endorsements
o Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
o Primary Care Paramedic (PCP)
o Advance Care Paramedic (ACP)

• NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I & II (IFSAC or ProBoard seals)
• Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector clearance

Preferred Qualifications and Attributes:

These additional skills and experience will enhance your application but do not replace the required qualifications:

• Valid Class 3 Driver’s License with air brake endorsement or equivalent for vehicles with more
that two axles (automatic transmission is accepted). Equivalent licenses from other Canadian
provinces or territories are acceptable.
• Advanced fire service training (hazmat, auto extrication, rope rescue, confined space, water/ice rescue)
• Post-secondary education (academic or trades)
• Paramedic licensing (PCP/ACP)
• Volunteer, military, or other emergency services experience
• Mechanical, construction, or heavy equipment operator experience
• Coaching, teaching, or instructional background
• Community service or volunteerism
• Second language proficiency and cultural awareness
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment

For More Information

Inquiries regarding the Paid-On-Call Firefighter program or the application process can be directed to Assistant Chief, Kris Malinosky at 250-479-7322 or via email at kmalinosky@viewroyal.ca.

Previous Recruitments

2026 Paid-On-Call Firefighter Application Guide