Discover the schedules, benefits, career opportunities and support that come with building a career at Richmond Fire-Rescue.
Work schedules vary depending on an employee’s role and assignment within Richmond Fire-Rescue.
Suppression firefighters work two 24-hour shifts during each eight-day rotation.
This schedule applies to Fire Prevention, Community Relations and Fire and Life Safety Education assignments.
Benefit eligibility, vacation entitlement, work schedules and employment conditions are governed by the applicable collective agreement and City of Richmond policies.
A firefighting career with Richmond Fire-Rescue includes vacation entitlement, health and welfare coverage, pension participation and work schedules designed around the operational needs of the department.
Vacation entitlement increases with years of service and is scheduled differently for employees working 24-hour suppression shifts.
Emergency services operate every day of the year, including public holidays. Suppression firefighters receive scheduled time off in lieu of the public holidays they may be required to work.
Firefighters receive a comprehensive benefit package that supports their health, wellbeing and eligible family members throughout their careers.
Eligible employees participate in British Columbia’s Municipal Pension Plan, with contributions made by both the employee and the City of Richmond.
Firefighting is demanding work. Richmond Fire-Rescue supports its firefighters with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, career development and resources designed for a long and successful career in the fire service.
A structured wage progression recognizes experience, service and advancement throughout your firefighting career.
Extended health and dental benefits help support firefighters and their eligible family members.
Participation in British Columbia’s Municipal Pension Plan helps firefighters build long-term financial security for retirement.
Vacation, statutory-holiday and leave provisions provide important time for rest, recovery, family and life outside the fire hall.
Physical and psychological wellness resources help firefighters manage the unique demands of emergency-service work.
Continued training, specialty assignments and leadership opportunities allow firefighters to keep learning and advancing.
Benefit coverage, eligibility and employment conditions are governed by the applicable collective agreement and the terms provided at the time of employment.
Find answers to common questions about careers, recruitment, qualifications and working with Richmond Fire-Rescue.
Explore answers about life as a firefighter, eligibility, recruitment testing and what to expect after you are hired.
Learn about the work, responsibilities and day-to-day realities of a career in the fire service.
Firefighting involves inherent risks. Richmond Fire-Rescue provides its firefighters with modern protective equipment, extensive training and established safety procedures to reduce the risk of injury and support safe operations.
No two shifts are exactly alike. Firefighters respond to fires, technical rescues and other emergencies while also completing training, maintaining equipment and supporting fire-prevention and public-safety activities.
The work requires teamwork, physical readiness, sound judgment and the ability to adapt quickly when conditions change.
Suppression firefighters work two 24-hour shifts during each eight-day rotation: 24 hours on duty, 24 hours off, another 24 hours on duty and then five days off.
See the How the Rotation Works section above for a complete visual breakdown.
Find information about recruitment timing, eligibility and preparing to pursue a firefighter career.
Recruitment schedules can change from year to year. Richmond Fire-Rescue normally posts current hiring information, application dates and recruitment-stage updates on its Career Firefighter page.
Eligibility and certification requirements are provided in the current firefighter hiring guide and recruitment posting. Applicants are responsible for confirming that they meet all requirements before applying.
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada and must complete the same application and recruitment process as other candidates.
Applicants are responsible for confirming that their education, licences and certifications satisfy the requirements in the current hiring guide.
Absolutely. Richmond Fire-Rescue welcomes qualified applicants from all backgrounds and strongly encourages women to pursue careers in the fire service.
Limited volunteer opportunities may be available at community events for individuals who have completed their NFPA 1001 training and are actively preparing for a firefighter career.
Availability varies throughout the year. Use the Richmond Fire-Rescue contact form to express your interest.
Learn what to expect during physical testing, interviews and the firefighter selection process.
The Fitness York Test is administered by Ascent Lifestyle Management Inc. and evaluates whether an applicant can perform the bona fide physical demands associated with firefighter duties.
The test currently includes the following components:
The interview process gives candidates an opportunity to discuss their experience, qualifications and suitability for a career with Richmond Fire-Rescue.
Candidates should be prepared to provide clear examples demonstrating teamwork, communication, sound judgment, personal accountability and the ability to respond effectively in challenging situations.
Due to the number of applicants involved in the recruitment process, Richmond Fire-Rescue may not be able to provide individual feedback to every candidate.
Candidates who continue to meet the required qualifications are encouraged to review their application, continue their professional development and apply during a future recruitment process.
Learn about compensation, probation and the transition from successful applicant to career firefighter.
Firefighter compensation follows a structured wage progression established through the applicable collective agreement.
Current probationary and first-class firefighter wage rates are provided in the active recruitment posting or firefighter hiring guide.
New firefighters complete a 12-month probationary period focused on training, operational development and learning the knowledge and skills required to become competent Richmond Fire-Rescue firefighters.
Probationary firefighters must successfully complete required evaluations to demonstrate their suitability for permanent employment.