How to become a firefighter in Burnaby

Required at application

Required before hire

1. 1Application reviewResume and qualifications screening.

   Burnaby accepts applications online only when a position is posted, through the City of Burnaby careers portal. There is no published annual window, so check the City careers page regularly and be ready to apply the day a posting opens.

   You must hold every required qualification before you apply: NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and II, a current EMA First Responder or Emergency Medical Responder certificate, CPR and AED certification, and a valid BC Class 3 automatic licence without restrictions plus air brake endorsement. You also need Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant status and a clean criminal record.

   The department screens resumes against these qualifications, and because of the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates are contacted. List each certificate with its issuing body and expiry date so a screener can verify your file at a glance.

   Burnaby names preferred extras: a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, high-level first aid experience, two years of work in fire-related fields such as construction or equipment operation, computer training, and post-secondary education or an apprenticeship. If you have any of these, put them where the screener will see them early.

   Department source for this stage

   Read roadmap step 7Review your Gap ListCertification tracker
2. 2InterviewShortlisted candidates are invited to interview.

   Burnaby states that shortlisted candidates are invited to interview but does not publish the format, panel makeup, or question style. Confirm the details with the department when you receive your invitation.

   Prepare behavioural examples in advance: times you worked in a team, handled conflict, stayed calm under pressure, and served the public. Use a simple structure of situation, action, and result, and keep each answer under two minutes.

   Learn the basics of the department and the city before you sit down. Be ready to explain plainly why you want to serve Burnaby specifically, not just why you want a fire job.

   Bring copies of your certificates and licence even if you uploaded them with your application. It shows you are organized and saves time if the panel asks to see them.

   Read roadmap step 11Run a mock panel interviewInterview playbook
3. 3Criminal record check

   A clean criminal record is a stated requirement for Burnaby, and the department runs a check at this stage and again later alongside medical testing. Anything on your record can end your candidacy, so treat this stage seriously.

   If something might appear on your check, disclosure before the check is generally received far better than a surprise afterward. Raise it with the department early rather than hoping it goes unseen.

   Keep your government photo ID current and complete any consent paperwork promptly so your own file is never the reason the process slows down.

   Department source for this stage

   Read roadmap step 10Draft your PHSBuild your experience logbook
4. 4Orientation program8 days: department introduction, physical test preparation, the physical abilities test, then fire station ride-alongs.

   The orientation runs 8 days and is the heart of Burnaby's process. Days 1 and 2 introduce the department and basic firefighting techniques, day 3 walks you through exactly what the physical abilities test will look like, and day 4 is the test itself.

   You must submit a medical clearance certificate before this round, so book your physician visit as soon as you are invited rather than leaving it to the last week.

   Arrive already fit enough to pass. Day 3 explains the test but is not a training program, so build your work capacity beforehand with loaded carries, stair work under load, grip endurance, and steady cardio.

   Days 5 to 8 place you in a fire station, where you learn from the officer-in-charge, may ride along to emergency calls, and help carry and pack away equipment. Treat every hour as part of your assessment: arrive early, ask good questions, and take direction well.

   Department source for this stage

   Read roadmap step 14Academy preparation guideStart a fitness program
5. 5Criminal record check and medical testing

   Burnaby repeats the criminal record check and adds medical testing as a final suitability step. Keep your record clean through the entire process; a new incident between checks can end an otherwise strong file.

   The department does not publish what the medical testing covers or whether there is a cost, so confirm the details with the department when you reach this stage.

   General preparation still helps: bring your medical clearance paperwork, know your own health history and medications, and arrive rested for any testing day.

   Department source for this stage

   Read roadmap step 10Draft your PHSBuild your experience logbook
6. 6Fire Chief interviewFinal assessment stage.

   Burnaby describes this as an essential final step where the Chief interviews you to learn about your knowledge, skills, and abilities. The department's own published advice is direct: prepare well.

   Draw on your orientation. Speak specifically about what you learned in the station, on ride-alongs, and through the physical test, and connect it to why you fit this department.

   Review your earlier interview answers so your story stays consistent, and be ready to go deeper on motivation, values, and long-term commitment.

   Successful candidates move on to a 9-week basic training course covering areas such as hose handling, forcible entry, live fire training, and mental health and resiliency. Show the Chief you understand and are ready for that commitment.

   Department source for this stage

   Read roadmap step 11Run a mock panel interviewInterview playbook