Want to be a FireRanger?

Fighting forest fires in Ontario is a great job, if you're cut out for it. Not everybody is. There are some realities about this line of work that you should be aware of - it is physically demanding and it can be exhausting; living in a tent in the bush for weeks at a time and cooking for yourself, is no picnic.

On the other hand, it can be one of the most rewarding and satisfying jobs you'll ever undertake, which might be why so many people apply. There are two other realities you must be aware of - nobody gets a job fighting forest fires in this province unless they have been trained and certified and successfully completing the training is not a guarantee that you will get a job. There are no guarantees.

Training and How to Apply

Ontario FireRangers have an international reputation as highly trained and experienced fire managers and firefighters protecting Ontario against the threat of wildfires. As well as protecting Ontario's families, communities and private property from forest fires, MNR fire staff have also been deployed to many other locations. When not fighting forest fires, staff are involved in resource management, training, equipment maintenance, fire prevention and fire detection.

Training:

What do I need to be hired in an entry-level forest firefighter position with the MNR?

1. Successful completion of the SP100 Basic Forest Firefighter Training Program
2. Standard First Aid (St. John's, Red Cross or equivalent)
3. Canadian Physical Performance Exchange Standard for Type 1 Wildland Firefighters (WFX-FIT)

The following training is NOT needed if seeking an entry-level forest firefighter position with the MNR. If hired, you will be provided with on-the-job training since the MNR must provide this training internally for you to be certified:

1. Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS)
2. Transportation of Dangerous Goods
3. Chainsaw Training
4. Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Training (WDHP)

The MNR will recognize the following training program delivered from an external source:

1. Radiotelephone Operator's Restricted Certificate (Aeronautical)

How to Apply:

Applications are accepted from November 1st - April 15th. Hiring usually occurs between February and May.

Even if you haven't completed all your training, you can still apply.

If you are seeking a FireRanger crew position, we strongly encourage you to use our on-line application form. Simply complete the form on-line and hit the "Submit" button. Your application will be electronically filed and can be viewed at all of the locations you are applying for. You can re-enter your application at anytime to update it.  For example, you can enter when you are scheduled for the mandatory training or when you have completed the mandatory training.  But remember, you must complete all the mandatory training to be eligible to be hired.

Select on-line application form

If you are applying for a FireRanger crew position by mail, you should follow the process below:

Print the on-line application form

Send your application to:

Dryden Fire Management Centre
P.O. Box 850
95 Ghost Lake Road
Dryden, Ontario
P8N 2Z5

Attention: Applications Officer
 

Phone: (807) 937-4402
Fax: (807) 937-7327