About the position
DutiesThe Platoon Chief (FR-03) provides command and control at emergency incidents until relieved by a higher authority, directing firefighting, hazardous materials response, medical emergencies, technical rescues, water rescues, vehicle and aircraft extractions, and marine emergencies. When relieved, the incumbent assumes responsibility for a designated sector or operational function.
The position supervises and participates in emergency response operations and standby fire protection services for high-risk activities, including welding, roofing, aircraft and ship fuelling operations, ammunition transfers, demolitions, live-fire exercises, and air operations.
The Platoon Chief is responsible for training and developing firefighters in areas such as fire suppression, rescue techniques, first aid, hazardous materials response, nuclear/radiological incidents, shipboard firefighting, ammunition and explosives incidents, and wildland fire operations.
The role also oversees the inspection, testing, maintenance, and operational readiness of fire protection systems, alarm and evacuation systems, emergency vehicles, and specialized firefighting and rescue equipment. This includes operating and maintaining emergency vehicles and technical equipment such as breathing apparatus, hydrants, hoses, extinguishers, generators, rescue tools, and related systems.
In addition, the Platoon Chief may operate emergency communications and dispatch systems, including 911 call-taking and emergency dispatch services, while supporting various base services during non-peak hours. The position contributes to public education programs on fire prevention, firefighting, and first aid.
The incumbent uses computer systems and administrative processes to maintain incident records, manage fire and emergency services documentation, support procurement activities, administer leave and overtime records, and ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.
Work environmentThe Department of National Defence (DND) is one of the largest federal government employers, offering over 70 types of civilian career opportunities. DND's role is to provide services and support to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in their operations and missions at home and abroad. The civilian workforce is an essential part of the Defence Team. Your knowledge and expertise contribute to the overall mission. In this regard, the department fosters a work environment where you have opportunities to learn, to develop your talents, to progress in your career and have job satisfaction over the long-term.
The position works at a Base, Wing or Detachment and reports to a more senior Firefighter (FR) or military position. The technical subject matter knowledge for this position is gained through established occupational courses through a recognized/approved learning institution.
Additional courses for Base, Wing, or Detachment specific needs or re-certification of recognized industry certificates along with frequent refresher training are also required to maintain theoretical knowledge and practical skill levels.
Note: This position requires shift-work, including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Intent of the process
The intent of this process is to fill current and future vacancies for Platoon Chief positions within the Department of National Defence.
A pool of partially or essentially qualified candidates will be established through this process and may be used to staff identical or similar positions, in different locations, with various employment tenures (temporary or permanent), language profiles, security requirements, and conditions of employment at the Department of National Defence.
Important messages
We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process.
If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
📢 HOW DOES THIS WORK?
✅ Step 1: Read the entire advertisement. Want to join our team? Let us know you’re interested! Click “Apply Online”
✅ Step 2: Tell us about yourself! Attach your resume and answer the screening questions in the online application.
✅ Step 3: We will carefully review all your qualifications. If your talent matches the requirements, we may contact you for further information or assessment.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
❗Once you have submitted your application, please forward the above certificates to , ensuring they are received no later than Nov 1, 2026.
▶ Candidates may participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.
▶ Applications must be submitted online through GC Jobs. If special circumstances prevent online submission, you must contact us and receive authorization to apply by alternate means before the closing date.
▶ Applicants must provide a valid and functional email address that accepts messages from unknown senders.
▶ Select only locations where you are genuinely willing and able to work. By applying, you confirm that you currently reside in, or are willing to relocate to, the locations selected.
▶ Depending on the position being staffed:
• Additional qualifications, operational requirements, or conditions of employment may apply.
• Different levels of experience may be required.
• Asset qualifications may be identified as essential.
• Candidates may be asked to provide additional information or complete further assessments.
ASSESSMENT AND CONDUCT
▶ Information obtained throughout the selection process, including application materials and communications, may be used to assess qualifications and competencies.
▶ To ensure the integrity of the process, assessment content must remain confidential. Candidates must complete all assessments independently and may not use unauthorized assistance, including artificial intelligence tools (e.g., ChatGPT or similar platforms). Suspected violations, plagiarism, or unauthorized assistance may be investigated and may result in elimination from the process.
▶ Candidates are expected to demonstrate conduct consistent with the Department of National Defence and public service Values and Ethics Codes. Failure to do so at any stage of the process may result in removal from further consideration.
APPOINTMENT DECISIONS
Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following:
• Alignment of an individual's experience and qualifications with the position and work team;
• Depth, breadth, and type of relevant experience;
• Demonstrated competencies and qualifications;
• Organizational needs.
Conditions of employment
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
• Security Clearance Level: Reliability / Secret
• Strict adherence to the Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces Code of Values and Ethics, Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, Directive on Conflict of Interest, and Defence Administrative Orders and Directives (DAOD) 7021-1, Conflict of Interest
For Military and external candidates:
• Successful completion of the Federal Medical Evaluation
AND
• Successful completion of the Firefighter Pre-Entry Fitness Evaluation (FPFE)
• Must possess a valid Provincial/Territorial Driver’s license.
• Provide a copy of the provincial driving record (also known as Drivers abstract).
• Be able to obtain and maintain a DND 404 driver’s license for the duration employment.
• Willing and able to travel for work and training purposes.
• Must meet and maintain the medical requirements of Health Canada in accordance with Treasury Board guidelines.
Be willing and able to:
• Work atypical hours.
• Work in confined spaces.
• Work in heights.
• Work in hostile and demanding operational environments, including exposure to temperature extremes, smoke, low visibility, excessive noise, unstable surfaces, and marine or shipboard conditions.
• Work while wearing encumbered protective clothing and breathing apparatus.
• Manipulate, handle and transport heavy tools and equipment
• Where applicable to the position and local operational requirements, be qualified or trained to administer and/or co-ordinate a respiratory protection program and be able to obtain and maintain the required accreditation.
• Be willing and able to complete all location-specific training, including Bases or Wings, for the activities and services provided by the local Fire Department.
• Travel for training purposes as required for the position.
• The following training shall be successfully completed within eighteen (18) months from the date of hire:
• NFPA 470(1072) – HAZMAT Incident Commander Level or equivalent (for example: Managing a response involving hazardous materials – Québec)
• NFPA 1021 – Fire Officer level II
Notes:
• Candidates must meet and maintain the above condition of employment throughout their employment in this position.
• Depending on the position being staffed, additional conditions of employment may be required.
You need (essential for the job)
Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following
CERTIFICATIONS:
• NFPA 1041 – Fire Service Instructor I
• NFPA 1021 – Fire Officer I
• NFPA 1521 – Incident Safety Officer
OR
• Sector Commander Course at CFFCA.*
AND
• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
* The Sector Commander Course includes Fire Instructor I, Fire Officer I, and Incident Safety Officer Certification.
Notes:
• NFPA stands for National Fire Prevention Association.
• Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)
Qualification levels (QL) Applicants for DND Civilian (FR group) positions who have undergone prior training at CFFCA are trained to NFPA standards and should apply to DND Civilian positions presenting the IFSAC/Pro-board seals they receive upon completion of their training.
• CAF Members SHOULD contact CFFCA to obtain their NFPA equivalent qualification.
• NFPA study programs shall be successfully completed at an IFSAC or Pro board accredited entity.
IMPORTANT: Once you have submitted your application, please forward the above certificates to , ensuring they are received no later than Nov 1, 2026.
EXPERIENCES:
EXP1. Experience* supervising** personnel in an operational environment and making time-sensitive decisions affecting safety, operational continuity, and service delivery.
EXP2. Experience* delivering and overseeing practical fire service training, including communicating training objectives, directing personnel, monitoring performance, ensuring safe training practices, and ensuring established procedures and operational requirements are followed.
EXP3. Experience* responding to and managing activations of fire detection and suppression systems, including interpreting fire alarm/control panel information, determining and implementing appropriate actions, and resetting or returning systems to normal operation when authorized and appropriate.
*Experience also includes acting appointments in either a DND/CAF environment or municipal equivalent.
**Supervision is defined as the ongoing oversight of direct reports, including, but not limited to, assigning work; approving leave; mentoring and coaching; managing and assessing performance.
Applied / assessed at a later date
COMPETENCIES:
• Upholds Integrity and Respect.
• Judgement.
• Creates Vision and Strategy.
• Mobilizes People.
• Achieves Results.
• Communication*.
*Being able to communicate effectively is a skill that allows you to understand and be understood by others. These can include but are not limited to effectively communicating ideas to others, actively listening in conversations, giving, and receiving critical feedback and speaking in front of groups.
The required competency level for this position is Supervisor, and you can view the details at the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/professional-development/key-leadership-competency-profile/examples-effective-ineffective-behaviours.html
ABILITIES:
AB1. Ability to understand, interpret, and apply applicable directives, procedures, policies, codes, and standards while supervising a firefighter crew.
AB2. Ability to lead a team during emergency responses, including but not limited to incidents involving structural, marine vessel, aircraft, hazardous materials, rescue, medical, wildland, and ammunition-related emergencies (practical test)
You may need (asset qualifications)
May be applied / assessed at a later date
OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:
• NFPA 470 - Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Standard for Responders, Operation level
OR
•NFPA 1072 – Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response Personnel, Equivalent Level
OR
• NFPA 472 - Hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction (WMD), Equivalent level
• NFPA 1002 - Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications, Pumper
• NFPA 1002 - Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications, Aerial
• NFPA 1005 - Standard for Professional Qualifications for Marine Firefighting for Land-Based Fire Fighters
• NFPA 1003 - Standard for Airport Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications
• NFPA 1006 – Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications
• NFPA 1021 - Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications, Level II
• NFPA 1031 - Fire Inspector Level I
• NFPA 1031 – Fire Inspector Level II
• NFPA 1041 - Fire instructor level II
• DND Driver Instructor & Examiner
EXPERIENCES:
AEX1. Experience inspecting a variety of naval vessels, including auxiliary, support and warships
AEX2. Experience in firefighting techniques and associated equipment.
AEX3. Experience in the inspection, repair or maintenance of fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.
AEX4. Experience in accident investigation within the Department of National Defence
AEX5. Experience using the Integrated Fire Services Management and Reporting System (IFSMR).
AEX6. Experience in managing resources emergency responses.
AEX7. Experience using the Incident Command Structure (ICS).
AEX8. Experience in Confined Space Rescue.
AEX9. Experience with Ammunition standbys and transfers.
AEX10. Experience with Wildland Firefighting.
AEX11. Experience with Nuclear Emergency Response Tactics (NERT).
AEX12. Experience in providing Emergency Medical Care.
AEX13. Experience in emergency response, such as volunteer firefighting, first aid response, or similar roles in crisis interventions.