Volunteer Application Instructions and Procedure

So, you want to be a firefighter?

The rewards of being a firefighter are exciting and extensive. However, the job is physically and mentally challenging as firefighters work in various environments.

You must have a strong understanding of the role and job requirements of a firefighter in today’s society. This will enable you to make an informed decision when submitting your application.

To be a volunteer member of the Amherst Fire Department, you must be a resident within the primary response area of the Amherst Fire Department.

Before applying, please read and understand the Firefighter Job Description in its entirety. Although much effort has been taken to ensure the list is accurate and reflects the most common duties – both emergency and non‐emergency ­– it is certainly not an all‐inclusive list. The role of the modern firefighter is constantly evolving, especially duties assigned at the various scenes that firefighters are dispatched to.

Once you have read the job description, your second step will be to complete the basic application information below and submit it. Once your application has been received, it will be reviewed by the Fire Chief and an in‐person interview will be scheduled with you at a later date.

If you are a successful applicant, you will become a Probationary Member for a minimum of one year. You will have one month to get a medical assessment completed by a qualified physician. It is your responsibility to provide a copy of the Firefighter Job Description to the physician conducting the medical assessment. The cost of having the medical assessment completed and any related tests performed is the responsibility of the applicant.

If you have any questions then please direct them by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Volunteer Firefighter Job Description

The rewards of being a Firefighter are extensive. The work is exciting and challenging. Below you will find a summary of key components of the job.

Position Summary

The Firefighter is responsible for firefighting, rescue emergency medical and other related services. The Firefighter is responsible for rapidly, efficiently and safely performing various duties under emergency, oftentimes hazardous, conditions. The work includes routine duties in the maintenance of firefighting vehicles, equipment and fire department facilities. The Firefighter may be responsible for fire ground and emergency operations until command is assumed by an officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responds to emergency calls, lays and connects hose, holds nozzles and directs water streams, raises and climbs ladders, uses extinguishers and other equipment
• Wears self‐contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing while working in noxious and/or smoke-filled environments
• Ventilates buildings or areas to release heat, smoke or fumes
• Places salvage covers so as to protect property and prevent water damage
• Performs overhaul operations in order to ensure fire is completely extinguished
• Provides search and rescue in various forms
• Conducts fire suppression activities for structure fires, vehicle fires, forest/brush fires and other fires
• Drives and operates firefighting and emergency equipment as assigned
• Provides first responder actions to emergency medical and hazardous materials calls
• Drives, checks safety of the immediate area, brings required medical equipment
• Assesses situation/victim by taking medical history, visual and vital signs
• Conducts appropriate intervention, including CPR and other first‐aid as required
• Assists paramedics, conveys information, lifts and carries heavy patients, etc.
• Manages crowds/bystanders/victims' relatives, etc.
• Performs a variety of rescue‐related duties to protect the public and lessen the severity of injuries related to motor vehicle accidents, confined space entrapment, water hazards, industrial accidents, incidents involving hazardous materials, etc.
• Provides traffic control at the scene of motor vehicle accidents
• Responds to non‐emergency calls as required
• Maintains vital incident report information for investigative and record-keeping purposes
• Provides service assistance to, but not restricted to, the following: police, paramedics and public
• Attends on-duty training sessions and off-site training courses as necessary
• Maintains equipment in good repair in accordance with organizational policies and procedures
• Responsible for workplace safety as outlined in the Nova Scotia Occupational Health & Safety Act and organizational policies, procedures and guidelines
• Responsible for upgrading and maintaining skills/knowledge and physical requirements to current standards
• Performs related duties as required

Qualifications

• Ability to understand and communicate clearly in English (oral and written)
• Grade 12 education certificate or equivalent
• A valid Nova Scotia driver's licence (Class 5)
• A respected member of the community, including no conviction for a criminal offence
• Ability to pass a medical examination
• Behavioural Competencies:
  • Communication
  • Customer Service
  • Flexibility
  • Teamwork and Co-operation
  • Valuing Diversity

Working Conditions

• Work environment requires the ability to react quickly and remain calm under stressful situations
• Must possess agility and stamina to perform all functions of this position under adverse conditions

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the Amherst Fire Department. We are very proud of our department and the members that provide the service to you. The Amherst Fire Department is a composite fire department consisting of highly dedicated career and volunteer firefighters. This department aspires to serve our citizens, prevent fires, protect property, and efficiently mitigate incidents when they do occur.

The members of the Amherst Fire Department are very proud to serve our citizens and our visitors and are committed to providing excellent delivery of fire services and outstanding customer service.

Sincerely,

Greg Jones,
Director of Fire Services

Vision Statement

The Amherst Fire Department, by means of a team approach, will set measurable objectives to be reached by continuously being trained; give community support and involvement by dedicated, responsible, and reliable personnel. This will enable us to be a proactive community organization, always keeping an open mind on current social trends, while being ethical, and professional and recognizing the rights of others.

Mission Statement

The Amherst Fire Department will, under the direction of its Chief and by the means of its members, commit to providing residents the most capable Fire and Emergency Service possible, while promoting safety and quality of life.

Amherst Fire Department 1

Amherst Fire Department 2

Amherst Fire Department 3

Amherst Fire Department 4

The Amherst Fire Department proudly serves the Town of Amherst and nearby areas with a dedicated team of over 50 volunteer firefighters, eight full-time career firefighters, and additional casual staff. Led by Fire Chief Greg Jones, Deputy Fire Chief Mark Goodwin, Assistant Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Landry, and Assistant Deputy Fire Chief Bob Sperry, the department provides around the clock emergency response and support to approximately 18,000 residents in our coverage area.

Our fleet includes 10 specialized units: three pumpers, a tanker, a 100‑foot aerial ladder truck, a rescue unit, a hazardous materials unit, a command vehicle, Pumper Joe, and a fully restored 1936 antique pumper that embodies the department’s long standing pride and tradition. With career firefighters working 24 hour shifts and all members remaining on call 24/7, the Amherst Fire Department responds to roughly 300 alarms each year. Training, preparedness, and professionalism remain at the core of everything we do.

Supported by the Amherst Town Council and our community, the department is committed to strong leadership and modern emergency service delivery. As the needs of today’s fire and emergency landscape evolve, the Amherst Fire Department continues to operate as a community centered organization dedicated to protecting lives, property, and the well being of the region we proudly serve.

Greg Jones, Director of Fire Services
Phone: 902-667-0395
Fax: 902-667-2260
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

General Inquiries
Phone: 902-667-2518

Fire Inspections Division                                         
Phone: 902-667-2518

Hall Rentals
Please visit the Amherst Firefighters Association website for information on availability and to use their online booking tool.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.        

Amherst Fire Fighters Association President       
Phone: 902-667-2518

Ladies Auxiliary President                                      
Phone: 902-667-2518

FOR EMERGENCIES CALL 911

pdf Fire Inspection Policy(21 KB)

The Town of Amherst, in partnership with the Municipality of the County of Cumberland, has initiated a process to investigate the feasibility of a modern multi-purpose complex.

Amherst boasts great assets that accommodate community recreation and leisure needs, including the Amherst Stadium and Four Fathers Memorial Library. However, new needs and interests have been emerging as the population grows and becomes more diverse. The need for a community centre was identified in the Town’s 2016 Recreation Master Plan. It is also recognized that such a facility could serve residents throughout the broader Cumberland region.

Sierra Planning and Management is leading the study, along with DSRA Architecture.

Assessment of the feasibility of a new recreation facility serving all communities in the Cumberland region requires a clear process:

1. Reviewing best practices – examples of similar facilities in comparable communities in Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada, and nationally;
2. Trends – the potential for innovations in design, programming, sustainability, and operations;
3. Initial engagement – with user groups and stakeholders. Broader public consultation will occur as development concepts and options are identified;
4. Understanding needs and interests – What amenities and programs are necessary to meet the desired needs and interests in the context of existing facilities and programs?
5. Review by the public – once a defined plan for a new facility emerges.

The study team will initiate meetings with user groups and interviews with stakeholders to begin the process of visioning for the future to meet the needs of our strong and growing communities.

Project Contact (Sierra Planning & Management)

John Hack, Director
Sierra Planning and Management
Phone: 416-363-4443 ext. 20                                                                        
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Project Contact (Town of Amherst)

Andrew Fisher, Director, Planning & Strategic Initiatives Town of Amherst
Phone: 902-664-6580
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Explore past, present, and future developments in the Town of Amherst on our Planning and Development Applications site.

Depending on the nature of the development, applications for approval are considered as-of-right, by site plan approval, or by development agreement. Applications for development agreements or amendments to the planning documents must follow the six-step process outlined below.

Step 1: Application & Preliminary Review

• Submission of the draft design and proposal.
• Preliminary review by staff.
• Formal application for development agreement.

Step 2: Public Participation Opportunity

• The public is informed about the proposal details and relevant policies to consider.
• The public is given the opportunity to provide input on the proposal.

Step 3: Planning Advisory Committee

• Review of the proposal, comments and feedback from the public participation.
• Make a recommendation on the development agreement to Council.

Step 4: First Reading

• Council considers First Reading of the agreement and schedules a public hearing.

Step 5: Public Hearing

• Detailed overview of the proposal.
• Present feedback from public participation opportunity, report and recommendations of the Planning Advisory Committee.

Step 6: Second Reading

• Council considers Second Reading and decides on the proposal.
• Notice of Council's decision is advertised, providing the right to appeal to Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB).

As-of-right Development

As-of-right development complies with all the applicable Land Use Bylaw, Zoning and pdf Subdivision Bylaw(529 KB) . This approval process is administered solely by the Development Officer and does not involve public engagement or further discretionary action by the Amherst Town Council.

Site Plan Approval

A site plan is a precision tool used by the Town to ensure certain site elements, including but not limited to walkways, parking areas, landscaping, exterior design, lighting and signage on a parcel of land, meet all the requirements of the Land-Use Bylaw, Zoning, Subdivision Bylaw and the Municipal Planning Strategy. Site plans approved through this process should show the exact details of how a property will be developed. Additional criteria for consideration by the Development Officer for assessing site plan approval are provided in the Land-Use Bylaw.

Development Agreement

A development agreement is a legally binding contract between a property owner and the Town that stipulates standards, design requirements, terms and conditions to which the property owner must adhere. Aspects of a development addressed in this agreement may include architectural design, parking, landscaping and drainage, among others.

The process involves public engagement, and review by the Planning Advisory Committee before a final decision by the Amherst Town Council.

Plan Amherst is a project to review and renew the Municipal Planning Strategy & Land Use Bylaw for the Town. It is an opportunity to reflect on the past, take stock of where the Town is today and dream about the possibilities of the future. How do you want to see Amherst change and grow? What do you love about living here? We want to hear from you.

Visit the project website to read the What We Heard Report - a summary of the initial phase of consultation, including the public survey results. The Report explores the themes that came out of the engagement and gives a snapshot of what we heard from residents and stakeholders. 

You can also read the Issues Report, an analysis of land use challenges the Town is facing with an exploration of best practices, identification of gaps in the existing planning documents and some proposed policy directions.

Visit Plan Amherst to read the reports and learn more about this project.