Summary
Description
The Team
The Coastal Fire Centre Communications team is a vital part of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), focused on ensuring clear and timely communication about wildfire prevention, preparedness, and response. The team works closely with a variety of partners, including local governments, First Nations, and emergency response agencies, to provide accurate information to the public and media. Comprised of diverse, skilled professionals, this established team values collaboration, adaptability, and inclusivity, and plays an important role in building trust, reducing misinformation, and enhancing emergency preparedness in a fast-paced, impactful environment.
The Role
The Communications Specialist leads and coordinates communications efforts related to wildfire prevention and response, ensuring the public, media, and stakeholders receive accurate, timely information. This role involves managing media inquiries, supporting the Fire Centre Manager and Fire Centre Leadership Team by developing communication tools like the website and social media. The position also includes supervising Communications Assistants and collaborating with partner agencies. It’s an exciting opportunity to contribute to public safety and emergency preparedness while working in a fast-paced, impactful environment with a dedicated and diverse team.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements
- Degree in a field related to communications, public relations, journalism plus 1 year recent related experience; or
- Technical diploma in a field related to communications, public relations, journalism, plus 3 years recent related experience; or
- Grade 12 plus 5 years related experience or
- An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered
Related experience must include a combination of the following:
- Content development and/or management (user experience based)
- Developing or implementing communications plans
- Preparing media materials and key messages
Preference may be given to candidates with the following:
- One or more years supervisory experience
- Emergency management experience
- Two (2) or more years experience working with a combination of the following applications:
- Adobe Suite
- Content Management System (e.g., WordPress, CMS Lite)
- Electronic mailout software (e.g., Envoke, MailChimp)
Provisos /Willingness statement(s)
- Valid Class 5 driver licence
- To be flexible regarding ongoing changes in responsibilities, assignments and corporate structures
- To keep current on emerging issues
- To take in-house training and certification as required
- To fly in aircraft (fixed wing and rotary) as required
- To work extended hours, including weekends, and be on standby with limited notice in accordance with the preparedness plan
- To travel and overnight in remote locations where accommodations may vary as required
- To participate in Incident Command System positions as assigned
- To work under adverse or stressful conditions, including smoke, extreme heat and mountainous terrain in remote and isolated conditions
For questions regarding this position, please contact Chelsea.Peltier@gov.bc.ca.
About this Position:
This position has full time on-site requirements.
An eligibility list may be established to fill both current and/or future permanent vacancies.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.
Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.
We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.
The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Canadian Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis, or Inuit) applicants. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.
The BC Public Service is an award-winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, amazing learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development opportunities. For more information, please see What We Offer.
How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above. Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting.
Cover Letter: NO – Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.
Resume: YES – A resume is required as part of your application, however, it may not be used for initial shortlisting purposes.
Questionnaire: YES – You will need to complete a comprehensive questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Include all relevant information about your educational accomplishments and employment history including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and how you obtained your relevant experience. The questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes to complete.
Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.
