Summary

The Team As a part of the BC Wildfire Service, you'll join a dynamic and experienced team of diverse individuals dedicated to the common goal of making responder safety a priority. As a part of this team, you'll collaborate with professionals in wildfire prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery from across the province. The Fire Crew Member is the foundational role in fire suppression, working together ensuring incidents are responded to safely and effectively. We value being of service to our communities, supporting each other, and promoting a learning culture.    The Role As a Fire Crew Member, you'll be a part of a crew on the fireline and in day-to-day fieldwork around their communities, playing a vital part in keeping these communities safe and

Description

The Team
As a part of the BC Wildfire Service, you’ll join a dynamic and experienced team of diverse individuals dedicated to the common goal of making responder safety a priority. As a part of this team, you’ll collaborate with professionals in wildfire prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery from across the province. The Fire Crew Member is the foundational role in fire suppression, working together ensuring incidents are responded to safely and effectively. We value being of service to our communities, supporting each other, and promoting a learning culture.   

The Role

As a Fire Crew Member, you’ll be a part of a crew on the fireline and in day-to-day fieldwork around their communities, playing a vital part in keeping these communities safe and resilient. Your work in wildfire prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery will have a direct impact across the province. Candidates will find excitement in this opportunity to work in a fast-paced, team-based environment, where their efforts contribute to the well-being of British Columbia’s citizens.  Unit Crew – Day on the Fireline  Initial Attack – Day on the Fireline  Women in Wildfire 

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements

  • Grade 12 or equivalent; OR 
  • An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered; AND
  • Valid Basic First Aid* (formally known as First Aid Ticket OFA Level 1) with Transportation endorsement prior to attending New Recruit Bootcamp; AND
  • Successfully complete pre-employment fitness standard; AND 
  • Successful completion of the New Recruit Boot Camp training standard and related ‘S-courses’; AND
  • Maintain personal weights standards as required for crew type**; AND
  • Class 5 drivers license as required for crew type.

* Basic First Aid is the new name for Occupational First Aid (OFA) Level 1, as of November 2024. The name change is part of a restructuring of first aid courses in British Columbia to align with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
**For more information on Crew type weight standards, please review BC Wildfire Service Wildfire personnel and response tools website here

Preference MAY be given to candidates with one or more of the following:  

  • Previous firefighting experience, including volunteer
  • Previous forestry or resource-based work experience 
  • Outdoor experience such as hunting/trapping, stewardship roles or fire keeping/ fire watching
  • Post-secondary forestry or resource management education (in progress or completed)
  • Skill or aptitude related to trades 
  • High level of academics or fitness achievement.
  • WorkSafe BC recognized Advanced First Aid (formally known as OFA Level 3) valid through to November 2025.
  • Valid British Columbia Forest Safety Council BC Faller Certification, ENFORM Oil & Gas Faller Certification or Faller in Training. 

Provisos /Willingness statements

  • 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.
  • To obtain and maintain certification and training for crew positions to meet operational requirements.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Dustin.Karolat@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:
Amendment (October 31, 2024): Posting closing date extended to November 1, 2024
Up to 220 Positions available. 
The locations listed above are to assist applicants in searching for this opportunity and are not a complete list of locations. For a complete list of locations, please see the attachment below. 
This position has full time on-site requirements. 
This posting is to establish an eligibility list 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.

  • The majority of fire crews begin work in late February through May 6th and work until mid October; with an option for students to end in late August.  
  • When on active fire duty, staff may work longer days and can remain on fire duty for up to 14 days before taking days off. For safety reasons, the actual number of days a fire fighter works on the fire line is limited and followed by days of rest or light duty.
  • A Physician’s Release Form needs to be completed by a physician only if you are invited to one of our training Boot Camps later in the spring. These examinations must be obtained within 30 days prior to attending camp or the Physician’s Release Form will no longer be valid. This form will be provided to you if you are invited to Boot Camp.

Assessment Process
Applicants that meet the minimum requirements MAY be invited to complete further assessments in the hiring process as noted below.

  • Screening Questionnaire
  • Interview including Valid Occupational 1st Aid (OFA 1) or a Worksafe BC approved equivalent verification
  • Fitness Testing
  • New Recruit Boot camp

IMPORTANT:  Qualified applicants who submit complete applications by October 31, 2024 will be invited to participate in the first round of assessments in the hiring process provisionally scheduled for November 2024.

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.

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