To boost recruitment to its wildland firefighting force, the province has introduced a six-month hiring period and is actively seeking candidates who have an in-depth knowledge of their local terrain to apply for jobs with the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) this year.
Drawing on feedback from the premier’s exert task force on emergencies and improvements to the BCWS hiring practices, more than 1,000 people have already applied for positions, in advance of the March 31 deadline.
About 500 applicants have already been interviewed. The process asks each to list their top three choices of locations for work if they are hired.
The First Nations bootcamp program that was successfully piloted last year in the Cariboo Fire Centre will be expanded to the Coastal Fire Centre. The program breaks down barriers and strengthens connections between First Nations and the fire centre, encouraging more Indigenous participation to join the firefighting force.
“BC Wildfire Service crew members don't only fight fires, they are also mobilized to help respond to other emergencies like floods and more,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
“Ensuring we have a strong complement of BCWS crew members filled with local talent across the province means we can better protect people and support communities from whatever emergencies come our way."
Go to the government website to learn more about employment opportunities with BCWS.
The BC Wildfire Service recruitment video is on YouTube:
