(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)

Looking for a job this summer? The B.C. Wildfire Service is now accepting applications for fire crew member positions for the upcoming season.

The fire service has a workforce of about 1,600 and hundreds of people will be hired this may but you have to act fast — applications are being accepted until Jan. 16, 2022. 

The open positions are responsible for maintaining the readiness of fire equipment and resources, with alert preparedness levels and fighting fires safely and efficiently.

Fire crews begin work in late April to early May and will work until the end of August, however, some crews could work until October depending on fire activity.

Crews work regular hours during the hottest part of the day, with a 35-hour workweek.

When on active duty, crew members could work longer days, and work up to 14 days before having days off. If crews are not on duty, but fire danger is high, crew members can be placed on standby and must respond immediately when a fire call is received.

Wages for a wildland firefighter range from $43,758.80 to $49,357.30 annually.  

READ MORE: Why not just anyone can show up and help fight B.C. wildfires

Anyone applying for the position is required to show proof of COVID vaccination, complete a fitness assessment, a self-assessment of ability, and if invited to training camp in the spring, obtain a physician’s release.

Candidates should be flexible to changes in responsibilities, be able to work extended hours with limited notice, to fly in an aircraft, to travel and overnight in remote locations, maintain a training certification for the position, work under stressful conditions with smoke, heat, and mountainous terrain in isolated conditions, and complete a security screening requirement.

To be considered for the opportunity, applicants must be a secondary school graduate or the equivalent combination of education and experience, have a valid first aid ticket of a level 1 with education and experience, have a valid First Aid Ticket OFA Level 1 with Transportation endorsement.

READ MORE: Why wildland firefighters keep coming back

Additional terms upon offer of employment include the successful completion of the pre-employment standard, successful completion of the new recruit boot camp training standard and courses and maintaining personal weights standards.

Preferences could be given to applicants with a B.C. Class 5 or 7 driver’s licence, wilderness work experience, education and training in forestry, resource management, or earth science, wildfire fighting experience, a valid B.C. Forest Safety Council B.C. Faller Certification, or a WorkSafe B.C. OFA level 3.

Visit the B.C. government website for more information, or to submit a cover letter, resume, and questionnaire answers.

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