PK AST 09R Student Ranger Crew Lead

The Team; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial youth employment initiative seeks a Crew Lead for outdoor projects in various BC parks. The role involves coordinating daily operations, guiding crew members, and ensuring project completion. The position requires leadership skills, valid driving license, and enrollment in full-time studies. This full-time, on-site position offers a salary ranged between $28-$31 hourly, providing valuable experience working in nature.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence or equivalent.
• Experience leading groups outdoors is essential.
• Participation in program training requirements is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee daily crew operations at designated locations.
• Act as the primary liaison with BC Parks staff.
• Ensure completion of program deliverables, including reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Outdoor Skills

Navigation

Public Outreach

Education

Enrollment in full-time post-secondary studies

Tools

GPS

2-way Radios

Job description

The Team

The BC Parks Student Ranger Program is a provincial youth employment initiative with crews working across multiple regions in BC parks and protected areas. Each crew typically includes one Crew Lead and two Crew Members with a couple locations operating as two-person teams. Crew Leads work closely with BC Parks staff Park Rangers and regional specialists to complete field-based projects.

The Role

The Crew Lead coordinates daily crew operations, plans aspects of projects, and acts as the primary liaison with BC Parks staff. They guide Crew Members in completing projects within the four Program Areas of conservation recreation Indigenous Relations and public outreach. Crew Leads ensure that program deliverables such as reporting and inventory tracking are completed. This role offers hands‑on leadership experience while working outdoors in a wide range of parks and protected areas.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in full‑time studies at an accredited secondary or post‑secondary institution within six months prior to the position start date.
• Experience leading a group of two or more to complete a project or task during an academic, work, community, or volunteer experience.
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person granted refugee status in Canada.
• Legally entitled to work according to relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence or equivalent license from another province or jurisdiction.
• Must participate and successfully pass the training requirements at the program training event held at the beginning of the work term.

Preference

1. A diverse range of academic, work, community, or volunteer experience in at least two of the four Program Areas:
   • Public Outreach and Education – experience performing public outreach, education, and volunteer events, studying educational materials, creating interpretive displays, or presenting and event planning.
   • Conservation / Resource Management – experience performing research, field surveys, monitoring, traditional ecological knowledge, foraging, invasive plant treatment, or species identification.
   • Recreation / Facility Management – experience performing trail enhancement, gardening, landscaping, equipment operation, maintenance, replacement and repair of signs, checking facility conditions, carpentry, and facility repair.
   • Indigenous Relations and other diverse cultures – learning and applying practices of your own culture or that of another culture.
2. A minimum of intermediate experience in one or more of the following outdoor travel and safety areas:
   • Hiking – occasional hikes over 5 km in one day.
   • Camping – backcountry experience within the last two years, with most camping in front country.
   • Multi‑overnight trip – planning and completing a multi‑overnight trip (hiking, kayaking, canoeing, skiing, or other related trip) within the last two years.
   • Emergency management – creating a trip plan and carrying safety equipment such as a first aid kit.
   • Navigation – using GPS, compass, or traditional navigation while traveling outdoors.
   • Travel – driving a vehicle or ATV off a maintained road to a recreational area multiple times.
   • Wildlife safety – performing wildlife safety practices such as carrying bear spray or keeping food sealed.
   • Recognizing and resolving safety issues – identifying or reporting a safety hazard in a workplace or school environment.
3. Previous experience working in the BC Parks Student Ranger Program.
4. Self‑identification as Indigenous (Métis, First Nations, or Inuit).
5. Basic First Aid (previously known as Occupational First Aid Level 1) or Transportation Endorsement certificates valid for the work term.
6. Experience leading group projects or tasks outdoors with a safety component.
7. Valid certificates and training in:
   • Pleasure Craft Operator Card
   • Brush saw use
   • VHF Radio Operator Certificate

Willingness Statements

• Wear the BC Parks assigned Student Ranger Crew uniform.
• Supply and wear adequate footwear for job duties as determined by BC Parks.
• Work irregular shifts, including evenings and weekends.
• Work outdoors and possibly camp for consecutive nights.
• Work in moderate to extreme weather conditions and in remote or isolated locations.
• Perform physically demanding work (e.g., hiking, carrying gear and equipment).
• Be responsible for day‑to‑day crew safety and respond to safety concerns and emergency incidents.
• Transport crew to and from work sites in government vehicles.
• Operate a variety of communication equipment including 2‑way radios, satellite phones, and GPS units.
• Be available for work throughout the duration of the work term as specified by the employer.

About this Position

The thirteen (13) Crew Lead locations for the 2026 season include: Victoria (Goldstream Provincial Park), Black Creek (Miracle Beach Provincial Park), North Vancouver, Squamish, Nelson, Penticton, Kamloops, Clearwater (Wells Gray Provincial Park – Trail specific), Bella Coola, Prince George, Fort St John, Smithers, and Terrace.

Using the available positions, an eligibility list may be established for all thirteen (13) locations.

Depending on the successful candidate’s location, a bi‑weekly isolation allowance may apply.

These positions are full‑time on‑site.

Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.

Due to recall rights of 2025 Crew Leads, not all thirteen (13) positions will be available for the 2026 season.

Student Ranger Crew Lead interviews are anticipated to run throughout February and March 2026.

The Crew Lead term begins April 27th 2026 and ends August 29th 2026.

We are also actively recruiting for Student Ranger Crew Members via Requisition 121635.

Applicants who do not meet the mandatory job requirements should consider applying to the Recreation Sites and Trails BC Seasonal Maintenance Crews. These positions have different job requirements and are not limited to students only.

Working for the BC Public Service

The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace that represents the population we serve and better meets the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

We are committed to ensuring reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous applicants for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process.

The BC Public Service is an award‑winning employer and offers great learning opportunities.

How to Apply

Your resume and/or cover letter must clearly show that you meet the education and experience requirements. Highlight the required qualifications and support them with specific examples.

Proof of Enrolment is required. Submit proof to the Student Ranger inbox prior to the competition closing date/time.

Cover Letter: Not required.

Resume: Include educational accomplishments, employment history, job titles, start and end dates, and job‑related responsibilities. Emphasize relevant experience, skills and accomplishments that align with the requirements and preferred qualifications.

Questionnaire: Must be completed to demonstrate how you meet the requirements.

Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition.

Key Skills

Anti Money Laundering, Access Control System, Catering, Assessment, Communication

Employment Type

Student

Experience

Years

Vacancy

1

Hourly Salary

$28–$31