Work Experience Program Firefighters

Regional District of East Kootenay; Cranbrook; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional district in British Columbia is seeking 4 Work Experience Program Firefighters to gain practical firefighting experience. The role involves assisting Paid-On-Call firefighters and includes a 6-month term at $30/hour. Responsibilities include responding to various emergencies, conducting pre-incident surveys, and participating in training. Applicants should have a minimum of interior-level firefighter qualifications and a valid Class 5 BC Driver's License. Applications are due by February 27, 2026.

Benefits

Benefits package

Qualifications

• Interior-level operations firefighter preferred.
• Emergency vehicle driver training preferred.
• Emergency Scene Traffic Control Course required.
• Valid Driver’s abstract required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in firefighting, medical, and rescue calls.
• Conduct pre-incident building surveys under direction.
• Participate in training activities during shifts.
• Perform maintenance and vehicle checks.

Skills

Ability to physically perform strenuous tasks

Ability to communicate effectively in English

Agility and strength under adverse conditions

Exercise discretion and judgment

Vehicle Extrication training

Tools

Class 5 BC Driver's License

Job description

Regional District of East Kootenay

Work Experience Program Firefighters - 4 positions

Elk Valley/South Country

Nestled within the beautiful Rocky and Purcell Mountains in the southeast corner of British Columbia, the East Kootenay region is a four-season destination. The region boasts unlimited year-round outdoor recreation, including skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, golfing, boating, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, mountaineering, white-water rafting, and snowmobiling.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) serves over 60,000 permanent residents and approximately 25,000 to 30,000 seasonal residents. The region is diverse and home to several unincorporated communities, eight municipalities, and four First Nations communities.

About the Role

Under the direction of the fire chief, the Work Experience Program (WEP) firefighters will gain practical first-hand experience in firefighting, medicals, wildland fire, and highway rescue calls. The WEP Firefighter is responsible for working alongside and augmenting the Paid-On-Call (POC) Firefighters within the various fire stations of the RDEK Fire Services in performing fire suppression activities of structure, vehicle, and wildland fires within the designated fire protection service areas of the RDEK.

There are 4 positions based out of the Jaffray Fire Hall. The employment term for these positions will last 6 months, commencing Monday May 4, 2026, and ending October 30, 2026.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Application Requirements (Required at time of application)

• Interior-level operations firefighter per the British Columbia Structure Firefighter Minimum Training Standard, NFPA 1001 is preferred.
• Emergency vehicle driver training, NFPA 1002 Driver/Pump Operator is preferred.
• BCWS WFF-1 Wildland Firefighter or NFPA 1140 Wildland, is preferred
• Emergency Scene Traffic Control Course.
• NFPA 1006 Rope Rescue or equivalent, preferred
• Eligibility to work in Canada (Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident/Landed Immigrant).
• Able to pass a firefighter medical according to NFPA 1582.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License, or higher, with air brake endorsement.
• Driver’s abstract with less than three demerits in any year or less than six demerits in five years. Must not have any suspensions or impaired driving convictions.
• Current Criminal Records Check.
• Medical First Responder, BC Licensed is preferred.

Key Skills and Abilities

• Ability to physically perform and demonstrate strenuous and demanding training tasks relevant to the role.
• Exercises discretion and judgment in handling sensitive information.
• Agility and strength to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions.
• Ability to remain calm under duress.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in the English language and to deal courteously, tactfully, and diplomatically with managers, other employees, paid on-call firefighters, volunteers, the public, contractors, and other agencies.
• Vehicle Extrication training.

Hiring Process

• Upon receipt of the application and confirmation of the pre-requisite requirements, all applications will be reviewed, and those that meet the requirements will be notified and allowed to interview. The interview panel will include the Fire Chiefs or designates, and a Human Resources representative.
• All successful applicants will be notified if chosen, and a contract with a term of employment will be offered. All references will be contacted before hiring any applicants.

Work Experience Program Scope of Work

The WEP Firefighters may perform various daily tasks during their shifts,>

• The WEP Firefighters will be responsible for working alongside and augmenting the Paid-On-Call (POC) Firefighters within the various fire stations of the RDEK Fire Services in performing fire suppression activities of structure, vehicle and wildland fires within the designated fire protection service areas of the RDEK.
• Respond to structural fires, motor vehicle incidents, medical response, wildland fires, alarm calls, and rope rescue incidents as required.
• Conduct pre-incident building surveys under the direction of one of the career staff.
• Participate in any planned training activities during their shifts.
• Perform station maintenance and conduct daily vehicle and equipment checks as detailed by the staff at the station they are assigned to during their shift.
• May perform fire service hose testing of all fire hoses in service at each of the RDEK fire stations.
• Perform small pump readiness checks to ensure all wildland pumps are operational for wildland season.
• Maintain apparatus and equipment to respond to incidents and ensure apparatus cleanliness.
• Perform structural turnout gear and wildland gear inspections.
• Conduct Apparatus/ Structure Protection Unit (SPU) inventory.
• Participate in other related duties or other station maintenance as required.

The program's first few weeks will allow the WEP Firefighters to orient themselves to the apparatus, equipment, operating guidelines, and fire protection areas. During this time, the WEP Firefighters will work Monday through Friday. After the orientation period, the WEP Firefighters will be assigned to work shifts that provide weekly coverage. Each WEP Firefighter will work 35 hours per week within the shift schedule.

After the orientation period, if a WEP Firefighter wants to respond to incidents outside of their WEP shift, they are welcome to join one of the stations as a Paid-On-Call (POC) Firefighter to gain more knowledge and experience.

This a temporary, full-time (35 hours per week) position with a $30.00/hour wage. However, there is an opportunity for further hours and learning opportunities. This position also offers a benefits package.

The Fire Chiefs may utilize WEP firefighters to crew or supplement any Provincial wildfire deployments that the RDEK Fire Departments may receive. WEP firefighters could deploy as available and based on qualifications.

If any WEP firefighters were to deploy with BCWS, they would receive the wage set by the Inter-Agency Agreement, which is separate from the RDEK WEP wage.

Application Deadline

Qualified individuals interested in this opportunity are invited to forward a cover letter and resume, including references, in confidence, before Friday, February 27, 2026, at 12:30 pm to:

The Human Resources Department

Email: [e-mail] (MS Word format or PDF)

Please quote: Competition 2026-03

The RDEK website www.rdek.bc.ca/careers provides information on our organization and a copy of the complete job description. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.