B.C. is responding to concerns about a lack of wildland firefighters 91裸聊视频� particularly with in-depth knowledge of local terrain 91裸聊视频� by increasing recruitment efforts, with a focus on First Nations and rural and remote communities.
Improvements to the BC Wildfire Service91裸聊视频檚 (BCWS) hiring process have resulted in more than 1,000 applicants, with three months of hiring to go.
Thompson-Nicola Regional District CAO Scott Hildebrand is a member of the premier91裸聊视频檚 emergency task force. He feels that the recruiting change of focus is an example of BCWS directly responding to task force feedback, adding that the TNRD91裸聊视频檚 experience with wildfires in 2021 and 2023 has helped him stress the importance of getting out ahead of recruiting.
91裸聊视频淭hey used to have back-to-back days of interviewing, followed by a process of evaluating candidates, and selections were made at a future date, Hildebrand said. 91裸聊视频淣ow they have a system where, if they find a candidate who meets their expectations, they can offer them a position immediately and secure that person.91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淧erhaps in years past they91裸聊视频檇 be looking to the more populated areas, but fires are all over the province. I feel now that they91裸聊视频檙e reaching out to all areas in the province for candidates.91裸聊视频�
He said the 91裸聊视频渂ootcamp91裸聊视频� dedicated training and recruitment model for First Nations is being expanded after a successful pilot in the Cariboo Fire Centre. The dedicated sessions address needs heard from communities, build local capacity, strengthen relationships between the local First Nation and the fire centre, and improve response to wildfires.
Lessons from First Nations bootcamps will be adopted into the BCWS core curriculum and serve as a model for other First Nations. Additionally, the use of Indigenous initial-response crews is being expanded.
Other enhancements include extending the hiring process for new recruits and encouraging applicants to indicate their work location preference.
91裸聊视频淲e are acting on lessons learned from the 2023 hazard season and opening the door even wider to local recruitment and response capacity,91裸聊视频� said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. 91裸聊视频淓nsuring 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.91裸聊视频�
Hildebrand said the 1,000 applicants are about 20 per cent higher than usual at this point in the process.
91裸聊视频淚 think that BCWS is doing their best. They91裸聊视频檝e made changes, such as not just going with students [who often have to leave at the end of August] but with finding individuals who can make a career with the wildfire service. They can stay longer and stay past the traditional timeframes for wildfires.
91裸聊视频淚 think that they want to change the thinking around it being a seasonal job. Firefighting itself will still be a seasonal job, but things are changing quickly, and there are all sorts of opportunities in the wildfire service that could lead to other opportunities.91裸聊视频�
Hildebrand adds that the task force is also talking about the need to improve the relationships with local residents during a fire.
91裸聊视频淲e need to rely on people who know the terrain and geography. We need to rely on the ranching community, and on First Nation Elders and some of their traditional knowledge. There91裸聊视频檚 been a big discussion at the task force about how to engage better with local residents.91裸聊视频�
People who are interested in learning more about becoming a BC Wildfire Service crew member can apply until March 31. Additionally, applicants are invited to indicate their first, second, and third choice of work location from the outset of the application process. For more information, visit the .
READ ALSO:
READ ALSO:
