Role overview

Description

The Team

As a part of the BC Wildfire Service Parattack Program, you'll join a dynamic and experienced team of diverse individuals dedicated to the common goal of making responder safety a priority. As a part of this team, you'll collaborate with professionals in wildfire prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery from across the province. In addition, you will be provided with the opportunity to learn unique and technical skills that can only be gained through the Parattack Program. The instruction takes place under professional supervision and leadership.

The Role

The Parattack Fire Crew Member is the foundational role in fire suppression, working together ensuring incidents are responded to safely, efficiently, and effectively. We value being of service to our communities, supporting each other, and promoting a learning culture.

Parattack crews, consisting of smokejumpers, are trained to parachute from fixed-wing aircraft to access wildfires in remote locations or to provide support to crews established on an emerging incident. Parattack crews prioritize safety and are very versatile. Beyond initial attack, they may also respond to medical emergencies in remote areas, perform reconnaissance flights to provide response recommendations and fight fires alongside other BCWS crews. BCWS employs approximately 80 Smokejumpers. Parattack work units are in Fort St John and Mackenzie. However, they respond to incidents across the province.

Your work in wildfire prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery will have a direct impact across the province. Candidates will find excitement in this opportunity to work in a fast-paced, team-based environment, where their efforts contribute to the well-being of British Columbia's citizens. Unit Crew – Day on the Fireline Initial Attack – Day on the Fireline Women in Wildfire

Qualifications: Education and Experience Requirements

Secondary School graduation (Dogwood, GED) and 6 months related experience; OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Minimum of one seasons' experience as a Type 1 Wildland Firefighter
Class 5 or 7 driver licence.

Related Experience may include

Experience in natural resource management and/or trades

Preference may be given to applicants with 1 or more of the following:

A minimum of two seasons' experience as a Type 1 Wildland Firefighter
Advanced First Aid certification (or higher)
Dangerous Tree Assessor Certification
Basic Chainsaw Operator Certification
Dangerous Tree Faller Certification
ATV/UTV (Off-Road Vehicle) Operator Certification recognized by the Canada Safety Council
Round Parachute Experience
Military related experience

Provisos

Valid Intermediate First Aid* (formally known as First Aid Ticket OFA Level 2) with Transportation endorsement prior to attending Parattack training camp.
Intermediate First Aid is the new name for Occupational First Aid (OFA) Level 2, as of November 2024. The name change is part of a restructuring of first aid courses in British Columbia to align with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
Successfully complete pre-employment fitness standard.
Successful completion of the Parattack Initial Training camp and related ‘S-courses.
Maintain personal weights standards as required for crew type.

Willingness statements

To be flexible regarding ongoing changes in responsibilities, assignments and corporate structures.
To keep current on emerging issues.
To take in-house training and certification as required.
To fly in aircraft (fixed wing and rotary) as required.
To work extended hours, including weekends, and be on standby with limited notice in accordance with the preparedness plan.
To travel and overnight in remote locations where accommodations may vary as required.
To participate in Incident Command System positions as assigned.
To work under adverse or stressful conditions, including smoke, extreme heat and mountainous terrain in remote and isolated conditions.
To obtain and maintain certification and training for crew positions to meet operational requirements.

For questions regarding this position, please contact BCWS.PGFCParattackRecruiting@gov.bc.ca

About this Position:

Up to 22 Positions available.

These positions are located in Fort St John or Mackenzie

This position has full time on-site requirements.

This posting is to establish an eligibility list to fill both current and/or future temporary (auxiliary) vacancies.

A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.

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

Parattack Crew Members begin work in late February. Successful Parattack candidates will begin work in Fort St John or Mackenzie April 5th and work until mid October; with an option for students to end in late August.
When on active fire duty, staff may work longer days and can remain on fire duty for up to 14 days before taking days off. For safety reasons, the actual number of days a fire fighter works on the fire line is limited and followed by days of rest or light duty.

Assessment Process:

Applicants that meet the minimum requirements MAY be invited to complete further assessments in the hiring process as noted below.

Screening Questionnaire
Interview including Valid Intermediate First Aid (OFA 2) or a Worksafe BC approved equivalent verification
Successfully complete pre-employment fitness standard.
Successful completion of the Parattack Initial Training camp and related ‘S-courses.

IMPORTANT: Qualified applicants who submit complete applications by January 10, 2027, will be invited to participate in the first round of assessments in the hiring process provisionally scheduled for January 18, 2027.

Working for the BC Public Service:

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

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

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Canadian Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis, or Inuit) applicants. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

Join the BC Public Service, a Canada’s Top 100 Employers award winner that offers diverse career opportunities in more than 200 occupations across 280 communities throughout British Columbia. You'll enjoy competitive benefits, a healthy work-life balance, and meaningful work that supports your professional growth. Build your career in beautiful British Columbia.

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, such as your responsibilities, projects you've worked on, or accomplishments. Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.