The BC Wildfire Service is seeking recruits for its wildland firefighter positions for the 2019 season.
Positions will be available throughout the province, according to a Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development news release, with 150 to 200 recruits sought. Positions will also be available throughout the Cariboo, including in Williams Lake, Quesnel, 100 Mile House and Alexis Creek.
Online applications can be submitted on the BC Wildfire Service website until Jan. 15, 2019.
Applicants will need to pass a screening phase, and will then be interviewed and must complete a fitness assessment in February 2019.
Locally, interviews will be held in Williams Lake the week of Feb. 19, 2019.
The fire season lasts from approximately early May to the end of September each year, although the news release said there may be opportunities to continue work into the fall, depending on wildfire conditions. Students are able to end their work terms early to return to school.
The BC Wildfire Service employs approximately 1,000 wildfire fighters each year.
The news release explains that after new recruits successfully complete their first fire season, they are eligible for recall rights and will have a job with a four- to eight-month term. If work is available, this could lead to a year-round job with the BC Wildfire Service, allowing people to pursue firefighting as a career.
For more information or to apply, visit www.gov.bc.ca/wildfirejobs
Those interested in applying can also contact Eric Kopetski at the Cariboo Fire Centre for more information at 250-989-2600.
READ MORE: Boots on the ground wildfire training for B.C. firefighters
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