Work Experience Program – Grand Forks (BC) – 2024

Grand Forks Fire Rescue is seeking candidates for the Work Experience Program.

WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM FIREFIGHTER: NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

WEP Firefighters are responsible for the combating, extinguishing, and prevention of fires, life saving, and property conservation within the City of Grand Forks and RDKB fire protection boundaries to department’s standards. WEP Firefighters participate in training as required by the department’s training program. WEP Firefighters participate in regular shift routines and duty coverage. As part of their commitment WEP Firefighters will participate in fire prevention, public education, company fire inspections, pre-fire planning, station duties, and equipment maintenance.

Without restricting the general nature and scope of the work, the following are illustrative examples of work which may be expected in the classification of WEP Firefighter:

1. Promptly report to all meetings and training.
2. Familiarize themselves with and abides by fire department procedures, rules, and regulations.
3. Familiarizes themselves with the handling, care, and maintenance of all department equipment.
4. Attends promptly when the alarm is sounded.
5. Lay and connect hose, direct water streams, raise and climb ladders, use portable extinguishers, self- contained breathing apparatus, and all other firefighting, rescue, tools and equipment.
6. Searches for and rescues persons from danger.
7. Ventilates premises to release heat and smoke; places salvage covers to prevent water damage.

8. As assigned, drives and operates firefighting apparatus'.
9. Remains on the scene of an incident until given permission to leave by the officer-in-charge.
11. Returns to the fire station after incidents and practices to assist in cleaning of equipment and making the apparatus and equipment ready for the next alarm; reports any loss or damage of apparatus or equipment.
12. Cleans and maintains personal equipment and ensures its ready state.
13. Ensures his/her name has been recorded on the attendance sheet for alarms and training.
14. Serves on any committee to which he/she may be elected or appointed.
15. Performs related duties as required.

Overview of the program

• Trainees will have the opportunity to maintain their previously acquired NFPA 1001 Fire Fighter 1 & 2 skills through
specialized training drills, regular training sessions, emergency response calls and examinations.
• Trainees will acquire job experience by participating in specialized programs such as pre-fire planning, public education,
regular fire hall duties, vehicle maintenance, small equipment, and other in-house training programs.
• Trainees will train, certify, and maintain First Responder certification. They will also complete the Canadian Red Cross
First Responder course.
• Trainees will become regular Honorarium paid members of GFFR, and will be required to uphold the same standards and commitments.
• WEP Firefighters will receive the same stipends for emergency response and training as do the regular Volunteer members.
• Grand Forks Fire Rescue will assist WEP members in their career search by providing education in interview and resume writing techniques.
• Trainees will be required to make a 12 month commitment to the program unless hired by a career department before then.

Education Program

Trainees will participate in a number of certified training programs including: RIT, Mayday, Pumps and Pumping, Driver Training,
Emergency Scene Traffic Control, Extrication, Live Fire, Low to High Angle Rescue, Company Inspections and several others.

Accommodations

Grand Forks Fire Rescue will provide accommodations at the fire station as part of the Work Experience Program. These accommodations will include access to a laundry facility, full cooking facilities, lounge areas and TV, and an office area with computer / Internet access. WEP crew members will have access to a local Fitness Facility

1. Canadian Citizenship or Landed Immigrant.
2. Between the ages of 18 and 60 years.
3. Doctor’s Medical Clearance or Certificate of Fitness; Fit Tech, CPAT or YORK.
4. Hearing must be normal without use of hearing aids.
5. Vision will be according to the standards established by the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles as a
prerequisite for a Class 3 Driver’s License.
6. Possess a favorable criminal record that will not bring the fire department into disrepute or hamper
one’s ability to obtain a First Responder’s Medical License.
7. A favorable Driver’s Abstract that has less than 6 points in any one year or less than 9 points in the five- year history and must not have any 214/215 suspensions or any other impaired driving conviction or any Superintendent of Motor Vehicle caused suspension.
8. Air-Brake Endorsement.
9. NFPA 1001 level 2, BC Firefighter 1 & 2, or equivalent certification.
10. Commitment to the 12-month Work Experience Program. Individuals hired by a career department or family emergency during their Program will be relieved of this commitment.

PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND ABILITIES:

1. Healthy and active lifestyle:
a. Provide information on personal healthy eating habits.
b. Provide information on regular personal physical conditioning.
2. Core Strength:
a. Ability to perform 25 push-ups within one minute.
b. Ability to perform 45 sit-ups within one minute.
c. Ability to drag 175 lbs. (80 kg) 100 feet.
d. Ability to dead lift 150lb weight.
e. Ability to drag dry fire hose 50 feet.
3. Cardiovascular Fitness:
a. Ability to run 1.5 miles (2.4 km) in 13 minutes.
4. Dexterity:
a. Search and rescue obstacle course.
b. Climb 35’ ground ladder.
5. Agility and strength to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions.
6. Ability to react quickly and remain calm under duress.

1. Advanced First Aid Training.
2. Previous firefighting or other related work.
3. Class 1 or 3 Driver’s License.
4. Post-Secondary Academic Education (Graduate Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor, Masters, etc.)
5. Technical, trades, or equivalent level.
6. Considerable Mechanical Aptitude.
7. Wildland firefighting experience S-100, S-185, WSPP-115, WSPP-WFF1, Engine Boss