WORK EXPERIENCE FIREFIGHTER PROGRAM ( WEP 03)-GRAND FORKS, BC-2025/2026

Do you want to serve as a full time firefighter, gain firefighting experience, continue your fire service education, live in the fire station, and be part of a progressive team?

If so, this might be the position you’re looking for!

Grand Forks Fire Rescue will soon be seeking candidates for the Work Experience Program (WEP 03).
We are accepting applications from July 23, 2025 until the end of the business day Sept 08, 2025.
Interviews will be completed September 13,2025 with the program to start with orientation October 6, 2025

Program Overview
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 the departments fitness facility.

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.

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

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.

All interested applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the information provided on the City of Grand
Forks website and application package prior to contacting the fire department for further information.
The selection process is similar to career fire services, requiring applicants to submit detailed information
including physical fitness assessments, medicals and criminal records check. There are no exceptions to
providing all the required information and meeting all the minimum requirements.
Applicants who are selected for the program will be expected to sign a Rules and Regulations document
agreeing to the terms, conditions, and expectations of the City of Grand Forks Fire Rescue service.
Successful candidates will be monitored throughout the program through performance evaluations and those
who do not maintain the highest standards may be required to receive additional coaching or possibly face
dismissal from the program.
The program is designed for four (4) firefighters, with the recruiting done by August/September.

Contact Fire Chief Piché
Email: rpiche@grandforks.ca Phone: (250) 444-9452