Work Experience Program (WEP) – Dashwood FD – 2025

The WEP is an 11-month, full-time, residential firefighter internship based at Dashwood Fire Department’s Station 61. It is designed for individuals who are serious about entering the fire service as a career.

You’ll live and work alongside our crew, participate in all department operations, and respond to real emergency calls — including structure fires, medical incidents, vehicle rescues, and more. WEP members also assist with fire prevention initiatives, public education, inspections, and day-to-day station duties.

You’re not just observing — you’re part of the team.

We’re looking for highly motivated, physically fit individuals aged 18–35 who hold NFPA 1001 Firefighter II certification, a valid Class 3 Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement, and First Responder Level 3 or higher.

You’ll need to commit to living onsite, pass a medical and criminal background check, and demonstrate a strong sense of professionalism and accountability.

This program isn’t for everyone — it’s for those who are serious about making firefighting their career.

You will be paid per call, per training session (paid quarterly) and there will be opportunities for casual work at $250.00 per day.

We have openings for 2 WEP Students

We centrally located on Vancouver Island 30 min north of Nanaimo, and 10min north of Qualicum Beach.  We are close to all amenities and have amazing equipment and facilities.  We average around 200-250 calls per year, and operate out of 2 fire stations, 30 paid on call members and 4 career staff members.

WEP members are responsible for the following duties in accordance with department polices and operational guidelines, combating and extinguishing fires, attending motor vehicle accidents, rescue and medical first responder incidents. WEP members will also participate in Fire Prevention, Public Education, Company Fire Inspections, Pre-fire Planning, Station/Grounds and Equipment Maintenance. WEP members will attend training sessions as outlined by department policy and as directed by the Training Officer. WEP members participate in regular shift routines and duty coverage as well as other assigned duties by the Training Officer or Designate.

Work week is

• Sunday to Thursday -730am-5pm (on pager after hours)
• Friday to Saturday 730am to 5pm (on pager after hours)

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 member:

• Is prompt to all meetings and training sessions.
• Familiarizes themselves with and abides by fire department procedures, rules and regulations.
• Familiarizes themselves with the handling, care and maintenance of all department equipment. ➢ Responds to calls promptly when the pager goes off while duty, and if available while off duty.
• Lays and connect hose, directs water streams, raises and climbs ladders, uses portable extinguishers, self-contained breathing apparatus, rescue equipment, tools and related equipment.
• Searches for and rescues persons from danger.
• Ventilates premises to release heat and smoke; places salvage covers to prevent water damage.
• Drives and operates motor driven firefighting apparatus as assigned and signed off.
• Responds to medical, rescue and motor vehicle incidents.
• Remains on the scene of an incident until given permission to leave by the officer-in-charge.
• Returns to the fire station after incidents and training sessions to assist in cleaning of equipment and making the apparatus and equipment ready for the next alarm; reports the loss or damage of apparatus or equipment.
• Cleans and maintains personal equipment and ensures its response ready.
• Performs other assigned duties as required to the best of their abilities.
• Filmization with Microsoft 365, MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint.

Canadian Citizenship or Landed Immigrant.

• Between the ages of 18 and 35 years.
• Doctor’s Medical Clearance or Certificate of Fitness; Fit Tech, CPAT or YORK.
• Hearing must be normal without aids.
• Vision will be according to the standards established by the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles as a prerequisite for a Class 3 Driver’s License.
• Possess a favorable criminal record that will not bring the fire department into disrepute or hampers one’s ability to hold a First Responder’s Medical License.
• A favorable Driver’s Abstract that has less than 3 points in any one year or less than 6 points in the five-year history. Must not have any 214/215 suspensions or any other impaired driving conviction or any Superintendent of Motor Vehicle caused suspension.
• Class 3-Air-Brake Endorsement.
• Current First Responder Level 3 or higher (EMR/PCP)
• NFPA 1001 Firefighter 2.
• Commitment to the 11-month Work Experience Program. Individuals hired by a career department during their Program will be relieved of this commitment.

• Previous firefighting or other related work.
• Post Secondary Academic Diploma.
• Technical, Trades or equivalent level.
• Considerable Mechanical Aptitude.
• Agility and strength to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions.
• Ability to react quickly and remain calm under duress.

Work Experience Program Additional Courses Offered

• Incident Command System 100
• Incident Command System 200
• Fire Service Instructor 1 (including VIERA Evaluator and Proctor)
• BC Wildfire Basic Wildland Firefighter- SPPWFF 1
• BC Wildfire -SPP115 (if available)
• BC Wildfire Engine Boss (if available)
• In House-Wildfire Boot Camp
• START-Comox FD (Rapid Intervention Team Training)
• BC Hydro Electrical Safety Course
• Local FireSmart Representative Course
• Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Course (if available)
• OHS Committee Training
• Emergency Scene Traffic Control
• WHMIS