Ministry of Forests and Range, Wildfire Management Branch
FAQ
Some commonly asked questions:
Q: Is the on-line application the only way to apply?
A: Yes, all applications must be done on line with related documentation submitted as an attachment to the on-line application. Paper or faxed copies will NOT be accepted.
Q: Where and when can I do my Pre-Employment Test?
A: The Pre-Employment Testing will be conducted at the beginning of the training (New Recruit Bootcamp) in late spring for those individuals invited to participate. Look on the Wildfire Management Branch Website for more information.
Q: What happens next after I apply?
A: Your application will be screened by the Provincial Recruiting panel and you will be contacted by email to attend an interview. If you are not invited to an interview your application may have been lacking the preferred qualifications we were seeking or it was incomplete. It is a very competitive process. If you are seeking feedback on your application please contact your local recruiting representative.
Q: How do I know if my first aid ticket is accepted in BC?
A: The first aid tickets accepted in the British Columbia workplace can be found on the following WorkSafe BC web link:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/FirstAid/Certificates-BC.asp
Q: What if I cannot find my first aid ticket on the WorkSafe BC site?
A: It is a requirement for employment to have a valid first aid ticket that is recognized by WorkSafe BC. We cannot consider your application without a valid first aid ticket. You will have to enroll in a recognized course to be considered.
Q: How can I update my contact information?
A: You can update your contact information by accessing your on-line application and updating it where it will be automatically changed. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure their information is up-to-date and accurate.
Q: How many applications do you receive and how many jobs are there?
A: On average the Wildfire Management Branch receives 1000-1500 applications per year. The number of jobs changes from year to year, ranging from 100 on a slow year, to over 200 on a high turn-over year.
Q: Do I get to choose where I want to work?
A: We try to place people in locations that are a good fit for both the employee and employer. Getting people in a place they would like to work is the goal, but it is not always possible, as there are limited openings. Individuals can be asked to go to other locations that may not be their preference.
Q: What is the starting wage?
A: The starting wage is $18.93 per hour. Employees work a 35 hr work week and are eligible for overtime rates after 7 hours of regular time. Standby hours are on top of regular worked hours, paid at 1/3 regular rate per hour.
Q: When will I hear back if I am getting an interview?
A: Invitations to attend an interview will be sent via email in the first 2-3 weeks after the application process closes. Invitations will not be sent to all candidates at once, but staggered by various locations. Vancouver candidates will be invited first, Victoria second, and Kamloops candidates will be notified last. This is strictly a result of the provincial interview schedule, see below.
Q: When will interviews take place?
A: At this time interviews are tentatively scheduled for the following weeks:
| Vancouver | Jan 31 - Feb 4 | Victoria | Feb 7-11 |
| Smithers | Feb 14-18 | Williams Lake | Feb 14-18 |
| Castlegar | Feb 14-18 | Prince George | Feb 21-25 |
| Kamloops | Feb 28 - Mar 4 |
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