Firefighter Work Experience Program | Big White Fire Department Closes Feb.28/26

🔥 SEO-Optimized Job Posting (WordPress Ready)

Firefighter Work Experience Program (WEP 25) – Big White Fire Department

The Big White Fire Department is now accepting applications for the Work Experience Program (WEP 25). This 11-month live-in firefighter work experience program is designed for motivated candidates seeking real-world firefighting experience, advanced training, and a strong pathway into a full-time fire service career.

📅 Application Window: January 1 – February 28, 2026
📍 Location: Big White Mountain, British Columbia
🚒 Program Dates: June 2026 – April 2027 (end of ski season)

Why Join the Big White WEP?

• Over 89% of graduates hired by 50+ fire departments across Canada

• Live and train in a fully staffed fire station

• Respond to real emergency calls as a paid-on-call firefighter

• Gain experience in a busy resort community serving up to 25,000 people

Program Overview

WEP Firefighters participate in suppression, prevention, medical response, training, and public education while maintaining and advancing their NFPA skills. Members live, train, and work together as part of a progressive composite fire department.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Fire suppression and rescue operations

• Fire prevention, inspections, and pre-incident planning

• Motor vehicle incidents and extrication

• Emergency Medical Responder / First Responder duties

• Public education and community engagement

• Fire hall and apparatus maintenance

• Duty shifts, fundraising, and volunteer initiatives

Training & Certification

• Maintain NFPA 1001 Level I & II skills

• Complete EMA Medical First Responder (Schedule 2)

• Complete Canadian Red Cross EMR

• Participate in ongoing drills, evaluations, and emergency responses

• Opportunities to instruct training to department members

Accommodations Provided

To support cost of living, WEP members are provided on-site accommodations, including:

• Private bedrooms and bathrooms

• Laundry facilities

• Full kitchen and lounge areas

• Weight training room

• Training rooms and office space with internet

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete application package, including:

• Cover letter and resume

• NFPA 1001 Level I & II certificates

• NFPA 472 Hazmat Operations

• BC Class 3 driver’s license (or equivalent) and driver’s abstract

• Criminal record check

• Medical clearance or firefighter fitness certificate (CPAT, York, OFAI, Brock, etc.)

• Three professional or volunteer reference letters

Recruitment Process & Timeline

• Applications Close: February 28, 2026

• Interviews: March 2026 (Zoom)

• Offers Issued: March 2026

• Tentative Start Date: June 1, 2026

📌 Applications must be submitted online.
📞 Recruitment Contact: Deputy Fire Chief Dominic Carlile