The Team
The team operates within the Northwest Fire Centre, as part of the broader BC Wildfire Service. The Northwest Fire Centre team is comprised of technical specialists, operations personnel, corporate service, and strategic staff dedicated to wildfire prevention and response. The communications staff work closely with all fire centre program areas, Response Centre staff, and external partners including media, government agencies, and stakeholders to ensure coordinated messaging. Team members collaborate across regions and disciplines, often in time-sensitive and high-stakes situations, to support public safety and maintain situational awareness. The environment emphasizes teamwork, adaptability, and strong partnerships, particularly during active wildfire incidents and emergency events.
The Role
The Communications Assistant with the British Columbia Wildfire Service supports the timely, accurate delivery of information during wildfire and emergency response activities. The role focuses on monitoring media and emerging issues, coordinating and distributing information to the public, stakeholders, and staff, and supporting both regional and provincial communications initiatives. It contributes to media relations, public awareness, and internal communications by maintaining tools, assisting with publications, and providing direct support to the Response Centre. The position also operates within the Incident Command System when required and plays a key support role in ensuring communications are clear, consistent, and responsive in dynamic, high-pressure environments.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Technical diploma in a field related to communications, public relations, journalism or equivalent knowledge and 1 year of related experience in communications; or
- Grade 12 and an equivalent combination of education, training and 2 years related experience in communications.
- Valid Class 5 driver licence.
Preference may be given to the applicants with 1 or more of the following:
- Experience in wildfire response and/or emergency response.
- Demonstrated experience developing and managing engaging social media content across multiple platforms.
- 2 or more years’ experience with the following applications:
- Microsoft Office Suite including Publisher, MS Teams, One Drive, One Note
- Adobe Suite
- Content Management System (e.g. WordPress, CMS Lite)
- Experience working respectfully, knowledgeably and effectively with Indigenous People and First Nations communities.
- Current BCWS certification as Information Assistant or higher within the Incident Command System.
For questions regarding this position, please contact Kaitlyn.Bailey@gov.bc.ca.
About this Position
Currently there is 1 auxiliary, full-time opportunity available in Smithers until November 1, 2026.
An eligibility list may be established for future temporary and/or permanent opportunities.
The recruitment process for this competition may take place virtually.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to 2 days at home per week as per the Telework Agreement. Flexible work options may not be available during emergency operations response periods.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.
Working for the BC Public Service
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.
We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.
The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Inuit or Métis) applicants originating from the land now known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.
How to Apply
Your resume and/or cover letter must clearly show that you meet the education and experience requirements. Highlight the required qualifications and support them with specific examples, such as your responsibilities, projects you've worked on, or accomplishments. Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR.
Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.
Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.
Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.
Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.
