WEP Firefighters spend 12 months with the Yellowhead County Fire Department, a composite fire service made up of full-time and paid-on-call members. Based out of our Edson and Evansburg stations, WEP Firefighters work with the full-time crews daily gaining invaluable experience, and alongside our paid-on-call members during training and emergency response.
WEP Firefighters can join the Paid On-Call Volunteers outside of their shift rotation, which provides additional experience and training opportunities. This helps enhance, build new and maintain skills for their future career in Emergency Response.
REMUNERATION:
- 2026 Rate: $28.07/hr. + 4% holiday pay
- 4-days-on and 4-days-off rotation
- 12 hour shifts
- paid out every 2 weeks
- 12 month term
WEP Firefighter Receives:
- fire station accommodations (a taxable benefit)
- uniform
- training opportunities
- wages paid for all worked shifts
Living accommodations at the fire station allows for an immersive fire service experience. Currently, scheduled shifts at our full-time fire stations are 0700-1900 hours daily.
OPPORTUNITIES:
- completion of accredited certification programs
- enhanced training
- education for career development
- mentorship
- personal development
- daily duties balanced between but not limited to: fire suppression, technical rescue, medical first response, fire prevention, public education, preplanning, maintenance of equipment and the fire station
- participation/volunteering in public and private (school) community events
YCFD provides fire and rescue services across approximately 22,000 square km. With seven fire stations, the department collectively responds to 550-600 incidents annually; response types include: fire suppression, rescue and emergency response calls.
WEP firefighters are placed on a platoon where they join existing fulltime staff in a scheduled rotation covering Yellowhead County 7 days a week. In the WEPs off hours there will be opportunities to attend incidents and functions as a Paid On-Call Volunteer firefighter.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
(required at the time of application):
_ Accredited Fire Program Graduate or equivalent, completed within the last 24 months (provide copies);
_ Age 18+;
_ Valid and current Canadian Driver’s License;
_ Commit to the 12-month duration of the Work Experience Program. Individuals hired by a career department during this Program will be relieved of this commitment;
_ Completed Medical Checklist BY CANDIDATE;
_ Cover Letter must include information not provided in your resume. We want to know your passions, goals, interests, and why you want to be a part of the YCFD Work Experience Program; and
_ Detailed resume
A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING:
_ 5-Year Driver’s Abstract;
_ Doctor's Medical Clearance or Certificate of Fitness; and
_ Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector
ITEMS CONSIDERED ASSETS
(not required)
_ Advanced First Aid Training
_ Previous firefighting experience or other related work or volunteering
_ Class 1 or 3 Driver’s License
_ Air-Brake Endorsement
_ Post-Secondary Degree(s) or Diploma(s) (provide copies)
_ Technical, Trades, or equivalent level of certification (provide copies)
_ Considerable Mechanical Aptitude
If providing documents in your application, please ensure you combine necessary documents, as there is a maximum of 3 allowed. You may email additional documents to [email protected].
There may be times throughout the year that WEP applicants may be reviewed to fill temporary term positions in the Work Experience Program.
We thank every applicant for their interest in the Yellowhead County Work Experience Program – only successful applicants will be contacted.
DOCUMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Please include your resume, cover letter and additional documents as 3 files uploaded and attached to your application. You will be limited to attaching 3 files, feel free to combine documents to suit your application needs.
In your resume, please include ALL fire related volunteering and work experience, and dates, as well as the year in which you graduated from a fire school or program.
In addition to the information you'd like to provide in your cover letter, please also include the following:
1) Please tell us why you wish to join the Yellowhead County Fire Department Work Experience Program?
2) What sets you apart from other candidates? Why should YCFD choose you to be our next WEP Firefighter?
3) If you would prefer not to be considered for future intakes and vacancies outside of those indicated in this competition, please indicate that in your cover letter.
*intake dates are subject to change based on program vacancies.*
PLEASE UPLOAD PDF DOCUMENTS ONLY
WEP FIREFIGHTERS SCOPE OF WORK
WEP Firefighters are responsible for Fire Suppression, Structure Protection, Wildland Firefighting, Vehicle Rescue, Dangerous Goods Response, and Medical Emergency Response within Yellowhead County fire protection boundaries to departmental standards. WEP Firefighters will 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, Fire Pre-Planning, Station, 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:
- Is prompt to all meetings and training;
- Familiarizes themselves with the handling, care and maintenance of all departmental equipment;
- Attends promptly when the alarm is sounded;
- Lays and connect hose, directs water streams, raises and climbs ladders, uses portable extinguishers, self-contained breathing apparatus, and all other firefighting, rescue, tools and equipment;
- Searches for and rescues persons from danger;
- Ventilates premises to release heat and smoke; places salvage covers to prevent water damage;
- As assigned, drives and operates YCFD motor driven firefighting apparatus;
- Remains on the scene of an incident until released by the officer-in-charge;
- Returns to the fire station after incidents and assists in cleaning of equipment and returning apparatus and equipment back in service;
- Reports the loss or damage of apparatus or equipment;
- Cleans and maintains personal protective equipment and ensures its ready state;
- Ensures their name has been recorded on attendance sheets for call-outs and training; and
- Performs related duties as assigned.
ROUTINE, RULES AND REGULATIONS
- The intention of the WEP firefighter program is to give recent graduates of an accredited firefighter program the opportunity to gain firefighting experience to help move them toward a career in firefighting.
- Yellowhead County has provided living accommodations in the fire station for the WEP firefighter. This allows the WEP firefighter the most opportunity to respond to incidents out of their assigned station after hours as a Paid-on-Call.
- Because firefighting is the chosen career path, WEP firefighters will be held to a high standard of professionalism and commitment. With this the WEP firefighter should;
o plan to attend station training and courses; and
o plan to attend callouts evenings and weekends.
- WEP firefighters are also regarded as Paid on Call members during their 12-month term. During their time when they are not on a day crew shift, they report to their assigned Division Chief. During their time on a day crew shift, and anything that is relating to the day crew shift, they report to a Fulltime Lieutenant.
- WEP firefighters must report for their scheduled shift at least 15 minutes early. You must be ready for emergency response with full PPE (Turn-out gear, helmet, SCBA face mask, gloves, balaclava, boots, coveralls, and radio). This equipment is your responsibility to maintain and keep clean.
- WEP firefighters will work out of their assigned station. The WEP firefighter is personally responsible for travel to and from each station. WEP firefighters will be responsible for being on duty for assigned shift. Night shifts may be assigned on a standby basis as necessary.
- Late arrival for duty may result in an extra duties while on shift, or you may be dismissed for that particular day. Other tardiness may result in discharge from the program.
- WEP firefighters must arrive for shift work in full uniform as assigned: clean-shaven, clean and pressed uniform shirt over Yellowhead County Fire Department t-shirt, shined hardware, black belt with clean and pressed pants, shined black safety toed boots. On duty coverage Night shift will remain in full uniform or pants and Yellowhead County Fire Department t-shirt until quiet time at 2200hours. Uniform issue may only be worn when on duty or representing Yellowhead County Fire Department at community events.
- WEP firefighters do not accumulate vacation leave during their 12-month term. Transfers of shifts are limited to only take place and paid back within pay periods (two weeks) and must be approved by the Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief (or designate in charge of scheduling).
- WEP firefighters do not accumulate sick days or hours, it is to be understood that effort should be made to contact the Lieutenant, or the station officer on shift, to arrange shift coverage.
- The Fire Station is a place of business 0700-1900hours, 7 days a week. WEP firefighters, while not on duty, must be dressed appropriately during business hours while in the Fire Station outside of their dormitory. WEP firefighters, while not on duty during business hours, will not go out onto the floor with the day crew unless authorized by the Lieutenant or Officer in charge.
- WEP firefighters are expected to use the provided living quarters as their principal residence during their 12-month term. Members who spend an excessive amount of time away may be asked to leave the program.
- Provided living quarters are a taxable benefit to the WEP firefighter. Learn more about Taxable Benefits for Housing and Utilities on the Government of Canada website.
- WEP firefighter quarters will be inspected regularly. All house quarters shall be presentable at all times. Duties not attended to may result in disciplinary action from the Fire Chief or designate. The firefighter quarters should be kept vacant of public and wandering guests.
- Guest(s) of firefighters must have permission to enter from the Fire Chief or designate. With the exception of Family emergencies and cleared with the Fire Chief or designate, Guests are not permitted until completion of the 3 month probation period.
- WEP Firefighters will be held accountable for order and cleanliness. The following guidelines will apply:
o Clothes must be hung in closets and put away in drawers, and beds must be made when not in use.
o Common living, bathroom, shower and kitchen areas must be cleaned regularly and kept presentable at all times.
o Dishes and glasses are to be returned to the kitchen and/or placed in the dishwasher.
o Trash must be emptied “as needed” in the living quarters and daily in the kitchen.
o Recyclables are to be stored and taken out to the bins at the transfer station or to the bottle depot for refund.
o IF YOU HAVE TIME TO COOK, YOU HAVE TIME TO CLEAN!
o Kitchen supplies; pot and pans, dishes or food should be stored in cabinets as assigned.
o Other duties are to be completed as assigned or completed in the absence of a fellow firefighter.
- It is the responsibility of WEP firefighters to establish and adhere to a schedule for the above duties. Failure to maintain these duties will be held against all WEP participants.
- WEP firefighters may be held personally liable for any damages to property or equipment.
- Small problems that arise shall be solved among the firefighters. The Deputy Fire Chief should be informed of a problem that is beyond the scope of solving in-house.
- Liquor and Liquor containers, and legal drugs (Marijuana) are prohibited in the fire hall.
- Smoking is not permitted in the Fire Station or in any Yellowhead County building or vehicle. Tobacco use is strongly discouraged in any form.
- There is “ZERO TOLERANCE” for drug use of any kind.
- Quiet time is from 2200 hours to 0600 hours daily.
- Only YCFD issued uniform and PPE may be worn while on shift.
- Conduct yourself in an appropriate manner at all times, as you are a member of this organization and representative of the department. Refrain from disruptive or rowdy behaviour when out in public.
- WEP firefighters shall not allow their conduct to cast an adverse reflection on themselves, Yellowhead County Fire Department. Rules of common courtesy and respect for the individual will be given to all fellow members of the department. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
- Any WEP firefighter whose presence, in the opinion of the Fire Chief or designate, is disruptive to the good of the order or operation of the fire hall and or community, will be removed from the WEP program, and will be asked to leave the premises within 24 hours.
- WEP firefighters are only to use designated station areas.
- If a WEP firefighter is asked to perform a task that they have not been properly trained for, they shall convey this to the person requesting the task. WEP Firefighters will not be expected to perform beyond the level they have been trained to.
- Yellowhead County Fire Department expects a 12-month commitment to the Work Experience Program. (Exceptions may be made for WEP firefighters hired with a Career Fire Department).
- All WEP Firefighters will be required; in writing to give at least 2 weeks notice or longer if they intend to leave the WEP program. Letters of reference will not be given if this is not adhered to. (Exceptions may be considered if the participant is hired by a Career Fire Department)
- Infractions of order and or operations of the Yellowhead County Fire Department will follow
YCFD SOG #5.01,04,04 Guide to Progressive Discipline. Disciplinary action for breaking the above rules or any Yellowhead County expectations, rules, policies and procedures, shall follow the Yellowhead County Human Resource Directive 1300.27A Disciplinary Action.
- WEP firefighters are responsible to ensure establishment/maintenance of all applicable insurances (tenants insurance, etc.).
- Each WEP firefighter must agree to these terms in writing before acceptance as a Work Experience Program Firefighter for Yellowhead County Fire Department.
By submitting this application, you have read and understood the above expectations, and agree to the above as outlined.
