COMM O 15R - Communications Assistant

The Team
The Communications and Engagement Team is a small 2-4-person team within the BC Wildfire Service focused on keeping communities informed and prepared during the wildfire season. With our incident command role as Information, we answer public calls, provide fire updates, and do media interviews. Our team works closely with local governments, First Nations, and emergency response partners to share accurate, timely updates and reduce misinformation. Internally, we collaborate with our fire zones, other Fire Centres and provincial programs. By combining collaboration, adaptability, and inclusivity, we help build trust and enhance emergency preparedness across northern British Columbia.

The Role
The Communication Assistant supports communications efforts related to wildfire prevention and response, ensuring the public, media, and stakeholders receive accurate, timely information. This role involves supporting the creation of internal and external communications; website updates, newsletters, emails, and drafting status updates for fires and media interviews. Main accountabilities include, Fire Information Assistant during the fire season (rostered shifts and standby) and supporting the creation and delivery of Fire Centre communications.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements

• Diploma in a field related to communications, public relations, journalism or equivalent knowledge; OR
• Secondary school graduation or equivalent and two (2) years related experience in communications, public relations, journalism or an equivalent; OR
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered.
• Valid Class 5 driver licence.
• Preference may be given to candidates with experience in wildfire response and/or emergency response.
• Preference may be given to candidates with two (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)

Willingness Statements

• To be flexible regarding ongoing changes in responsibilities, assignments and corporate structures.
• To keep current on emerging issues.
• To take in-house training and certification as required.
• To fly in aircraft (fixed wing and rotary) as required.
• To work extended hours, including weekends, and be on standby with limited notice in accordance with the preparedness plan.
• To travel and overnight in remote locations where accommodations may vary as required.
• To participate in ICS positions as assigned.
• To work under adverse or stressful conditions, including smoke, extreme heat and mountainous terrain in remote and isolated conditions.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Emily.Baker@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:

Currently there are 2 auxiliary positions available until October 31 2026.
These positions have full-time on-site requirements.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
Prince George is the largest city in northern British Columbia, and boasts a wide variety of restaurants and entertainment, including the Prince George Symphony Orchestra. Prince George is also located next to several provincial parks, which provide camping and boating amenities.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

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.

The BC Public Service is an award-winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, amazing learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development opportunities. For more information, please see What We Offer.

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.