What You Could Be Part Of...

The  City of Merritt is Located in the interior of British Columbia only 2 hours from major centers like Vancouver, 
1 1\2 hours from Kelowna and 45 minutes from Kamloops.

Merritt supports a diverse economic base, from agriculture to manufacturing and offers numerous recreational and tourist based opportunities.

Since 1911 the Merritt Fire Rescue Department has protected the citizens of Merritt and the Nicola Valley.  The Merritt Fire Rescue Department is a progressive department consisting of 25 paid-on-call firefighters led by two career staff.. 

2012 -2013
Work Experience Program
APPICATION CLOSE
April 20, 2012

The MFRD promotes harmony, fellowship and opportunity. We are proudly different and have achieved success by focusing on our core values of Integrity, Mentoring, People, Response, Empathy, Service and Safety.   At the Merritt Fire Rescue Department we have dedicated ourselves to educating our community and its youth to promote public awareness, safety and the prevention of fires.  We are passionate about our families, our members and the safety of our community.

Work Experience Program (WEP)

Being a WEP firefighter is both challenging and rewarding.  Our program offers you the ability to maintain and enhance your previously acquired skills. While responding to emergencies your skills will be exercised in preparation for your career in the fire service. It is this knowledge and experience departments look for in their recruits. Allow us to assist you in your job search!

Program Structure

A 9 month commitment to the work experience program is required.  Of course, those hired to a career fire departments during their program are exempt from this commitment.
The daily duties of a WEP firefighter is balanced between, but limited to; Fire Suppression, Rescue, Medical Response, Fire Prevention, Public Education, Company Fire Inspections, Pre-fire Planning, Station and Equipment.Maintenance  WEP firefighters work a standard daytime shift routine, Monday to Friday.  On a rotational basis WEP firefighters provide duty coverage on weekends.

Accommodations

WEP firefighters live at the station.  Bedrooms are based on double occupancy.  Full laundry, cooking, washroom and lounge facilities are provided at no cost. In addition, Wireless Internet Access is provided.


Opportunity/Rewards

WEP firefighters will be remunerated for response to emergencies and attendance to regularly scheduled training.

In addition WEP firefighters receive $1800.00 which can be taken in the form of education allowance or stipend to assist with living expenses.  A complimentary pass to the Nicola Valley Aquatic Center and Gym is provided to WEP firefighters to help maintain physical fitness and offer a form of recreation.


Training Program

Enhancing your skills is our priority!
Mentored by our experienced training and fire officers, you will participate in specialized WEP training evolutions and regular sessions with experienced firefighters.  In addition to training, you have self-directed training through your training allowance, WEP firefighters participate in many regional training events supported by the Justice Institute of British Columbia Fire Academy and hosted by the Merritt Fire  Rescue Department.
Certificate courses may include; Strategy and Tactics, Fire Service Instructor, Emergency Scene Traffic Control, Rapid Intervention Team, Emergency Vehicle Operator,  Pumps and Pumping, Incident Command System 100 - 300 and many more.
Within their program WEP firefighters certify to First Responder Level 3 with spinal, AED and Imminent Child Birth endorsements.WEP firefighters have the opportunity to share their previous acquired skills through development of lesson plans and drills to challenge the paid-on-call fighters.
Specific to WEP firefighters instruction in resume writing and interview skills will be provided to set you a part.

Work Experience Program Entrance Requirements

  • Canadian Citizen or Landed Immigrant.
  • High School Graduate.
  • 19 years of age or older.
  • NFPA 1001  or 1002, BC Firefighter 1&2 or equivalent certification.
  • Consent to Criminal Record check.
  • In-depth personal record check.
  • Drivers License with Air Brake Endorsement, favorable            driver's abstract  with less than 6 points.
  • Doctor's Medical Clearance or Certificate of Fitness; Fit Tech,    CPAT or York.
  • Commitment to a 9 month Work Experience Program.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced level of First Aid Training
  • First Responder Level 3
  • Occupational First Aid Level 3 
  • Emergency Medical Responder
  • Primary Care Paramedic or equivalent
  • Previous firefighting or other related work
  • Technical, Trades or equivalent level
  • Post Secondary Academic Diploma

Please Ensure The Following Documents Are Attached To The Application:

  • Ensure all of the application is complete.
  • Current within 10 days, Driver Abstract Attached
  • Photocopy of your driver’s license; both sides.
  • Copies of Transcripts referred to in your application
  • Copies of all course Certificates referred to in your application
  • Consent for Criminal Record Check has been detached and submitted to your local RCMP.                                                 


Info Centre Car Fire - Photo Courtesy of Merritt Herald
WEP Application Time Line  2012/13                                                                             
                                  
April 20, 2012    Application Close

May   11, 2012          Applications Reviewed                                                         
       Telephone Interviews                                                     

May  31, 2012          Program Offers

July  04, 2012           Program Begins

March 29, 2013        Program Ends


Thank you to all applicants.
Only those selected will be contacted


2011 / 2012 WEP Firefighters;






    Zack Clare    Lev Gammer      Paul HarveyJason McCallumDrew Robinson
  Port Coquitlam                  Naramata                          Kitchener                         Toronto                               Barrie            
British Columbia            British Columbia                     Ontario                            Ontario                              Ontario


2010 / 2011 WEP Firefighters;







    Aaron Klassen                  Brad Kerr           Brandon Dechert            Darcy Gordon      Jeff Walker
      Abbotsford         Regina                            Kitchener                       Kelowna                           Burlington
  British Columbia             Saskatchewan                      Ontario                   British Columbia                      Ontario






  Bryan Walmsley
        Waterloo
         Ontario


2009 / 2010 WEP Firefighters;






           J.D. Cyr           Geoffrey Wilson          Sean Dickie       Garrett Fishlock       Jake Martin
   Moncton     Grande Prairie       Langley                        Kamloops         Guelph
    New Brunswick            Alberta      British Columbia           British Columbia                  Ontario

2008 / 2009 WEP Firefighters;






  Gavin Newsham        Brandon Jai  Houston Welsh     Meghan Knowler      David Gibson
            Barrie                           Burnaby                          Timmins                         Hampton   West Vancouver
           Ontario                   British Columbia                   Ontario                            Ontario                    British Columbia