Being a Work Experience Program (WEP) firefighter provides knowledge and experience that fire departments look for in new recruits. This challenging and rewarding opportunity offers you the ability to maintain and enhance your previously acquired skills while responding to emergencies and performing required station duties.
Applications for the 2026 Winter Program are now open until February 27, 2026 (4:00pm).
Mail applications to: Work Experience Program c/o Creston Valley Fire Service PO Box 1339 Creston, BC V0B 1G0
Courier applications to: Work Experience Program c/o Creston Valley Fire Service 1505 Cook Street Creston, BC V0B 1G4
Please ensure the following is attached to the application:
Consent for Criminal Record Check has been detached and submitted to your local RCMP;
Copies of all course certificates referred to in your application;
Copies of transcripts referred to in your application;
Copy of your driver’s license (both sides);
Current within 10 days, driver abstract;
Ensure all of the application is complete.
19 years of age or older
Canadian citizen or landed immigrant
Commitment to a 12 month work experience program
Consent to criminal record check
Doctor's Medical Clearance or Certificate of Fitness; Fit Tech, CPAT or York
Driver’s license with Air Brake Endorsement, favourable driver's abstract with no more than 3 points
High School Graduate
In-depth personal record check
NFPA 1001 - Firefighter 1 and 2 or equivalent certification
Advanced level of First Aid Training
Post secondary academic diploma
Previous firefighting or other related work
Primary care paramedic or equivalent
Technical, trades or equivalent level
The Creston Valley is located in the southeast corner of British Columbia in the Kootenays along the Canada / United States border. It is approximately 5 hours away from Calgary and 8 hours away from Vancouver. In its proximity there are other centers such as Cranbrook, Trail, Nelson and Castlegar within an hour and Spokane, Washington is approximately 2.5 hours southwest.
The Creston Valley is supported by a diverse economic base including Columbia Brewery, agriculture, forest industry and tourism. Kootenay Lake is 25 km north of town offering recreational opportunities with the Kootenay region having some of the best skiing in British Columbia only a short distance away.
Established in 1899, Creston Fire Rescue has protected the citizens in the Town of Creston and surrounding areas. Now, known as Creston Valley Fire Service, we have an average of 55 paid-on-call firefighters, two career Captains and two career Chief Officers providing service from four stations throughout our Valley.
The mission statement of Creston Valley Fire Service is, “Putting People First with Pride, Honour and Integrity” committed to a safe, healthy and inclusive workplace. The fire service is customer orientated ensuring that every incident is managed in a quick, caring, and effective manner.
Creston Valley Fire Service promotes:
A safe, healthy, respectful and inclusive workplace
Serving the public with skill, care and professionalism
Acting with dedication, commitment and honesty
Striving to be better
A 12 month commitment to the work experience program is required. Daily duties of the WEP firefighter is balanced between, but not limited to; fire suppression, technical rescue, medical response, fire prevention, public education, maintenance duties of equipment and fire station, as well as community events. WEP firefighters work a standard daytime 4 on- 4 off shift and scheduled overage for evenings.
Enhancing your skills to assist you in your career search is our priority. WEP firefighters are mentored by experienced training and fire officers. You will participate in specialized WEP training evolutions, regular training sessions with departments, and personal development education.
You will also have self-directed training opportunities from the department. Non-certificate and Certificate courses may include:
Emergency Scene Traffic Control
Emergency Vehicle Operator
Fire Service Instructor
Incident Command System 100 – 300
Pumps and Pumping
Rapid Intervention Team
Strategy and Tactics and many more
Within the program WEP firefighters certify to Emergency Medical Assistant First Responder Level 3 with spinal and AED 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.
WEP firefighters live at the Creston Emergency Services Building. Sleeping quarters are single room dorms equipped with a bed. Common areas include full laundry, cooking, washrooms, showers, and lounge facilities. Other amenities include wireless internet and television.
WEP firefighters will be remunerated for response to emergencies (payment is issued only for calls they sign up for and physically respond to), attendance to regularly scheduled training, and standby duties.
In addition, WEP firefighters receive a $300 monthly stipend to assist with living expenses. A membership to Iron Soul Fitness—a state-of-the-art facility located at the former Creston Fire Hall—is provided to WEP firefighters to support the maintenance of physical fitness.
