Accepting applications until positions are filled. Hiring will occur on an ongoing basis throughout the posting period.

Effective Immediately to September 8, 2026 with potential extensions pending grant funding. Multiple positions available.

Hourly pay: $35.00. In addition to hourly pay, you will receive 4% in lieu of paid vacation.

The City of Vernon is seeking motivated and community-minded individuals to join our FireSmart team as Wildfire Mitigation Specialists. The FireSmart program supports wildfire preparedness, prevention, and risk reduction through homeowner assessments, public education, and community-based mitigation initiatives.

Reporting to the FireSmart Coordinator, the Wildfire Mitigation Specialist plays an important role in helping residents understand and reduce wildfire risk on private property while supporting the delivery of community wildfire resilience programs and educational outreach.

The Wildfire Mitigation Specialist supports the implementation and delivery of the City of Vernon FireSmart Program, including the Wildfire Mitigation Program, Local FireSmart Collective Program, and other wildfire resilience initiatives. This position works directly with residents, neighbourhood groups, and community partners to provide wildfire risk assessments, FireSmart recommendations, and educational support aimed at reducing wildfire hazards throughout the community.

Duties include:

• Work collaboratively with the FireSmart Coordinator to schedule and complete assessments for both the Wildfire Mitigation Program and the Local FireSmart Collective Program.
• Plan, facilitate, and participate in public education events and sessions to promote FireSmart awareness.
• Based on hazard assessment, provide FireSmart recommendations to homeowners that reduce the wildfire hazards on their properties.
• Support and implement FireSmart programming specific to the needs of the community
• Provide direction and hands-on support to residents and communities undertaking FireSmart activities on private and communal lands.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience:

• Current Class 5 Drivers License
• LFR, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist designation,
• Satisfactory Canada Criminal Record Check.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of wildfire behaviour and wildfire management principles.
• Demonstrated risk assessment and risk mitigation knowledge.
• Knowledge of the FireSmart Wildfire Mitigation Program and the Local FireSmart Collective Program.
• General knowledge and awareness of emergency management, planning, forestry, landscaping, and building construction principles.
• Ability to work with and provide education to the public in both one-on-one and group settings.
• Ability to make professional group presentations.
• Ability to work independently within a collaborative teamwork approach.
• Proficient in written communication skills and ability to use information technologies (computers, mobile devices, etc.), including familiarity with presentation development tools, education programs, and social media applications.
• Able to work flexible schedule, including some weekends to accommodate community events.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Two-year diploma or equivalent experience in Forest Technology, Natural Resource Management, Structural Firefighting, Wildland Firefighting or similar (an equivalent combination of education and experience would be considered)

Notes to Applicants:

This is an excluded position with the City of Vernon. Work schedules will be based on the operational needs and demand of the FireSmart BC Wildfire Mitigation Program on a casual basis, with no guarantee of hours. Hours and assignments may vary throughout the year depending on program priorities, project timelines, and community engagement activities

To Apply:

Please submit your resume, quoting the appropriate competition online at vernon.ca/careers by selecting “apply” and creating a candidate profile. Internal applicants are asked to apply using their worker profile.

By making application, you are authorizing the City of Vernon to verify, through whatever means deemed appropriate, any information included in your applicant profile. ​

The City of Vernon wishes to thank all applicants; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.