The County of Grande Prairie is hoping to fill the Clairmont and Dunes stations with part-time staff, but officials admit a number of challenges stand in their way.
“We are getting applicants, however, we are looking for part-time members. Trying to find members who have the ability to provide that commitment for a part-time job and maintain a full-time career, it can be challenging,” says Deputy Chief Jason Nesbitt.
Nesbitt says a lot of the applications come from local members of the community, but some other hurdles tend to get in the way when it comes to finding the right fit.
“The nature of the region and the jobs that go along with it are a challenge at times, too. If we have folks who work in oil and gas and are out of town for weeks on end or have a very non-standard schedule, it can make it a challenge too.”
He adds the county doesn’t see itself as a launching pad for a career move, however, Nesbitt says they’re always happy to see staff carry on the traditions and skills they’ve learned here in other areas.
“We do lose a lot of people to career fire departments, so they come to do a fair bit of service with us and are applying all over for full positions, as they want to live their career dream. Ultimately we do lose a lot of our part-time members to other career fire departments for that reason.”
People interested in applying can head to the County of Grande Prairie’s website.