Skip to main content
Communication, Art + Technology › Communication › Marketing
SFU Co-op Student

person filling out a physical job application
Credit
pexels.com
Working as a Fire Information Officer for the BC Forest Service proved to be the most dynamic, unpredictable, professionally validating experiences I had ever encountered.

What would unfold as a live interview with CBC News encapsulated the tone of much of my Co-op experience with the Forest Service. It was unpredictable, fast-paced and an incredible skills-testing experience.  Not to mention an affirmation of my fervor for crisis communication.

That day, the Southeast Fire Centre was abuzz with activity.  My interview with CBC passed successfully, feeding the public with essential wildfire insights and fuelling me with the adrenaline to respond to the demanding month that lay ahead. One 100+ hectare fire led way to another, and another. Soon, it was the norm for me to spend 17 hours in the office, researching the latest wildfire updates from various sources on and off the fire line, responding to media requests, answering public phone calls, updating information lines, liaising with provincial headquarters, instating fire bans and learning to re-prioritize as my tasks and focus changed unexpectedly, every ten or so minutes.

Evenings, my roommate and I would brave the swarms of river moths on the tennis courts for a game or two, when her hours as a nursing student allowed. My three cell phones lay always within hearing distance, should reporters call to interview. At times, all three would ring simultaneously, and I would answer questions over telephone in between sets. My standby hours would keep me by my phones, in the vicinity and away from the town pub, until 10 p.m. nightly.

The longest period of consecutive days that I could work was nineteen days – with overtime aplenty – before I had to take three days of rest. Such a stretch occurred in July, the busiest wildfire month in BC of 2008. That adrenaline-fuelled period found me escorting camera crews over fires by helicopter, interviewing with television, radio and print upwards of twenty-five times daily and working continuously in order to maintain a steady flow of information from the fire lines to the public and to the Ministry of Forests and its many partners. By the end, naturally, I felt very much a part of this particular emergency communications lifestyle.

Working as a Fire Information Officer for the BC Forest Service proved to be the most dynamic, unpredictable, professionally validating experiences I had ever encountered. Was it challenging? Yes, absolutely. Adapting to a work climate built upon strict and sacred hierarchy, to the long, intense hours, adjusting to life in a smaller town: these all presented challenges to overcome. However, the opportunities that taking full advantage of this unique Co-op position afforded me were amazing.  My work portfolio certainly thickened with references and interview clips. My self discipline has never been so honed. And finally, I have an appreciation for life in the West Kootenay, arguably the most beautiful area in the province. I have no doubt that fond memories of a whirlwind summer and an invaluable university experience will draw me back to the area in future.

Although, perhaps the next time I visit the hot, lush Kootenays will be on vacation,  and minus a cell phone or two.

Beyond the Blog

  • Missed part one of Adam's adventure's with BC Forest Service? Be sure to check out the entire series, Summer of Wildfires.
SFU Co-op Student
visibility  99
Mar 4, 2011

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections, Professional Development, Career Exploration, Seeking, Work Term Extension

author, courtney, smiling
A Second Term in Government: More of the Same?

Having completed my first work term for Health Canada as a Communications Officer Intern, I was eager to try something new, and the government was not where I believed that was going to happen. That is until I was offered a position at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada...

picture of glichelle pondering a though
Surviving Workplace Politics

Ever been peeved with workplace politics? Have you ever been a victim of office politics? One student shares her experiences from the workplace with tips on how to survive.

 

person with their head in a book
Responsibility and Success

One of the most memorable parts of my time in co-op was the collection of accidents, errors, mistakes, and mix-ups that happened in the course of working in the laboratory.

 

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections

a planner with some wild flowers layout on top
Organize Yourself: Tips on Managing Your Work

Struggling to organize your workflow? Don't worry! Read more of Sharon's blog as she gives useful and practical tips on how to manage your time and work!

Ryan Schmidt
Treaty Negotiations with INAC

Being an arts and social sciences student means having a vast variety of career options open to us. One of them being a treaty negotiator at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)! Read Ryan's blog to find out more about what this position entails. 

The social
For the Blossoming Wallflowers: 3 Tips for Navigating the Workplace as an Introvert

Starting in a new workplace as an introvert can seem like a terrifying thing. Even though Camille would much rather hide behind the camera and observe, she knew that the easy way out doesn’t EVER produce the most growth and value.