Search is on for thousands of volunteers for Vancouver Olympics

Anyone hoping to volunteer at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver had better get to work polishing up their resume.

The online search for 25,000 volunteers began Tuesday, exactly two years from the opening of the Games, and applicants now have only six weeks to get their applications in.

The applications are already rolling in — from across Canada and around the world, including Australia, Russia, and Europe — Vancouver Organizing Committee CEO John Furlong told CBC News Tuesday morning.

Would-be volunteers have until the end of March to apply online, and the number of applications is expected to greatly exceed the available spaces.

That means competition for the volunteer positions will be steep despite the onerous commitment required, according to VANOC's vice president of human resources, Donna Wilson.

"Starting in the spring of this year, we'll get in touch with well over 30,000, probably closer to 40,000, to confirm that the information … in the application is accurate and to talk about your level of commitment," said Wilson.

Foreign languages and medical training are some of the most sought after skills, said Wilson.

Volunteers also needed for Paralympic Winter Games

Successful applicants will be required to be available for a minimum of 17 days during the Olympic Games, scheduled for Feb. 12-28, 2010, and can expect to work at least 8 shifts of eight to 10 hours during that time.

That is just the minimum commitment, said VANOC spokesperson Margaret Nevin. Many of the volunteer positions will run for several weeks or even months, meaning those who have more time to volunteer may have a greater chance of landing a spot.

The committee is also seeking volunteers for the Paralympic Winter Games, set for March 12-21.

Meanwhile, Furlong said he knows not everyone is a fan of the Games.

On Monday, around 100 protesters gathered outside a downtown Vancouver hotel where Premier Gordon Campbell was marking the two-year countdown to the Olympics with a speech and a slick multi-media presentation to about 1,000 members of the Vancouver Board of Trade.

Furlong told CBC News he hopes those opposed to the Games will reserve judgment until the preparation is complete.

"I would ask that the people who are looking on … who are skeptical about it, that they cut us some slack and give us the opportunity to complete the work we do. We're on time today, and we're on budget, and we're doing the best we can to include everybody," said Furlong.