Wildfire Operations Officer

Role Responsibilities

Forestry and Parks is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Wildfire Operations Officer to join a team in the Calgary and Rocky Mountain House Forest Area. In this critical leadership role, you will plan and coordinate wildfire operations to minimize losses and ensure alignment with provincial fire management objectives, while actively participating in pre-suppression and suppression activities.

Collaboration and leadership will be at the heart of your success. You will guide and support staff, lead the operations section in achieving Provincial and Area operational goals, and foster strong partnerships with other departments including Forest Management, Wildfire Prevention and Communication staff, as well as external stakeholders. Leveraging your expertise, you will provide strategic guidance, oversee resource management and take on varied supervisory responsibilities during critical incidents.

If you excel in strategic planning, thrive in high-pressure environments and are driven to make a tangible impact on wildfire management, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute at both local and provincial levels. Join us in safeguarding Alberta’s forests and communities while shaping the future of wildfire operations.

Please click this link to view the job description.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Drive for Results: Knowing what outcomes are important and maximizing resources to achieve results that are aligned with the goals of the organization, while maintaining accountability to each other and external stakeholders.
• Creative Problem Solving: Ability to assess options and implications in new ways to inform decision making in order to achieve outcomes and solutions.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Leads and contributes to the conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively to achieve desired outcomes.
• Develop Networks: Proactively building networks, connecting and building trust in relationship with different stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standard: 

The minimum requirements for this role are a university degree in Forestry, Natural Resources or a related discipline, plus four (4) years of related experience in wildfire or wildfire operations. 

Directly related education or experience is considered on a one-for-one basis, such as:

• A two-year diploma plus six (6) years of related experience.

Additional Requirements:

• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License or equivalent.
• Standard First Aid with CPR Certification.
• Eligibility for registration with the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals  (AAFMP).

Assets:

• Knowledge of applicable provincial legislation, such as the Forest and Prairie Protection Act (FPPA), Forests Act, Timber Management Regulations, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA), Regulated Forest Management Profession Act (RFMPA), and Public Lands Administration Regulation (PLAR).
• Supervisory or leadership experience.
• Advanced Wildland Fire Behaviour training and Duty Officer Experience.
• Strike Team Leader certification and Incident Command Team experience.
• OH&S (Occupational Health and Safety), WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), and Defensive Driving certifications.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This position is permanent and full-time with standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday. Opportunities are available in Calgary, and Rocky Mountain House. The incumbent may be requested to work overtime, evening and weekends due to the emergency nature of wildfires.

Travel within the area and throughout the province will be required as part of your responsibilities to coordinate with Ministry staff and colleagues, other government departments, clients, and other external stakeholders. 

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment as a part of the interview process.

Application Information:

• In your application, please include a cover letter detailing your interest and role-related experience. 
• In your resume include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time or full time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Foreman (PT three 8-hour shifts/week).
• Three (3) work-related references are required for those selected for an interview.

What the GoA has to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.