Fire Weather Network Lead

Role Responsibilities

If you are interested in joining the wildfire operation team, then you should consider applying for the Fire Weather Network Lead position. In this position you will be responsible for the provincial coordination of and contribute to activities pertaining to the expansion, operation, and maintenance of the provincial scale automated Fire Weather Network (FWN).

The FWN provides real time data that conforms to the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System (CFFDRS), World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Environment Canada standards retrieved via satellite and cellular modem connections. Timely and accurate data is required for evaluation, monitoring and forecasting of fire weather and fire danger conditions across Alberta. You would be planning, budgeting and implementing the expansion of the FWN, as well as fostering the development of standardized networks in other provinces and or with other stakeholders.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
•    Supervision of two field based Fire Weather Network Technicians.
•    Identify budget and expenditure requirements for the entire fire weather network.
•    Coordinate the procurement and contracted services for supporting the fire weather network.
•    Managing projects, schedules, and priorities to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of the fire weather network.
•    Coordinate staff, budgets and workloads, as well with other agencies to ensure alignment and compatibility with similar networks.
•    OH&S awareness for field related risks and compliance for staff.
•    Lead the collaboration with the Wildfire Telecommunications team for the Alberta Wildfire Lightning Detection System.     
•    Provide leadership and training for the radiosonde system maintenance and support.
•    Conduct and coordinate the fabrication and installation of new stations; diagnose and repair of broken stations.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

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.

Creative Problem Solving:
The Fire Weather Network Lead needs to continuously evaluate the stations and network to ensure it meets the highest quality and standards. Review station reports, dissect issues into smaller parts, and call on colleagues to share perspectives and solutions, contribute ideas for improving processes and adapt the existing practice to identify new solutions.

Agility:
This position requires the ability to respond to issues with the network in a timely manner with creativity to adapt to different situations. Liaison with internal and external stakeholders, seeking support as required, and educating on climate information service in various areas within the province.

Drive for Results:
The Fire Weather Network Lead has plans and targets for weather stations being operational and budgets to meet. Leading the Fire Weather Network Technicians will outline plans for maintenance and enhancement that they will need to achieve. Consider the implications of responsibility for maintaining stations, anticipating issues or complications and planning accordingly.

Develop Self and Others:
Developing your own knowledge as technology changes will be critical for this position. Ensuring staff are trained and updated to changing technologies and practices will be key to the success of this program. Accontbility, initiatives and respect are the key development for self and others to build a good working team.

Systems Thinking:
This position is responsible to plan the long term viability and maintenance of the remote automatic weather station network. Precision of calibration affects the long-term use of weather data collected, considering options to solve anticipated issues and identify the unintended impact on other sensors.

Build Collaborative Environments:
This position is required to work with many groups within the GOA and with stakeholders outside of the GOA. Effective communications and relationship building is key to the successful implementation of this system.

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

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
The job requires two (2) year technical diploma with focus on science or physics, and minimum six (6) years related experience in environmental monitoring.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:
•    1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
•    1 year of experience for 1 year education.

The position requires advanced knowledge with regard to the technical aspects of the job. It has often taken on an advisory role to those in other agencies. Additionally the position requires superior planning and budgeting skills and the ability to coordinate staff throughout the province. The position also requires field experience in addition to a theoretical knowledge in several areas:
      •  Meteorology
      •  Hydrology
      •  Electronics
      •  Telemetry Systems
      •  Mechanics and Construction

Additional requirements include:
      •  Computer skills for interfacing with station components (loggers, telemetry, instrumentation), maintaining and updating station metadata, operation system, and configuration files.
      •  Technical writing skills for SOP(standard operating procedure) and proposal.
      •  Knowledge of electronic principles and the ability to use multi-meters and other tools to troubleshoot and isolate problematic components of a meteorological station.
      •  A valid Class 5 Driver’s License and a suitable Driver’s Abstract with a certificate of Defensive Driving.
      •  Ability to travel for multi-day overnight period in government vehicle and or helicopter.
      •  Certificate of Standard First Aid.
      •  Certificate of WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System).

Assets include: 
      •  Supervisor experience.
      •  Experience working with Campbell Scientific, FTS weather dataloggers and sensors, and/or Viasala stations and sensors.
      •  Familiar with WMO and Environment Canada Meteorological Standards.
      •  Fire weather standards of the CFFDRS and Fire Weather Index (FWI) system.
      •  Knowledgeable of Working Alone Legislation, Occupational Health and Safety Act.
      •  Good motor skills and eye-hand co-ordination.
      •  Awareness and adaptability to changing environmental conditions to ensure safety while traveling and working in the field, year round.
      •  Be physically fit, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a variety of outdoor environments, year round and be capable of carrying up to 75 lbs. in short distances.

To be considered, your application must be accompanied with a cover letter that outlines how your education and experience make you suitable for the role. Your cover letter and resume will be used as a screening tool to assess your written communication skills.

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 is temporary fulltime position and the hours of work are 7.25 hours a day, Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM - 4:30 PM, and 36.25 a week. Possible end date for this position is April 30 2026, with a potential of short term extension.

The incumbent will be requested to work overtime, evenings and weekends on demand during the fire season due to the emergency nature of wildfires.

Applicants are advised to provide a Resume and Cover Letter summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience and relevant examples of required competencies.

This position may require final candidates to undergo a security clearance.

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.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.
•    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.
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.