Provincial Wildfire Investigator

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about investigating the causes of wildfires? Then you are encouraged to apply to be considered for this role that reports to the Senior Provincial Wildfire Investigator. The Provincial Wildfire Investigator is instrumental in delivering the wildfire compliance and investigation program across Alberta. This position is responsible for conducting complex investigations into the cause of wildfires to ensure fair, consistent, timely outcomes that may result in enforcement actions under provincial regulations or the Criminal Code of Canada.

In this role, the incumbent will conduct regulatory and criminal investigations, assist with developing policy and operations procedures as well as train, supervise, and mentor seasonal investigators and contractors. The incumbent would assist with delivering specialized training to the Wildfire Management staff within the Forestry Field Operations Branch, and other government departments as well as agencies when necessary.

The Provincial Wildfire Investigator will have the opportunity to utilize advanced and innovative investigation techniques and tools including drafting, swearing, and executing judicial authorizations, interviewing suspects and witnesses, digitally documenting wildfire scenes, and seizing evidence for analysis. 

Best practices will be utilized in the field of wildfire investigations, namely internationally recognized training standards and processes defined in National Wildfire Coordinating Group PMS-412 manual and FI-210 training, and the NFPA 921 guide and 1033 standard. 

As the successful candidate, you could be part of a team of provincial wildfire investigators and seasonal investigators working closely with the RCMP and other law enforcement partners. This role is critical for the department's compliance program, requiring demonstrated stakeholder relation skills, training development and delivery experience, as well as compliance policy and procedure development.

Please click on 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.

Creative Problem-Solving: Assesses options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions. 

Systems Thinking: Considers the changing environment, recognizes that the work impacts a vast network of stakeholders.

Agility: Identifies alternative approaches in uncertain, complex situations while supporting others in determining and assessing strategy.

Build Collaborative Environments: Takes a collaborative approach with work to foster open communication and leverage team skills.

Develop Networks: Builds networks and trusting relationships with different stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirement:

University graduation in Conservation Enforcement, Natural Resource Compliance, Criminal Justice, Legal, Criminology, Environmental or Natural Science, or related discipline plus two (2) years of experience; or a related two-year diploma plus four (4) years of related experience.

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

Additional Requirements:
•    A valid Class 5 Driver’s License or equivalent is required.
•    The successful candidate must be eligible to hold a Peace Officer appointment issued by Peace Officer Program of Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services. For eligibility requirements, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/peace-officers-overview
•    FI-210 Wildfire Origin and Cause Investigation training and FI-310 Wildfire Investigation: Case Development training is preferred.

Assets include:
•    Additional experience in natural resource compliance/management, investigations and enforcement, wildfire and/or emergency management.
•    Experience and understanding of legal principles, practices, and court systems.
•    Knowledge and understanding of wildfire procedures and operations.
•    Consultation experience to educate stakeholders as an expert resource on applicable legislation and regulations, such as the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Criminal Code of Canada, Canada Evidence Act, Provincial Offences Procedures Act, Forest and Prairie Protection Act and associated regulations.
 

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 a full-time, permanent opportunity located in Edmonton. The hours of work are Monday to Friday, 8:15AM - 4:30PM, 36.25 hours per week. The incumbent may be requested to work overtime, evenings, and weekends due to the emergency nature of wildfires and the complexity of investigations.

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

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

This position requires extensive travel throughout the province to perform fieldwork and investigations. Final candidates will be required to provide a copy of their valid Class 5 Driver’s License or equivalent.

 Any costs associated with obtaining 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.

Application: 
Your cover letter and resume will be used as a screening tool to assess attention to detail and written communication skills.

 All experience must include clear months and years in time spans, detailing duties and achievements for each role listed.

•    In your application, please a include 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: Assistant (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.
•    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.