Provincial Wildfire Investigator

Role Responsibilities

Protecting Alberta’s landscapes through leadership, expertise and decisive action.

Are you ready to take on one of the most critical and impactful roles in wildfire prevention and response? As Alberta’s Provincial Wildfire Investigator, you will play a leading role in safeguarding communities, forests and natural resources from human-caused wildfires. This is a rare opportunity to bring your investigative expertise, leadership and technical skill to a provincial program that directly supports public safety as well as environmental protection.

Reporting to the Provincial Wildfire Prevention Officer/Senior Wildfire Investigator, this advanced-level position is responsible for delivering Alberta’s provincial wildfire investigations program. You will lead large-scale, complex and politically sensitive investigations, often tied to civil and criminal prosecutions, and ensure that the province maintains the highest standards in investigative excellence. Working closely with the RCMP, Crown prosecutors and other enforcement partners, you will help shape the direction of wildfire investigation practices and policies across Alberta.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Leading and managing complex, high-priority wildfire investigations across the province.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of investigation procedures, peace officer program guidelines and operating standards.
• Providing leadership and supervision to seasonal staff and contractors to ensure investigative readiness as well as consistency.
• Conducting forensic analysis, documentation and evidence collection to meet civil as well as criminal litigation requirements.
• Collaborating with law enforcement agencies, justice officials and government executives to support enforcement as well as prosecution processes.
• Managing provincial evidence storage systems to ensure integrity and compliance with policy as well as legislative standards.
• Training and mentoring investigators on advanced investigation techniques including fire pattern as well as causal recognition.
• Researching and applying innovative tools and technologies to advance the province’s wildfire investigation capabilities.
• Acting as unit lead when required, providing direction and expertise during critical investigations and emergencies.

Join us and be part of the team that protects Alberta’s people, forests and future. Apply today to make a lasting impact through leadership, integrity and investigative excellence.

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.

• Creative Problem Solving: Assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions. 
• Systems Thinking: Consider the changing environment while recognizing how the work impacts a vast network of stakeholders.
• Agility: Identify alternative approaches in uncertain, complex situations while supporting others in determining and assessing strategy.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Take a collaborative approach with your work to foster open communication and leverage team skills.
• Develop Networks: Build networks and trusting relationships with stakeholders.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: 

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.
• 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:

• 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. Work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM - 4:30 PM, 36.25 hours a 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 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.

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.