Senior Wildfire Specialist

Role Responsibilities

Alberta Forestry and Parks, Forestry Division operates within a complex, evolving and emergent environment. The Senior Wildfire Specialist is a pivotal position reporting to the Director of Wildfire Transformation, responsible for the analysis and examination of wildfire programs within the Wildfire Prevention and Wildfire Operations sections of the Forestry Division. This role is essential in driving continuous improvement within the Branch by leading strategic transformation projects, providing expert recommendations, and evaluating program performance to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with regulatory responsibilities.

Other duties include:
•    Analyze and evaluate wildfire programs to identify opportunities for enhanced efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.
•    Develop and present detailed reports with recommendations to improve wildfire management practices as well as support continuous improvement initiatives.
•    Lead transformation projects including resource allocation, crew distribution, detection systems, and training program development.
•    Design and implement change management plans to support cultural and operational transitions within wildfire programs.
•    Build strong relationships with Indigenous communities, municipalities, industry stakeholders, and other partners to promote compliance and foster program participation.
•    Align program improvements with existing and proposed IT solutions, leveraging technology for operational advancements.
•    Contribute to the creation of policies, standard operating procedures, and strategic plans to guide wildfire management efforts.
•    Participate in provincial incident command teams, providing expert advice, ensuring safety, and mentoring team members during extreme wildfire activity.

This role requires a subject matter expert with exceptional expertise in analysis, leadership, project management, and strategic planning to drive continuous improvement to ensure the long-term effectiveness and success of Alberta’s wildfire management programs.

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: Devise solutions to solve complex and challenging problems that are brought up during the evaluation and analysis of wildfire projects.  
 

Drive for Results: Exceed expectations and maximize resources to achieve results that are aligned with the goals of the department while maintaining accountability to all stakeholders.  

Develop Networks:  Work with a variety of staff to ensure a collaborative approach for facilitating open communication and leveraging team skills to achieve desired outcomes. 

Agility: Identify alternative approaches or courses of action in unclear and complex situations. Support others to identify, assess, and use alternative approaches. The position must be adaptable to the changing environment and priorities of the provincial government.  

Systems Thinking: Apply critical thinking in the assessment of the wildfire program and determine potential adjustments which will lead to greater efficiency and more cost effective approaches.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standard: 
•    A related degree plus 6 years related experience. 

Equivalency: 
•    A related two-year diploma plus 8 years related experience.  Additional related education considered in lieu of experience, one year of experience for one year of education.

Assets:
•    Experience as a Wildfire Operations Officer, Wildfire Prevention Officer or Wildfire Management Specialist.
•    Membership in the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals.
 

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

There are three permanent, full-time positions to fill, with the standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday. The preferred location is Edmonton, but remote or other locations may also be considered. The incumbents 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. 

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

Application Information:

•    In your application, please a include cover page 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 hrs. 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.