Wildfire Mitigation Specialist

Role Responsibilities

Consider joining Alberta’s Wildfire Resilience Movement – Become a Leader in Protecting Communities and Landscapes.

Are you ready to lead the charge against one of Alberta’s most pressing natural threats? As the Wildfire Mitigation Specialist with the Government of Alberta, you will be at the forefront of protecting communities, infrastructure, and natural landscapes from the growing risk of wildfires. Reporting to the Manager of Wildfire Mitigation and FireSmart, this senior-level role is a rare opportunity to shape the province’s wildfire resilience strategy and work collaboratively with Indigenous partners, municipalities, and stakeholders to deliver long-lasting, impactful solutions. If you are passionate about public safety, environmental stewardship, and meaningful leadership, this is your opportunity to make a real difference.

As the Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, you will be the provincial lead for the development and implementation of wildfire risk reduction programs, policies and strategies. Operating within the Forest Management and Wildfire Mitigation Branch, your work will influence both provincial and national wildfire mitigation efforts. From guiding FireSmart policy development to supporting multi-stakeholder partnerships, your leadership will be critical in driving innovation, integrating Indigenous knowledge systems, and embedding long-term resilience into land use planning and infrastructure development.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership to the implementation of Alberta’s Wildfire Mitigation Strategy to strengthen community-scale wildfire resilience.
• Establishing governance frameworks and operational protocols for consistent program delivery across the Forestry Division.
• Developing wildfire mitigation policy aligned with FireSmart principles and integrated resource management plans.
• Building and managing partnerships with Indigenous governments, municipalities, industry, and other stakeholders.
• Driving innovation through the deployment of emerging technologies, decision-support tools, and adaptive management practices.
• Evaluating performance and conducting risk analyses to prioritize mitigation efforts and inform future strategies.
• Embedding FireSmart principles in infrastructure design and municipal planning reviews.
• Ensuring compliance with environmental legislation, OHS standards, and government directives.
• Coordinating the delivery of training programs to build capacity across the province.
• Representing Alberta on interprovincial and national wildfire mitigation committees and initiatives.
• Communicating program goals, policy changes, and strategic updates to senior leadership and external audiences.

Role Continued

The succcessful candidate must have:

• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to lead policy alignment and adapt wildfire mitigation programs to evolving conditions.
• Proven leadership and facilitation abilities to manage cross-jurisdictional collaboration and complex stakeholder engagement.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effectively building consensus and fostering trust among diverse partners.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and cultural awareness to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems and community values.
• Ability to work independently in high-pressure situations, managing multiple priorities and delivering results with minimal direction.
• A commitment to to continuous improvement, innovation, and evidence-based decision-making in a dynamic policy environment.

Apply today to considered to join a team committed to protecting what matters most—people, communities, and the land we all depend on while shaping the future of wildfire resilience in Alberta.

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: Works in open teams to share ideas and process issues

• Uses wide range of techniques to break down problems.
• Allows others to think creatively and voice ideas.
• Brings the right people together to solve issues.
• Identifies new solutions for the organization.

Systems Thinking: Integrates broader context into planning

• Plans for how current situation is affected by broader trends.
• Integrates issues, political environment and risks when considering possible actions.
• Supports organization vision and goals through strategy.
• Addresses behaviours that challenge progress.

Agility: Proactively incorporates change into processes

• Creates opportunities for improvement.
• Is aware of and adapts to changing priorities.
• Remains objective under pressure and supports others to manage their emotions.
• Proactively explains impact of change on roles, and integrates change in existing work.
• Readily adapts plans and practices.

Develop Networks: Makes working with a wide range of parties an imperative

• Creates impactful relationships with the right people.
• Ensures needs of varying groups are represented.
• Goes beyond to meet stakeholder needs.
• Ensures all needs are heard and understood.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: 

A university degree in forestry, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field and extensive experience (typically 6+ years) in forestry, emergency management, environmental sciences, land-use planning, or resource management or a two-year diploma in forestry plus 8 years experience in forestry, emergency management, environmental sciences, land-use planning or resource management.

Additional related education considered in lieu of experience based on one year of experience for one year of education.

Special requirements:

• Demonstrated leadership in program or policy development, preferably within a government or interagency context.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and a strong understanding of traditional knowledge integration.
• Knowledge of FireSmart principles and wildfire mitigation best practices.

Assets:

• Postgraduate education in a related discipline.
• Experience with GIS, risk analysis tools or wildfire modeling software.
• Familiarity with provincial or federal environmental legislation and municipal planning processes.
• Involvement with interprovincial or national wildfire mitigation initiatives.

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 permanent, full-time role with the standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday. 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. 

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.

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. 

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.