JFR Crew Leaders-in-Training

Role Responsibilities

The Junior Forest Rangers (JFR) is an exciting summer work experience program that focuses on stewardship, leadership, and traditional ecological knowledge. The program fosters an appreciation for our natural environment by completing hands-on work projects and being immersed in educational opportunities that showcase careers in forestry, wildfire, ecology and other aspects of natural resource management. We are currently seeking applicants that are 17 years of age and older that are looking to further develop their leadership skills, as well as gain more hands on experience in the field of natural resources.

There will be seven JFR crews across the province, with each one living on a different wildfire base. Each crew consists of seven Crew Members (high school students), one Leader-in-Training (LIT), one Sub Leader, and one Leader. Throughout July and August, JFR crews work Monday to Friday, 0815 to 1630, and take part in a wide variety of work projects or educational experiences. Seventy percent of the program schedule is dedicated to physically active work experiences, which may include ecosystem restoration, bushcraft, wildfire or mock fire experience, tree planting, habitat construction, recreational trail construction, and more. The remaining thirty percent of the program schedule will focus on more educational opportunities such as lumber mill and cutblock tours, ATV certification, hunters education course, wildfire lookout tower tours, speaking with elders or knowledge keepers, wildlife ID and awareness training, and so much more.

There will be one LIT on every JFR crew, assisting our Crew Leaders and Sub Leaders with a variety of tasks to provide a successful summer experience for the Crew Members. Before the crew members arrive, all LIT’s will take part in a week-long training program at the Hinton Training Centre. LIT’s will have the opportunity to meet with their leaders to go over the project calendar, and create a task list for the summer. Here is a breakdown of major tasks for the LIT’s:

• Assist your Crew Leader and Sub Leader with training, supervising, and directing all crew members
• Assist your Crew Leader and Sub Leader with completing administrative tasks as required (e.g., weekly reports, timesheets, safety reports)
• Promote team building and a positive, inclusive outdoor experience
• Conduct maintenance and inventory inspections of all equipment and perform regular tool maintenance
• Outline safety standards and procedures and be a positive role model for Crew Members
• Communicate with your Crew Leader and Sub Leader effectively during daily work activities
• Provide the Program Assistant with the crews Jiffer of the Week selection and question responses
• Lead the creation of a weekly video blog and posting on YouTube
• Provide input on the final report
• Upload crew photos to the JFR Google Photos throughout the season
• Ensure JFR accommodations are properly maintained
• Maintain physical fitness standards
   

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.

Agility: Ability to anticipate, assess and readily adapt to changing priorities when assisting day-to-day operations
Drive for Results: Ability to set and meet targets is a critical competency
Develop Networks: Proactively building networks, connecting, and fostering trust in relationships with different stakeholders
Systems Thinking: Take a long-term view towards organization’s objectives and how to achieve
Creative Problem Solving: Ability to assess, evaluate and make recommendations to enhance operations and programming.
 

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standard:

• Some high school education plus some related experience (i.e. up to 12 months).

Equivalency:

• Directly related experience or education considered on the basis of: one year of experience for one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience. 
• Special Requirement: Physically able to perform position duties.

Preferred applicants:

• Are graduating high school students or university, college or technical school students in forestry, environmental science, ecology, conservation or related disciplines
• Have at least one year of experience as a JFR Crew Member or part of a related program (Scouts, Girl Guides, JFW etc.) 
• Have experience working with youth or desire to gain that experience
• Are proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook and Excel), as well as other technologies (ie. iPhones)
• Have outdoor skills and power/hand tool experience

Additional requirements:

Applicants must provide proof of required items before receiving an offer letter. Applicants are able to provide proof of the documents after submitting their application. If you have these items readily available, include a copy of the following with your application:

The following conditions are not required at time of application, but must be provided prior to start date:  

• A Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check conducted by local police department, obtained within six (6) months before your commencement date. 
• For additional information on the Vulnerable Sector Search please consult the RCMP’s website here. 
• See the following links for more information on exchanging a non-Alberta license or licensed driver training.   
• A valid Standard First Aid certificate with CPR certification.      
• Passing results of the Physical Fitness test to endure rigorous training and, at times, arduous working conditions.  
• Must be 17 years of age or older prior to the start date

Fitness testing is a mandatory part of the hiring process. In order to participate in the 2025 JFR season, all leaders, LIT’s, and members must pass a fitness test as part of the application process.

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

JFR LIT’s have a start and end date of July 2025 - August 2025 (dates may be subject to change). There will be some travel to other areas within the province for training, area visits and program events. Meals and accommodations are covered all summer, outside of weekends spent away from your base.

What We Offer

There is an additional 11.2% added to the hourly rate in lieu paid holidays and vacation.

• 5.2% of regular wage earnings instead of paid holidays
• 6%  of regular wage earnings instead of annual vacation pay

In addition to daily work Monday to Friday, leaders will be compensated for evening and weekend supervision during July and August, as applicable.

Final candidates for this position must clear a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check conducted by their local police department. In order to participate in the 2025 JFR season, all staff must pass a fitness test as part of the application process.
 
About Your Application

• Terms of employment in your resume are to be identified in months and years, highlighting applicable duties or achievements at the respective role.  
• Those selected for an interview are requested to bring three (3) work-related references.

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.