Wildfire Operations Officer

Role Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Wildfire Operations Officer to join our team in the Peace River Forest Area.

In this critical leadership role, you will plan and coordinate wildfire operations to minimize losses and ensure alignment with provincial fire management objectives. Leveraging your expertise and leadership, you will oversee resource management, provide strategic guidance, and foster strong partnerships with stakeholders to deliver effective wildfire response efforts.

Collaboration will be at the heart of your success. You will work closely with other departments and key stakeholders to advance wildfire management initiatives. As a leader, you will guide and support staff, develop cooperative working relationships, and lead the prevention section in achieving Provincial and Area prevention goals. Additionally, as a senior supervisor, you will play a hands-on role in wildfire suppression and pre-suppression activities, taking on varied supervisory responsibilities during critical incidents.

If you excel in strategic planning, thrive in high-pressure environments, and are driven to make a tangible impact on wildfire management, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute at both local and provincial levels. Join us in safeguarding Alberta’s forests and communities while shaping the future of wildfire operations for years to come.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

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: Anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities while maintaining resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment.
 

Drive for Results: Strive to exceed objectives and maximize resources to achieve results aligned with the goals of the department and stakeholders.
 

Develop Networks: Maintain close relations with all stakeholders, actively incorporate the needs of the broader group, and ensure overall client satisfaction.
 

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

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

Systems Thinking: Consider the changing environment, recognize how the work impacts a vast network of stakeholders.
 

Develop Self and Others: Aim to learn from experiences and keep current with skills and knowledge to remain competitive. 

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standard: 

The minimum requirements for this role are a university degree in Forestry, Natural Resources or a related discipline, plus four (4) years of related experience in wildfire operations. 
 

Directly related education or experience is considered for one year of education for one year of experience or vise versa,  a two-year diploma plus six (6) years of related experience.
 

Additional Requirements:

• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License or equivalent.
• Standard First Aid with CPR Certification.
• Eligibility for registration with the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals  (AAFMP).
   

Assets:

• Knowledge of applicable provincial legislation, such as the Forest and Prairie Protection Act (FPPA), Forests Act, Timber Management Regulations, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA), Regulated Forest Management Profession Act (RFMPA), and Public Lands Administration Regulation (PLAR).
• Supervisory or leadership experience.
• Advanced Wildland Fire Behaviour training and Duty Officer Experience.
• Strike Team Leader certification and Incident Command Team experience.
• OH&S (Occupational Health and Safety), WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), and Defensive Driving certifications.

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 position is a permanent, full-time role with 36.25 work hours per week, 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. 

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. 

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 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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.