Junior Forest Ranger (JFR) Senior Crew Member

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 18 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 Sub Leader,  one Leader, and one Senior Crew Member (SCM). 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 Senior Crew Member 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 SCMs will take part in a week-long training program at the Hinton Training Centre. SCMs 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 SCMs:

• 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.

About Your Competencies:

Agility: The capacity to anticipate, evaluate, and swiftly adapt to shifting priorities, maintain resilience during uncertain times, and excel in a dynamic work environment.

Building Collaborative Environments: Taking the lead in creating conditions and atmospheres that foster effective collaboration, enabling individuals to work together productively to achieve shared objectives. Demonstrates respect for others’ input and expertise and is willing to learn from others by encouraging open and considerate discussion of issues.

Develop Networks: Proactively build networks, connect, and build trust in relationships with different stakeholders and program partners.

Creative Problem Solving: The ability to evaluate options and consequences in novel ways to develop innovative solutions and achieve desired outcomes.

Drive for Results: Effectively sets goals to prioritize work, and proactively seeks advice or guidance when needed. Recognizes program objectives and ones’ own contributions through service delivery, performance, and interpersonal interactions to ensure future success.

Develop Self and Others: Takes initiative to stay current on skills, approaches, and technologies in their field of work. Reflects on own performance to understand success, participates in developmental activities, and contributes to team learning by sharing information, knowledge, and experiences.

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
• 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.
• 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 18 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 2026 JFR season, all leaders, SCMs, 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

This competition is recruiting for seasonal wage Junior Forest Ranger (JFR) Senior Crew Members in the forest areas and locations listed below.

Positions and Locations:

• Calgary Forest Area 
• Edson Forest Area
• Fort McMurray Forest Area 
• Grande Prairie Forest Area 
• Lac La Biche Forest Area
• Peace River Forest Area 
• Whitecourt Forest Area

What We Offer:

• Wage employees receive 11.6% in addition to regular wage earnings in lieu of paid holidays and vacation leave:
  • 5.6% of regular wage earnings instead of paid holidays.
  • 6% of regular wage earnings instead of annual vacation pay.
• Shift differential and opportunity to work overtime, evening, and weekend shifts.
• Premium Pay Allowances:
  • Wage employees residing above the 57th Parallel (i.e., High Level Forest Area) are eligible for a biweekly Northern allowance of $241.38.
  • Wage employees residing within the Fort McMurray Forest Area receive a biweekly allowance of $478.17 (pro-rated for part-time employees).

About Your Work Environment:

• These positions report estimated work schedules of up to 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, throughout the anticipated employment term from May to August.
  • In addition to daily work Monday to Friday, SCMs will be compensated for evening and weekend supervision during July and August, as applicable.
  • Travel to various locations within the province will be necessary for training, area visits, and program events.
• Free accommodation and meals, and access to equipment supplied by the employer.
• Successful candidates will be provided with training at the Hinton Training Centre (HTC).
  • This competition is recruiting for JFR Senior Crew Members personnel across most Alberta Forest Areas. This competition may be used to fill future vacancies within the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.
• JFR Senior Crew Members are expected to be employed from July 2 to August 21, 2026 (dates subject to change).

About Your Application:

• Candidates selected for an interview will receive the JFR Pre-Interview Guide for preparation.
• Final candidates for this position must clear a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check conducted by their local police department.
• Your resume should indicate date ranges (month and year) for all education and work experience, specifying if the experience was casual, part-time (PT), or full-time (FT), while highlighting applicable duties or achievements.
  • For example, Wildland Firefighter: Apr 2019 – Aug 2019 (PT, 20 hours per week).
• 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.
  • JFR will reimburse you for your Ciminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening if you are hired.
  • Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.