Wildfire Crew Leader

Role Responsibilities

As a Wildfire Crew Leader, you will direct either a Unit Crew, Helitack Crew or Hoist Crew on the front lines of wildfire response. Your role is essential in facilitating operations and ensuring your team’s safety and effectiveness. For a glance at what the job entails, check out a day in the life of a wildland firefighter on assignment.  

Unit Crew Leader (UNIT) (NR4) 

The Unit Crew Leader role offers a unique opportunity to lead a 20-person crew dedicated to Alberta’s wildfire suppression efforts. These crews are deployed to large-scale fires in remote areas, where your leadership will be essential in constructing fire lines, extinguishing underground hotspots, and conducting mop-up operations to prevent flare-ups. You will foster a strong sense of teamwork and resilience as your crew sets up and operates in rugged terrain, often under physically and mentally demanding conditions. 

As a leader, you will play a critical role in developing your crew’s communication, situational awareness, and analytical thinking. You will guide them through outdoor challenges, helping them grow personally and professionally while contributing meaningfully to the protection of Alberta’s landscapes. Your ability to inspire collaboration and maintain operational readiness will be key to your crew’s success and safety. 

 
Helitack Crew Leader (HAC) (8-Person) (NR4)  

The Helitack Crew Leader role places you at the forefront of Alberta’s rapid wildfire response. Leading a 4- to 8-person crew, you will be among the first to arrive at wildfires, often deployed by helicopter into remote areas. Your team will engage in direct initial attack operations, construct helispots, and coordinate with aerial suppression units and heavy equipment. This fast-paced role demands agility, precision, and strong decision-making under pressure. 

As a leader, you will guide your crew through dynamic fire environments, helping them refine their aviation knowledge, tactical awareness, and teamwork. You will assess and support their physical and mental performance, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges of initial wildfire response. Your leadership will foster growth, resilience, and a shared commitment to protecting Alberta’s natural resources through swift and effective action. 

Hoist Crew Leader (NR4)  

The Hoist Crew Leader role offers an opportunity to lead a team trained in helicopter hoist operations for wildfire response. Operating in steep, inaccessible terrain such as alpine slopes, deep valleys, and dense forests, your crew performs initial attack and suppression where traditional access is not possible. Based out of Edmonton, Hoist Crews spend most of their time deployed across Forest Areas in Alberta, responding to some of the province’s most challenging wildfire environments. 

As a leader, the hoist-capable aircraft vendor will train you to operate the helicopter hoist system, inserting and extracting crew members safely and efficiently. You will be responsible for determining the feasibility of hoist operations, identifying safety hazards, and maintaining clear communication throughout each mission. 

This role demands advanced physical fitness, technical expertise, and a fearless mindset. While the work is physically and mentally demanding, you will foster a strong sense of personal growth and satisfaction among your team. Your leadership will be instrumental in building trust, enhancing decision-making, and ensuring the safety and success of your crew in some of the most remote and rewarding landscapes Alberta has to offer.

Hoist Crew Sub Leader, Unit Crew Sub Leader (UNIT), Helitack Crew Leader (4-Person) and Helitack Crew Sub Leader (8-Person) (HAC) (NR3) 

HAC and Unit Crew Sub Leaders report to the Unit Crew leader or eight person Helitack leader. They lead a 3-person sub crew. The Subleader plays a critical role in communicating direction and leadership on the fireline. Leadership will be essential in constructing fire lines, extinguishing underground hotspots, and conducting mop-up operations to prevent flare-ups. You will foster a strong sense of teamwork and resilience as your crew sets up and operates in rugged terrain, often under physically and mentally demanding conditions. 

The Sub Leader provides feedback to the crew leader, site specific situational awareness and ensures fireline safety for the sub crew.  

As a Unit/Helitack Crew Leader, you will: 

• Lead and supervise sub-leaders and crew members in pre-suppression and fire suppression activities.  
• Determine the best strategy and tactic to suppress wildfire and evaluate if more resources are required to assist.  
• Identify hazards to the crew and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure crew fire readiness is maintained through Fireline equipment and truck maintenance, inventory, and crew physical standards.  
• Plan, coordinate, track and administer proficiency train to meet certification standards.  
• Complete Performance Agreements with Wildfire Crew Sub-Leaders.   
• Complete administrative work promptly, such as timesheets, safety briefings, and fire reports.  
• Conduct preliminary investigations into fire cause and know the procedure on how to protect a scene for an in-depth investigation by an experienced investigator.  
• Work longer hours, including being required to work through the overnight period on occasion. 
• Maintain readiness to respond to wildfire in Alberta and abroad and be prepared to spend extended shifts in a tent for accommodations.  

Hoist Crew Sub Leader (NR3), you will: 

• Receive training for safe hoist operations, including insertion and/or extraction into wildfires. 
• Act as leader or incident commander when deployed via hoist and the crew leader is aboard the aircraft. 
• Lead emergency hoist extraction operations as required. 
• Maintain and inspect hoist equipment. 
• Lead and supervise crew members in pre-suppression and fire suppression activities. 
• Determine the best strategy and tactics to suppress wildfires and evaluate if additional resources are required. 
• Identify hazards to the crew and implement mitigation strategies. 
• Ensure crew fire readiness through Fireline equipment and truck maintenance, inventory management, and crew physical standards. 
• Plan, coordinate, track, and administer proficiency training to meet certification standards. 
• Complete performance agreements with crew members. 
• Assist with administrative tasks such as timesheets, safety briefings, and fire reports. 
• Conduct preliminary investigations into fire causes and follow procedures to protect the scene for further investigation. 
• Work extended hours, including overnight shifts as required. 
• Provide feedback and assist with data gathering to improve understanding of hoist integration in wildfire operations. 
• Maintain readiness to respond to wildfire in Alberta and abroad and be prepared to spend extended shifts in a tent for accommodations.  

In addition to all duties listed under the Hoist Crew Sub Leader (NR3) role, as a Hoist Crew Leader (NR4), you will: 

• Receive training to operate the aircraft hoist system for firefighter insertion and extraction. 
• Evaluate risk vs. reward propositions related to hoist utilization. 
• Support deployed crews and coordinate extraction operations as needed. 
• Lead and supervise sub-leaders and/or crew members in pre-suppression and fire suppression activities. 
• Ensure hoist equipment is inspected and maintained. 
• Document and report program improvements, challenges, and concerns. 
• Complete performance agreements with Wildfire Crew Sub-Leaders. 

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.  
• Systems Thinking: Recognizing that tasks performed within the Alberta Public Service (APS) are part of a broader, interconnected environment. It is essential to comprehend that activities within one segment of the APS can have far-reaching impacts on other groups and projects, both within and outside the organization. Systems thinking helps us consider these wider consequences and connections.  
• 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 seek advice or guidance when needed. Recognize program objectives and 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 Requirements:

Natural Resources 3 (NR3) 
Hoist Crew Sub Leader, Unit Crew Sub Leader (UNIT), Helitack Crew Leader (4-Person) and Helitack Crew Sub Leader (8-Person) (HAC), Initial Attack/Trail Crew Lead (Cypress Hills Provincial Park) 

• A high school diploma 
• One (1) season of related experience. Experience in wildland firefighting is required

Natural Resources 4 (NR4) 
Hoist Crew Leader, Unit Crew Leader (UNIT), Helitack Crew Leader (8-Person)(HAC) 

• A high school diploma 
• One (1) season of related experience. Experience in wildland firefighting is required  
• Supervisory or leadership experience is an asset  

For Hoist Crew Sub Leader (NR3) and Hoist Crew Leader (NR4), individuals must be able to maintain a weight of 190lbs, or less, for aircraft limitation considerations (not including wildfire gear).  

Type 1 Crew Member course training is required, plus a minimum of one (1) season of wildland fire experience is required. 

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  

Assets:  

• Advanced Medical First Aid (AFA) certification   
• Chainsaw certification  

Additional Requirements:   
The following conditions are not required at the time of application but must be provided prior to your start date.   

• Passing results of the WFX-Fit test to endure rigorous training and, at times, arduous working conditions.    
• A valid, unrestricted Alberta Class 5 driver’s license or an equivalent Canadian license.  
  • For more information on determining license equivalencies, exchanging a non-Alberta license, or information on licensed driver training schools. 
• A minimum 3-year Driver's Abstract, showing a record of seven (7) demerits or less (obtained within 30 days of your commencement date and presented to management prior to commencement).   
• A valid Standard First Aid certificate with CPR certification.   
• A current Defensive Driving certificate.   

*All candidates must be 18 years of age or older as of March 1, 2026, or prior to their start date. Position start dates range from March 1 to April 30, 2026.   

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 Helitack, Unit, and Hoist Crew Leaders in the forest areas and locations listed below.  

Large fires regularly have longer shift hours, which could include having work hours shifted to work weekends, evenings, and overnight on occasions.   

Positions and Locations:  

Unit Crew (UNIT) and Helitack Crew (HAC)   

• Calgary Forest Area     
• Edmonton 
• Edson Forest Area    
• Fort McMurray Forest Area    
• Grande Prairie Forest Area     
• High Level Forest Area     
• Lac La Biche Forest Area    
• Peace River Forest Area     
• Rocky Mountain House Forest Area    
• Slave Lake Forest Area     
• Whitecourt Forest Area    

Alberta Hoist  

• Edmonton     

* Hoist Crews are based out of Edmonton, where they start and end their shift. However, they spend their time predominantly in Forest Areas around Alberta.    

Initial Attack/Trail Crew Lead 

• Cypress Hills Provincial Park   

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  
• Access to firefighter equipment supplied by the employer and member training at the Hinton Training Centre (HTC)  

• Meals and accommodation will be provided for the duration of employment for all crews with the exceptions noted below.    
• Meals and accommodations will be provided when deployed, however when working locally, these locations provide the following:   
  • Slave Lake – Accommodations available only, meals are not supplied.  
  • Cypress Hills Provincial Park – $140 bi-weekly for accommodations, meals are not supplied.  
  • Edmonton – Accommodations and meals are not supplied while in Edmonton. Meals and accommodation will be provided when deployed. 
  • Alberta Hoist – Accommodations and meals will be provided while on shift. Alberta Hoist crews are expected to be in Edmonton for day one of their shift and will be in Edmonton to end their shift. 

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.