Wildfire Detection Aide

Role Responsibilities

Do you want to be a key part of Alberta Wildfire’s detection system by providing essential support to Lookout Observers? Are you physically and mentally agile to meet the diverse needs of the Detection Aide functions?
The Wildfire Detection Aide position may be the ideal seasonal opportunity for you!

As a Wildfire Detection Aide, you will be responsible for a range of duties aimed at ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the detection program. Your primary focus will be to guarantee that Lookout Observers receive their scheduled groceries, water, and warehouse supplies. Additionally, you may be called upon to step into the role of Lookout Observer. 

In this capacity, you will be responsible for various tasks, including communications, facility maintenance, public relations, weather recording, and wildfire detection.

Responsibilities Include:
•    Document and report identified maintenance needs at the lookout and participate in the Area’s detection program. by completing fixed-wing patrols.
•    Collaborate with the supervisor to establish a spare lookout schedule with lookout staff for the season.
•    Submit aircraft requests for servicing through the Areas Wildfire Dispatch Supervisor.
•    Document, inventory, and report all identified maintenance and repairs required at each lookout facility.
•    Assist in the spring opening and fall closure of all the lookouts in the Area.
•    Ensure completion and submission of all lookout documentation as required, as directed by the supervisor.
•    Provide limited support to the Areas wildfire suppression efforts, ensuring no conflicts with the detection program.
•    Act as a Lookout Observer when needed, performing all regular lookout duties, including communications, facility maintenance, observations levels, public relations, weather recording, and wildfire detection.

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact in wildfire detection, apply for the Wildfire Detection Aide role now.

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: You will have the ability to anticipate, evaluate, and swiftly adapt to shifting priorities, maintain resilience during uncertain times, and excel in a dynamic work environment. 
•    Build Collaborative Environments: You will work within your team to foster effective collaboration, enabling individuals to work together productively to achieve shared objectives, respecting others’ input and expertise and to be willing to learn from others by encouraging open and honest communication. 
•    Systems Thinking: Systems thinking helps us consider the wider consequences of our actions and how the tasks we perform within the Alberta Public Service (APS) affect the outcomes of operations.  
•    Creative Problem Solving: You will have the ability to evaluate options and consequences in novel ways to develop innovative solutions and achieve desired outcomes to share with others.  
•    Drive for Results: You must have the ability to prioritize work, and proactively seeks advice or guidance when needed or dealing with emergent situations. 
•    Develop Self and Others: You will the ability to take self-initiative to stay current on job skills, approaches, and technologies needed for your role in your job by participating in developmental activities, and contribute to team learning by sharing information, knowledge, and experiences.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:
•    High school diploma,
•    Plus some related experience (i..e. up to 12 months).
•    Ability to perform physical duties to act as Lookout Observer 
•    Must be 18 years of age or older prior to start date.

Certificate of Proficiency in Radio (Aeronautical) from Industry Canada is considered an asset.

Additional Requirements: 
The following conditions are not required at time of application, but must be provided prior to start date:  
•    A valid, unrestricted Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License, or equivalent.
     o    See the following links for more information on exchanging a non-Alberta license or licensed driver training.​​​​
•    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.

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 temporary seasonal wage positions as Wildfire Detection Aides for all Alberta Forest Areas, with weekly work hours up to 36.25.

About Your Work Environment:
•    Successful candidates will be provided training. 
•    Wildfire Detection Aides must be physically fit to climb up to a one‐hundred‐foot vertical tower ladder within 10 minutes several times a day. Positions require availability for travel outside of the home area and are open to shift work, including evenings and weekends. Positions are require to work alone in remote outdoor locations for extended periods of time. 

About Your Application:   
•    Terms of employment in your resume are to be identified 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.

What We Offer:  
•    Wage employees receive 11.2% in addition to regular wage earnings in lieu of paid holidays and vacation leave:   
     o    5.2 percent of regular wage earnings instead of paid holidays   
     o    6 percent of regular wage earnings instead of annual vacation pay.   
•    Shift differential and opportunity to work overtime, evening, and weekend shifts. 
•    Premium Pay Allowances:  
     o    Wage employees residing above the 57th Parallel (i.e., High Level Forest Area) may be eligible for a biweekly Northern allowance of $241.38.  
     o    Wage employees residing within the Fort McMurray Forest Area may be eligible to receive a biweekly allowance of $478.17 (pro-rated for part-time employees)