Wildfire Investigator

Role Responsibilities

Alberta Forestry and Parks, Forest Operations Branch is responsible for protecting the people of Alberta from the threat of wildfires. The Wildfire Prevention and Investigations unit ensures that organizations and individuals respect laws administered by Alberta Forestry and Parks that protect the natural environment and the health and safety of Albertans.

Seasonal Wildfire Investigators are appointed as Forest Officers with authorities under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and associated regulations. Duties include:

• Assisting with on-scene investigations to determine where and how wildfires start. 
• Conducting investigations into contraventions of provincial and federal law, including taking statements from witnesses or accused persons, reviewing, assessing and seizing evidence, and preparing investigative reports.  
• Working with internal and external clients, stakeholders, partner law enforcement and regulatory enforcement agencies.

Seasonal wildfire investigators must be skilled communicators capable of working effectively with clients and stakeholders, sometimes in stressful situations.

Seasonal wildfire investigators often work in outdoor environments in all climates, and conditions, including active wildfires. Candidates must also be comfortable working in office environments when conducting file management, evidence review or preparing reports.

The position may require frequent travel to remote regions throughout the province on short notice. Methods of travel include aircraft (both fixed-wing and helicopters), department vehicles, ATVs, or by foot.

Successful applicants will be expected to demonstrate professionalism and dress in accordance with the Department uniform policy.

Successful applicants must be aware of departmental OH&S policies and adhere to high safety standards in the workplace. This includes being present for regular safety briefings.

Seasonal Wildfire Investigators will be trained to FI-110 standards with the opportunity to attend further training.

The successful candidate must be eligible to hold a Peace Officer appointment issued by the Public Security Peace Officer Program. For eligibility requirements, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/peace- officers-overview.aspx.

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:

• Creative Problem Solving: Develops solutions to complex problems conscious of the development, conservation, and use of resources.
• Drive for Results: Strives to exceed objectives and maximize resources to achieve results aligned with the goals of the department, considerate to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Takes a collaborative approach with your work to foster open communication and leverage team skills.
• Agility: identifies alternative approaches in uncertain, complex situations, supporting others in determining and assessing strategy.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Two-year diploma or degree in Enforcement/Police and Investigations, Conservation Enforcement, or related studies.

Equivalency:

Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Additional Requirements to be successful in this role:

Prior to commencement, all candidates must have and be able to provide proof of:

• Valid criminal record check no older than 3 months prior to the commencement date 
• A Valid Standard First Aid certificate with CPR
• A valid Driver’s License
• A valid Defensive Driving Certificate
• A Driver’s Abstract, showing a record of seven (7) demerits or less
  - Your Driver’s Abstract is required to be obtained within 30 days prior to your commencement date and must be provided prior to your commencement of the above-stated position.

Assets:

• Investigative interviewing, evidence collection, scene documentation, field note and technical writing skills.
• Computer literate; proficiency in using the Microsoft Office suite.
• Good organization and time management skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to make time-sensitive decisions.
• Working knowledge of applicable Provincial and Federal legislation.
• Certificate of Proficiency in Radio (Aeronautical) from Industry Canada.
• ATV operator safety training.
• Experience with GIS software applications.

​​​​​​​Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.     

Notes

This competition is for seasonal wages positions with weekly hours up to 36.25. Successful candidates are required to provide a valid criminal record check no older than 3 months prior to the commencement date. Those selected for an interview are requested to bring three work-related references.

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.   
• 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 for biweekly allowance of $478.17 (pro-rated for part-time employees)
   

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.