We are in the midst of a fierce wildfire season and I have been receiving emails from people wondering how they can help out. I figure it’s the perfect time to highlight some of the job opportunities in wildfire management.

Wildland Firefighter

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Description: Fighting forest fires is a demanding but rewarding experience requiring people committed to teamwork, safety, and fitness. Wildland firefighting offers the chance to see different and remote areas of the province and to assist in preserving Alberta’s natural resources. These summer positions can pay very well and have the potential to turn into year-round work in wildfire management.

Qualifications: 

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Good health and physical fitness
  • Standard first aid certificate with CPR
  • Driver’s license
  • Defensive driving certificate
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Completion of intense training program

Application Deadline: November 30

For more info and to apply, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca

Lookout Observer

View from Tower Cupola

Description: Wildfire lookout observers spend their summers in Alberta’s remote natural areas tracking changes in weather and reporting wildfires.

Qualifications: 

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Valid First Aid Certificate with CPR
  • Excellent eyesight with or without vision aids, particularly at long distances
  • Good colour and depth perception
  • Excellent physical and mental health to withstand the rigors of climbing the tower and living alone
  • High level of self-motivation

When to Apply: November – December

For more info and to apply, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca

Check out my interview with a lookout observer.

Wildfire Dispatchers

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Description: Wildfire dispatchers are responsible for taking appropriate actions to move, place, or direct resources with direction from a duty officer. Their goal is to ensure that wildfire situations are handled as efficiently and safely as possible.

Qualifications: 

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Valid First Aid Certificate with CPR
  • Valid Class 5 Driver’s License
  • Highly organized with excellent keyboard, computer, and communication skills
  • Experience in Microsoft Office

When to Apply: Deadline varies

For more info and to apply, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca

Check out my interview with a wildfire dispatcher.

Wildfire Investigator

Wildfire Investigations

Description: Wildfire investigators work to establish wildfire origin and cause. Seasonal investigators receive on the job training and guidance in wildfire origin and cause determination, while practicing their skills in investigative interviewing, evidence collection, and scene documentation.

Qualifications: 

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Diploma or degree in Enforcement/Police and Investigations, Conservation Enforcement, or related studies
  • Valid First Aid Certificate with CPR
  • Valid Class 5 Driver’s License
  • Valid Defensive Driving Certificate
  • Certificate of Proficiency in Radio (Aeronautical) from Industry Canada
  • Strong problem-solving skills including the ability to make time-sensitive decisions

When to Apply: By February

For more info and to apply, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca

Wildfire Technologist

Fire Mark 3

Description: Wildfire technologists work to prevent wildfire, prepare for and mitigate the negative impacts of wildfire, and when prevention doesn’t work, fight the fire.

Qualifications: 

  • Diploma or degree in forestry or environmental sciences
  • Valid First Aid Certificate with CPR
  • Valid Class 5 Driver’s License
  • Experience working in forest management, and particularly wildfire management

Application Deadline: Varies dependent on need

For more info and to apply, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca

Check out my interview with a wildfire technologist.

Alberta Junior Forest Rangers – Crew Members 

2014 Grande Prairie tree planting (2)

Description:

Junior Forest Rangers (JFR) offers Alberta youth the opportunity to get started in a career related to natural resource management and forestry.

JFR crews are camp or community-based crewsCamp locations are located throughout the province and vary from year to year. Camp crew members stay with their crew 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for seven weeks (except for the long weekend in August). The summer experience is challenging, unique, and exciting. Community crews are made in partnership with Indigenous communities across Alberta and work Monday – Friday. All crews consist of eight crew members and two crew leaders.

Although each crew has a different experience, you will typically:

  • Thin trees in order to reduce the threat of wildfire
  • Construct trails
  • Plant trees
  • Assist with research projects in the area
  • Engage in wildfire management scenarios

Qualifications:

  • 16 to 18 years of age of as July 1
  • A full-time student enrolled in grade 10, 11, or 12 at time of application
  • Interested in forestry, wildfire operations, wildlife biology, environmental science, or stewardship
  • Involved in the community, school athletics, student council, or volunteer services
  • In good physical condition
  • Available for a seven-day overnight training program, starting in the first weeks of July
  • Prepared to live and work in the outdoors for seven weeks

When to apply: Between February 1 and April 1.

For more info and to apply, visit: albertajfr.ca

Check out my interview with a JFR crew member.

Alberta Junior Forest Rangers – Crew Leaders and Sub Leaders

Alberta JFRs looking the map

Description:

Crew Leader

  • Supervision and direction of a sub leader and a crew of eight
  • Developing and implementing safety standards and procedures
  • Designing and supervising a safe, rewarding work and educational program schedule
  • Organizing training, evaluations, and addressing any situations with staff
  • Promoting team building and the outdoor experience

Crew Sub Leader

  • Coordinating camp activities
  • Projecting and conducting maintenance and inventory inspections of all equipment
  • Assisting with the direction and supervision of all work projects, recreational outings, and general camp situations
  • Implementing safety standards and procedures
  • Promoting team building and the outdoor experience

Qualifications:

  • Post-secondary education or relevant career experience
  • Full class 5 driver’s licence or provincial equivalent
  • Defensive driving certificate
  • Standard First Aid and Level C CPR
  • Experience with leading and participating in outdoor education

Application deadline: January 30

More info and how to apply: albertajfr.ca

These are just a few of the many people that come together to prevent and fight wildfires. For information on more wildfire management jobs, visit the Alberta Wildfire website.