First Year Crew Member ($14/hour)
The Junior Forest Ranger (JFR) program presents a unique and exciting opportunity to Albertan high school students age 16 to 18.
It’s not your normal summer job!
Successful applicants will gain valuable skills and knowledge towards a career in natural resource fields through hands on work experience.
Prerequisites
All applicants must be:
- 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 community, school athletics, student council or volunteer services
- In good physical condition. There is a minimum fitness standard that is part of the screening process
- 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
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
All JFR crew members will work on a variety of projects.
You will also take part in several tours, presentations, and training courses related to wildfire and natural resource management. You will receive training in:
- Bear awareness
- Hand tools
- Radio operations
- Standard first aid and Level C CPR
- Wildfire orientation
When selecting rangers for the summer, JFR screening teams review each application, arrange for an interview and look for the following:
Ranger qualities
- Adaptive
- Enthusiastic
- Team-oriented
- Inquisitive
- Respectful
- Willing to take initiative
Physical fitness
- Applicants must pass a fitness test: a two-mile walk with a 25-pound backpack in under 30 minutes
- Each crew will experience physical labour, and the work can go all day for multiple days
- On the weekends, crews will be expected to participate on long day hikes, canoeing trips or other recreational activities
Second Year Crew Member ($15/hour)
The second-year ranger option gives those who have successfully completed the first-year program an opportunity to further expand their knowledge and skills and explore career path options.
In addition to working with their assigned crew, the second-year member will be assigned administrative tasks which may include project planning, plus leadership and mentorship opportunities.
Prerequisites
All applicants must:
- Have applied to, or be enrolled in, a post-secondary institute in a relevant field
- Provide a resume in addition to the application and reference forms. Please still answer the questions asked in the statement of interest.
- Provide the previous year’s employment evaluation
For more information and to apply, visit http://wildfire.alberta.ca/recruitment/alberta-junior-forest-rangers/crew-member-application-information.aspx.