Alberta Wildfire recruitment

The Airtanker Base Loader works out of one of the 13 airtanker bases in the province and is responsible for:

• the safe and efficient loading of airtankers used in wildland firefighting
• assisting in base operations
• maintaining inventory levels
• base maintenance and safety

Video: Airtanker Base Loader

The Airtanker Base Supervisor reports to a designated Forest Officer in the forest area and is responsible for:

• the safe and efficient operation of one of the 13 airtanker bases located in the province
• maintaining inventories of fuel, retardant and water
• supervising contract loader personnel

Working at the Alberta Wildfire Coordination Centre (AWCC) in Edmonton, support workers will:

• answer numerous phone calls
• coordinate movements of manpower, equipment and aircraft
• work closely within a team environment

There are 3 different positions in this category:

• AWCC Wildfire Operations Support
• AWCC Wildfire Logistics Coordinator
• AWCC Wildfire Aircraft Logistics

AWCC Wildfire Operations Support

The Wildfire Operations Support worker performs a variety of duties, including:

• processing reports of wildfires coming through the 310-FIRE telephone line
• receiving calls
• data entry
• supporting the various wildfire operations daily activities

AWCC Wildfire Logistics

The Wildfire Logistics Coordinator works closely with the Provincial Duty Officer to process provincial, national and international requests for manpower and equipment. In addition, they:

• ensure accurate and timely data entry
• correspond regularly with the 10 forest areas and national fire agencies
• summarize data and reports pertinent to wildfire operations

AWCC Wildfire Aircraft Logistics

The Wildfire Aircraft Logistics worker coordinates with the Provincial Aircraft Coordinator to process provincial, national and international requests for rotary and fixed wing aircraft. In addition, they:

• work with the 10 forest areas to respond to airtanker requests
• hire and release aircraft
• complete data entry in an accurate manner
• gather information for statistical purposes

The Camp Supervisor is employed in the forest area and is responsible for the operations, basic facility maintenance and ground maintenance at one or multiple primary or secondary fire bases within the forest area.

Video: Camp Supervisor

The Communication Technician:

• provides installation, support and maintenance of vehicle electronics systems and remote telecommunication sites
• dispatches to help other techs with communications on wildfire incidents

The Crew Supervisor is responsible for the direct supervision of seasonal wildfire crews during wildfire response and on various projects. Duties may include performing as an Incident Commander or Strike Team Leader on a wildfire incident.

Operational Services

The Operational Services worker performs a variety of duties to support wildfire operations, including coordinating and supplying firefighting equipment to forest area warehouses and wildfire incidents.

Maintenance Services

The Maintenance Services worker is responsible for the refurbishment of equipment used in wildland firefighting and provides refurbishing support.

The Facilities Coordinator:

• coordinates corrective maintenance at wildfire facilities with contractors
• monitors and actions work orders for facilities in their respective areas
• inspects and performs maintenance at wildfire facilities to ensure fully operational at all time

The Information Coordinator’s primary role is to assist in delivering information, education and awareness to:

• internal and external staff
• stakeholders
• local municipal governments
• industrial and other stakeholder groups
• the general public
• communities within Alberta

Video: Information Officer

The Logistics Assistant:

• supports all wildfire needs as directed by the Logistics Coordinator and the Duty Officer
• coordinates personnel
• hires equipment, ground transport, rentals, fuel, communications, accommodations, meals and commissary

A Lookout Observer:

• provides early detection and accurate reporting of potential forest fires
• provides continuous observation until fire control personnel arrive at the fire location
• is based at one of the 100 active fire lookouts located throughout the province and works in isolated conditions

The Patrol Person:

• inspects fire permit request sites
• issues fire permits in the forest area
• educates rural residents about safe burning practices and changing fire danger conditions
• assists the area with wildfire prevention activities

The Warehouse Support Staff is based in a forest area and is responsible for:

• assisting in the delivery of supplies
• maintaining an inventory tracking system
• re-stocking and building equipment kits
• possibly assisting with equipment management on a wildfire incident

Video: Warehouse Support Staff

The Wildfire Data Entry worker supports administration. Their primary role is the accurate, consistent and timely entry of information into various wildfire databases.

The Wildfire Detection Aide:

• ensures the Lookout Observers receive their scheduled servicing of groceries, water and warehouse supplies
• may fill in as a Lookout Observer
• supports the wildfire detection program

The Wildfire Dispatcher:

• provides the communication link between the forest area duty room, aircraft and personnel in the field
• takes appropriate actions to move, place, or direct wildfire resources with direction from a Duty Officer

Video: Wildfire Dispatcher

The Wildfire Investigator:

• assists the Compliance and Investigations Unit in determining the origin and cause of wildfires in Alberta
• conducts investigative interviews
• collects evidence
• documents the scene

Video: Wildfire Investigator

Wildland firefighting is a demanding but rewarding experience. It offers the chance to see different and remote areas of the province and to assist in preserving Alberta's natural resources.

There are several types of wildland firefighting positions, and all interested candidates must successfully pass a medical screening and physical fitness test. Only people who believe in teamwork, safety and a dedication to fitness will be considered for positions.

The WFX-FIT test is used to determine whether an individual possesses the physical capabilities necessary to meet rigorous demands encountered while fighting wildland fires. It is a requirement for Unit Crew and Helitack positions.

Fitness tests will be conducted in Edmonton on January 11 and 12, 2025.

Unit Crew (UNIT)

Unit Crew (UNIT) members work on a 20-person crew. Unit Crews are considered sustained action crews, who work to contain and completely extinguish fires. Members must maintain a state of good health and physical fitness to endure the rigorous training and, at times, arduous working conditions.

Helitack (HAC)

Helitack (HAC) crew members work on a 4- or 8-person crew. Helitack crews are usually the first to respond to a wildfire and are transported by helicopter. Members must maintain a state of good health and physical fitness to endure the rigorous training and, at times, arduous working conditions.

Firetack (FTAC)

Firetack (FTAC) crew members work on a contracted sustained action wildfire crew.

Members must always maintain a good state of health and physical fitness to endure the rigorous training and, at times, arduous working conditions. Members must also take a physical fitness test prior to recruitment. Physical training is recommended 4 to 6 weeks prior to attempting the fitness test. For guidelines for training, see Firetack Fitness Test.

Selection is done by a contractor in consultation with the local communities or settlements. To find local contractors in your area, or for more information on Firetack recruiting, contact your closest forest area office.

Video: Wildland Firefighter