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Alberta Wildfire recruitment

From working on the fireline to helping wildfire prevention efforts, find seasonal job opportunities with Alberta Wildfire.

Call 310-FIRE (3473) to report a wildfire in a forested area.

Overview

Alberta Wildfire offers a variety of seasonal job opportunities to support the management of forest and wildfire resources. Positions range from working on the fireline to supporting wildfire prevention efforts.

Applications for wildfire crew positions typically open in November for the upcoming wildfire season. Applications for other seasonal positions typically open in January. Employment periods vary, but are generally between April and October.

Training and education

The Hinton Training Centre provides online and in-person wildfire management training to thousands of participants each year.

The Junior Forest Rangers (JFR) program is a summer employment opportunity for high school and post-secondary students or graduates. JFR showcases potential career options in forestry, wildfire, ecology, and more by completing hands-on and educational work projects.

Are you interested in learning about what it’s like deploying to assist with wildfire management operations in Alberta? Find out by watching our wildfire deployment orientation overview.

Job positions

Learn more about our employment opportunities below.

Jobs with Alberta Wildfire are posted on the Government of Alberta jobs website. For job-specific questions, contact us.

  • Airtanker Base Loader

    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

  • Airtanker Base Supervisor

    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
  • AWCC Wildfire and Air Operations Support

    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
  • Camp Supervisor

    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

  • Communication Technician

    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
  • Crew Supervisor

    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.

  • Edmonton Warehouse and Service Centre

    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.

  • Facilities Coordinator

    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
  • Information Officer

    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

  • Logistics Assistant

    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
  • Lookout Observer

    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
  • Patrol Person

    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
  • Warehouse Support Staff

    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

  • Wildfire Data Entry

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

  • Wildfire Detection Aide

    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
  • Wildfire Dispatcher

    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

  • Wildfire Investigator

    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 Firefighter

    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

Contact

Wildfire employment

For questions about Alberta Wildfire job positions:

Phone: 780-427-6807
Fax: 780-415-1509
Email: [email protected]

Alberta Wildfire

Forest area office contacts

Information line: 1-866-394-3473 (FYI-FIRE)
Media inquiries: 780-420-1968
Email: [email protected]

Download the Alberta Wildfire app