Wildfire Crew Member

Job Information

Job Title: Wildfire Crew Member

Job Requisition ID: 88017

Ministry: Forestry and Parks

Location: Various, AB

Full or Part-Time: Full-Time Seasonal Wage

Hours of Work: Up to 36.25 hours per week

Permanent/Temporary: Temporary Seasonal Summer

Scope: Wage Competition

Closing Date: November 30, 2026

Classification: Natural Resources 2

Salary: $24.52 to $31.02 per hour

These positions are eligible for a salary modifier applied to the base salary, in alignment with the current Collective Agreement.

Alberta Wildfire inspires public confidence in wildfire and forest management, sustaining operations and preventative practices, and leading collaboration that enables safe and resilient communities. For more information, visit:

https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-wildfire

Role Responsibilities

As a Wildfire Crew Member, you get an exciting, unique experience working on a crew in one of Alberta’s three wildfire crew programs as a wildland firefighter. Wildland firefighters work on the front lines and play a vital role in protecting Alberta’s forests, communities, and ecosystems from wildfire.

For a glance at what the job entails, check out

a day in the life of a wildland firefighter on assignment

, which walks you through tasks from morning briefings to Fireline operations and evening camp routines.

Wildfire crews maintain a state of physical and mental readiness to respond to wildfires in Alberta and abroad. They are always prepared to respond quickly and spend extended shifts away in a tent for accommodations.

This role offers a rare opportunity to explore remote areas that few have visited - and that even fewer may ever see again after your time there.

Alberta has three wildfire crew programs that are all used for wildfire response and readiness. While similar, each program is unique and are utilized in slightly different ways.

Unit (UNIT)

Unit Crews offer a unique opportunity to work on a 20-person crew dedicated to Alberta’s wildfire suppression efforts. These crews are deployed, often by helicopter, to large-scale fires where hard work and dedication will be essential in constructing fire lines, extinguishing hotspots, and conducting mop-up operations to prevent flare-ups. You will foster a strong sense of teamwork and resilience as your crew sets up and operates often under physically and mentally demanding conditions. On the larger scale fires Unit Crews will work for Incident Management Teams and work collaboratively with heavy equipment, air tankers, helicopters as well as other crews to contain the fires spread.

The work is physically demanding, and the days can be long, but the sense of unity, teamwork, and accomplishment is unmatched. You will discover how determination and commitment – to your crew and the public – can preserve entire communities and ecosystems.

Helitack (HAC)

Helitack Crews are rapid to respond, being flown in by helicopters to attack wildfires at their earliest stages. Working in smaller teams of 4 or 8, you are often dropped into remote areas where speed and safety are crucial.

Your tasks will involve constructing helispots (landing zones), coordinating with aerial suppression resources, and conducting initial attack operations. This role demands agility, decisiveness, and a readiness to adapt quickly to changing fire behavior. With its unique blend of aviation operations and ground firefighting, Helitack is ideal for individuals who thrive on the thrill of fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

Hoist

Hoist Crews utilize hoist capable helicopters to insert firefighters and equipment into wildfires that are inaccessible for initial attack. The ability to insert into areas that aircraft are unable to land means that Hoist crews are often called upon to create helispots (landing zones) to support suppression activities. The hoist system can also be used for emergency extraction and if called upon, Alberta Hoist will extract wildfire responders in need of medical attention.

Due to the unique nature of hoisting and the associated weight limit (See minimum requirements) only those who select hoist as their preferred wildfire crew program will be considered for the job.

Hoist Crews are based out of Edmonton, where they start and end their shift. However, they spend their time predominantly in Forest Areas around Alberta.

As a Wildfire Crew Member, you will

Take direction from the Crew Leader or Sub-Leader to suppress wildfire

Detect hotspots and construct or hold fire containment lines

Maintain situational awareness and communicate changes in fire environment to the leader

Identify and report hazards

Provide feedback to the leader on assignment progress and suggest tactical changes to the leader

Maintain assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment in serviceable condition

Uphold fire readiness and physical fitness standards

Participate in regular proficiency training and crew activities

Complete project work during low fire hazard periods (e.g., FireSmart or facility maintenance)

Remain prepared for fire deployment

Work long and extended hours, including occasional overnight shifts

As a Hoist Crew Member, you will also perform the following, in addition to the Wildfire Crew Member duties:

Receive training for safe helicopter hoist operations, including insertion and emergency extraction into wildfire zones

Assist with emergency extraction operations as required

Maintain and inspect hoist-specific equipment

Provide feedback and assist with data gathering to support hoist integration into wildfire response

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.

About Your Competencies

Agility

: Having the capacity to anticipate, evaluate, and swiftly adapt to shifting priorities, maintain resilience during uncertain times, and excel in a dynamic work environment.

Building Collaborative Environments

: Taking the lead in creating conditions and work culture that foster effective collaboration, enabling individuals to work together productively to achieve shared objectives. Demonstrating respect for others’ input and expertise and is willing to learn from others by encouraging open and considerate discussion of issues.

Systems Thinking

Recognizing that tasks performed within the Alberta Public Service (APS) are part of a broader, interconnected environment. It is essential to comprehend that activities within one segment of the APS can have far-reaching impacts on other groups and projects, both within and outside the organization. Systems thinking helps us consider these wider consequences and connections.

Creative Problem Solving

Having the ability to evaluate options and consequences in novel ways to develop innovative solutions and achieve desired outcomes.

Drive for Results

Effectively setting goals to prioritize work and proactively seeking advice or guidance when needed. Recognizing program objectives and one’s own contributions through service delivery, performance, and interpersonal interactions to ensure future success.

Develop Self and Others

: Taking initiative to stay current on skills, approaches, and technologies in their field of work. Reflecting on own performance to understand success, participates in developmental activities, and contributing to team learning by sharing information, knowledge, and experiences.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

Unit Crew Member (UNIT), Helitack Crew Member (HAC), and Hoist Crew Member

Some high school education

Some related experience (i.e., up to 12 months).

In addition to the above individuals applying for

Hoist Crew

must be able to

maintain a weight of 190lbs, or less,

for aircraft hoist limitation considerations (not including wildfire gear).

Related experience may include work in

Wildland firefighting, wildfire management, or emergency response (e.g., first aid, search and rescue, volunteer firefighting)

Forest operations or physical labour (e.g., landscaping, trail maintenance, chainsaw operation, arborist work, or small engine maintenance)

Coaching team sports, leading outdoor recreation, or other community services (e.g., public safety programs, youth outreach, or working with non-profits)

Environmental education field work

Assets

Advanced Medical First Aid (AFA) certification (

more information on approved training agencies

).

Chainsaw certification

Incident Command System certifications

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certifications

Additional Requirements

The following conditions are not required at the time of application

but must be provided prior to your start date.

Passing results of the WFPAT1 – Fit test to endure rigorous training and, at times, arduous working conditions.

WFPAT1 Assessment Components

There are four (4) components to the WFPAT1: a screening component, a standardized warm-up and two (2) performance components.

Pre-Participation Screening (Get Active Questionnaire, Get Active Reference Document), Blood Pressure, Informed Consent and Release of Results and Photo Identification.

Standardized warm-up and task floor orientation.

Treadmill Component: A 23-minute test: 18 minutes of simulated fireline work followed by a mandatory 5-minute active cool down.

Task Floor Component: A Three (3) tasks performed sequentially and repetitively for 15 minutes.

Kettlebell carry

Pump carry

Sled pull

A valid, unrestricted Alberta Class 5 driver’s license or an equivalent Canadian license.

For more information on

determining license equivalencies, exchanging a non-Alberta license

, or information on

licensed driver training schools

.

A minimum 3-year Driver's Abstract, showing a record of seven (7) demerits or less (obtained within 30 days of your commencement date and presented to management prior to commencement).

A current Intermediate First Aid with Level C CPR.

A current

Defensive Driving certificate

.

• All candidates must be 18 years of age or older as of March 1, 2027, or prior to their start date. Position start date range from March 1 to April 30, 2027.

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

https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards

.

Notes

This competition is recruiting for seasonal wage Helitack, Unit, and Hoist Crew Members in the forest areas and locations listed below.

Large fires regularly have longer shift hours, which could include having work hours shifted to work weekends, evenings, and overnight on occasions.

Positions and Locations

Unit Crews (UNIT) and Helitack Crews (HAC)

Calgary Forest Area

Edmonton

Edson Forest Area

Fort McMurray Forest Area

Grande Prairie Forest Area

High Level Forest Area

Lac La Biche Forest Area

Peace River Forest Area

Rocky Mountain House Forest Area

Slave Lake Forest Area

Whitecourt Forest Area

Alberta Hoist

Edmonton

• Hoist Crews are based out of Edmonton, where they start and end their shift. However, they spend their time predominantly in Forest Areas around Alberta.

Initial Attack and Trails Crews

Cypress Hills Provincial Park

What We Offer

Wage employees receive 11.6% in addition to regular wage earnings in lieu of paid holidays and vacation leave

1. 6% of regular wage earnings instead of paid holidays

6% of regular wage earnings instead of annual vacation pay

Shift differential and opportunity to work overtime, evening, and weekend shifts

Access to firefighter equipment supplied by the employer and member training at the

Hinton Training Centre (HTC)

Meals and accommodation will be provided for the duration of employment for all crews with the exceptions noted below

Meals and accommodations will be provided when deployed, however when working locally, these locations provide the following:

Slave Lake – Accommodations available only, meals are not supplied

Cypress Hills Provincial Park – $140 bi-weekly for accommodations, meals are not supplied

Edmonton – Accommodations and meals are not supplied while in Edmonton. Meal and accommodations will be provided when deployed

Alberta Hoist – Accommodations and meals will be provided while on shift. Alberta Hoist crews are expected to be in Edmonton for day one of their shift and will be in Edmonton to end their shift

Overall Recruitment Process and Application Requirements

Step 1 - Online application submission

Resume

Your resume should indicate date ranges (month and year) for all education and work experience, specifying if the experience was casual, part-time (PT) or full-time (FT), while highlighting applicable duties or achievements

For example, Wildland Firefighter: Apr 2019 – Aug 2019 (PT, 20 hours per week)

Answer to application pre-screen questions

Step 2 – WFPAT1 test

Applicants who successfully pass the screening phase will be invited to complete the WFPAT1 test.

Step 3 – Virtual Panel Interview Assessment

Successful completion of the WFPAT 1 Fit test may result in an invitation to a virtual interview; however, it does not guarantee an interview.

Interviews will consist of behavioural competency, technical and situational based questions

Candidates are required to upload a copy of their completed pre-employment forms, including the academic and reference consent form and reference list containing three (3) work-related references

Step 4 – Pre-employment Checks

References and post-secondary checks (if applicable)

Step 5 – Extend a Job Offer

Complete and provide proof that all conditions of employment have been met prior to the first day of work Step 6 – Training and Orientation

Step 6 – Training and Orientation

Estimated Timelines

Early October – Job advert is available, and online applications are open

November 30th – Application deadline, job advert is now closed

January 9 and 10, 2027 – WFPAT1 fitness testing

Late January – Virtual interview sessions commence

February to mid-May – Job offers are extended

April to May – Training is scheduled, and orientation begins

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.

How To Apply

Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.

Candidates are required to apply online. Please visit

https://www.alberta.ca/job-application-resources#before

for more information. Please visit Recruitment Principles, for more information.

It is recommended applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada obtain an evaluation of their credentials from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)(

https://www.alberta.ca/international-qualifications-assessment.aspx)

or from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator; please visit the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada for more information (

https://canalliance.org/en/default.html)

.

It is recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application.

Closing Statement

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements.

If you require any further information on this job posting or require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact TAS Wildfire Seasonal Recruitment at

[email protected]