Wildfire Project Manager

CCI Inc; Town of Cochrane; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in British Columbia is seeking a Wildfire Project Manager to lead various wildfire management projects. The role involves developing wildfire protection plans, managing teams, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development and a strong commitment to community safety.

Benefits

Extended health and dental benefits

Company-matched RRSP program

Health spending account

Support for training and career development

Travel expenses covered

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in wildfire management or forestry.
• Registered Professional Forester (RPF) or Registered Forest Technologist (RFT) in BC.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple wildfire projects ensuring effective planning and execution.
• Develop and implement Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs).
• Supervise and mentor a multi-disciplinary field team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Wildfire Management

Technical Knowledge

Education

Post-secondary education in Forestry

Bachelor's degree or diploma

Tools

GIS

Job description

Location : Anywhere in British Columbia (Flexible location within BC)

Salary : $90,000 – $120,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

Company Overview

Our British Columbia-based consulting firm specializes in wildfire management, forestry, and natural resource services. We are a leader in providing technical expertise in wildfire risk mitigation and community protection planning. We pride ourselves on delivering safe, efficient, and practical solutions to our clients across the natural resource sector. We foster a positive working environment with a strong commitment to safety, innovation, and quality service. We pride ourselves on offering a positive work environment with ample growth and career development opportunities. Self-reliant and motivated individuals will find excellent opportunities for advancement, continuous learning, and competitive, industry-leading compensation as part of our team. We encourage you to apply if you are passionate about wildfire management and enjoy leading projects that make a real difference in community safety and forest health.

Position Overview

We are currently seeking an experienced Wildfire Project Manager to join our team and lead various wildfire management projects throughout British Columbia. This position is ideal for someone with a strong background in wildfire operations and planning, such as community wildfire protection planning, prescribed / industrial burning, and regulatory permitting, combined with excellent project management and team leadership skills. The Wildfire Project Manager will coordinate multi-disciplinary teams in the field and office, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the highest technical standards. You will work in diverse environments, including wildland-urban and industrial interface zones, helping communities and industries reduce wildfire risk while mentoring junior staff and fostering client relationships.

Job Highlights

• Comprehensive Benefits : Extended health and dental benefits plan to keep you and your family healthy.
• Retirement Savings : Company-matched RRSP program to help you plan for the future.
• Wellness Support : Health spending account and wellness benefits to support your well-being.
• Professional Development : Support for training and career development, including coverage of professional dues and certifications.
• Field & Office Mix : A dynamic role with a balance of field work and office work; travel throughout BC is expected as needed for project sites.
• Travel Perks : All work-related travel expenses, accommodations, and per diem are covered when you are on assignment away from home.
• Positive Team Culture : Work with a collaborative team that values safety, integrity, and innovation in wildfire management.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership : Lead and manage multiple wildfire projects from initiation to completion, ensuring effective planning, execution, and delivery within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Wildfire Planning : Develop and implement Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) and other wildfire risk reduction plans for communities and clients, providing expert guidance on wildfire mitigation strategies.
• Burn Operations : Plan, coordinate, and supervise industrial burning operations (e.g. prescribed burns, slash pile burns) including preparing burn plans, obtaining necessary permits, and overseeing on-site execution with strict safety protocols.
• Regulatory Compliance : Navigate provincial regulations and permitting processes related to wildfire and burning activities. Ensure all projects comply with British Columbia’s forestry and wildfire legislation, environmental standards, and best practices.
• Team Management : Supervise and mentor a multi-disciplinary field team (foresters, technicians, and other specialists), providing clear direction and leadership. Foster a safety-first culture when working in wildland-urban and wildland-industrial interface zones and ensure all team members adhere to safety and operational guidelines.
• Technical Expertise : Provide technical expertise in wildfire behavior, fuel management, and fire ecology to inform project decisions. Conduct field assessments of fuels and wildfire hazards and recommend treatment options to reduce risk.
• Stakeholder Collaboration : Work closely with clients, community representatives, industrial partners, and government agencies to coordinate wildfire mitigation efforts. Communicate project progress and results through written reports and presentations.
• Quality Control : Ensure the accuracy and quality of all project deliverables (maps, reports, plans). Implement quality assurance measures and continuously seek improvements in project processes.
• Time Management : Juggle multiple projects effectively by prioritizing tasks, managing resources, and adjusting to changing project needs. Meet project deadlines while maintaining attention to detail in all aspects of work.

Qualifications

• Professional Accreditation : Must be a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) or Registered Forest Technologist (RFT) in British Columbia (in good standing).
• Education : Post-secondary education in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree or diploma is preferred and supports your professional designation (RPF / RFT).
• Wildfire Experience : Minimum of 5 years of experience in wildfire management, forestry, or a related field, with hands-on involvement in wildfire projects. Demonstrated experience in :
• Community Wildfire Protection Planning : Developing or implementing wildfire protection plans or wildfire risk assessments for communities or organizations.
• Prescribed / Industrial Burning : Planning and executing controlled burns or industrial burning operations, including knowledge of safe burn practices and post-burn evaluations.
• Regulatory Processes : Navigating regulatory compliance and permitting processes for wildfire or forestry operations in BC (e.g. burn permits, fire bans, environmental regulations).
• Project Management Skills : Proven project management abilities – able to coordinate complex projects, manage timelines and budgets, and solve technical problems. Exceptional organizational and time management skills are required to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Leadership & Communication : Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with a track record of leading teams in the field. Capable of mentoring junior staff, delegating tasks, and maintaining team morale. Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) for interacting with clients, stakeholders, and team members, as well as for report writing and presentations.
• Technical Knowledge : Solid understanding of wildfire behavior, wildfire suppression tactics, fuel management techniques, and forestry best practices. The ability to interpret maps, spatial data (GIS), and wildfire models is an asset.
• Adaptability : Comfortable working in remote and interface environments, including rugged outdoor conditions and industrial interface zones (areas where wildland and industrial sites overlap). Demonstrated commitment to safety in all operations.
• Other Requirements : Valid Class 5 BC driver’s license (or equivalent) with a clean driving record. Willingness to travel extensively within BC and work outdoors in various weather conditions. Proficient with standard computer software; familiarity with GIS tools and wildfire modelling software is a plus.

How to Apply

Application Deadline : This posting will remain open until the successful candidate is hired (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). We encourage interested applicants to apply early.