Fire Operations Manager - Aviation Services

Government of Manitoba; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 74,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial government agency in Winnipeg seeks a Fire Operations Manager responsible for managing aviation services within the Wildfire Service. This role involves overseeing the Provincial Air Attack Program and ensuring effective wildfire management. Candidates must have a background in a resource-based program and experience in aviation, alongside strong leadership and communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package including health care and a pension plan.

Benefits

Extended health care

Dental care

Vision care

Long-term disability insurance

Group life insurance

Maternity/paternity leave

Family-related leave

Defined pension plan

Qualifications

• Graduate from a recognized college or university program.
• Experience with aviation services related to wildfire operations.
• Experience supervising staff and managing human resources.

Responsibilities

• Manage all operations related to aviation services.
• Oversee the Provincial Air Attack Program and fixed/rotary operations.
• Develop and implement safety policies and procedures.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Leadership experience

Strong interpersonal skills

Budget management

Excellent verbal communication

Excellent written communication

Experience in aviation services

Education

Resource-based or emergency management program

Job description

XO4 Fire Operations Manager

Regular/full-time

Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures

Wildfire Service, Conservation and Wildfire Services

Winnipeg MB

Advertisement Number: 44739

Salary(s): XO4 $74,839.00 - $96,438.00 per year

Closing Date: January 11, 2026

The Manitoba government recognises the importance of building an exemplary public service reflective of the citizens it serves, where diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, identities, languages and perspectives drive a high standard of service and innovation. The Manitoba government supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities). Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to women, Indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities. An eligibility list may be created for similar regular, term or acting status opportunities and will remain in effect for 12 months. Candidates who do not meet all essential criteria may be considered on an underfill basis at a commensurate rate of pay.

The Manitoba Wildfire Service branch is responsible for ensuring the department’s legislative responsibilities Under the Wildfires Act are met, including wildfire management planning, response, prevention and mitigation, through the delivery of programs and services, and management of resources entrusted to the branch to carry out this mandate.

The Manitoba Government has a comprehensive benefit package which includes extended health care, health spending account, dental care, vision care, long‑term disability insurance, group life insurance, maternity/paternity leave, family‑related leave, and a defined pension plan (some pension plans allow for portability between the Civil Service Superannuation Board and employers).

To be considered for this competition you must submit a cover letter and resume. The selection board will rely on the information provided in the cover letter and resume to determine whether a candidate will be invited for further assessment.

Duties

The Fire Operations Manager – Aviation Services is responsible for managing all operations related to aviation services including the management of the Provincial Air Attack Program, fixed and rotary‑wing operations, both contract and casual hire. Additionally, the Fire Operations Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of operational and safety related policies and procedures for aviation services.

Qualifications

Essential

• Graduate of a resource‑based or emergency management program from a recognized college or university. An equivalent combination of education, training and significant related work experience may be considered.
• Experience with aviation services (fixed wing and rotary) related to wildfire operations, and knowledge of Transport Canada regulations pertaining to wildfires.
• Experience supervising and leading staff, including human resource management.
• Experience preparing and managing budgets, and in contract administration/management.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills with the ability to find creative solutions to issues and implement change.
• Strong interpersonal skills with experience managing internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with various audiences.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Experience briefing senior leaders on complex topics and sensitive issues.
• Ability to work independently with strong organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise workloads, multi‑task, and work on concurrent assignments with strict deadlines.

Desired

• Knowledge of provincial/territorial air attack programme.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Must possess and maintain a valid full‑stage Class 5 Manitoba Driver’s Licence.
• Must be willing and able to work evenings, weekends and overtime as required.
• Must be willing and able to travel throughout the Province of Manitoba as required, including flying frequently in a wide variety of small aircraft in adverse weather conditions and be able to stay overnight as required in primitive accommodation.
• Must be physically able to perform the duties assigned to the position.

Contact Information

Advertisement # 44739

600‑330 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0C4

Phone: 204‑948‑4160
Fax: 204‑948‑2193
Email: [e-mail]

Application Process

Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process. When applying to this position, please indicate the advertisement number and position title in the subject line and/or body of your email. Your cover letter, résumé and/or application must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications.

Please be advised that job competitions for represented positions may be grieved by internal represented applicants. Should a selection grievance be filed, information from the competition file will be provided to the grievor’s representative. Personal information irrelevant to the grievance and other information protected under legislation will be redacted.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.