Forest Officer

Government of Alberta; Hamlet of Lac la Biche; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Government of Alberta, Ministry of Forestry and Parks, Lac La Biche Forest Area, invites applications for a Forest Officer to join the Wildfire Management Program. The role emphasises fire prevention, pre-suppression and suppression activities, and collaboration with field crews to protect our forests.

You will report to the Wildfire Technologist, supervise Initial Attack Crews and Lookout Staff, enforce fire permits under legislation, and contribute to Fire Smart and forest health initiatives.

Qualifications

• Two-year diploma in Forestry or related Natural Resource Management field.
• Three (3) years of directly related forestry or wildfire experience.
• Assets: supervisory or leadership experience; eligibility for registration with the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals.

Responsibilities

• Assist Wildfire Management Program, reporting to the Wildfire Technologist.
• Oversee Initial Attack Crews and Lookout Staff, ensuring program consistency.
• Enforce fire permits in accordance with legislation and contribute to Fire Smart initiatives.
• Contribute to Forest Operations Monitoring (FOMP) and Forest Health programs; conduct inspections.
• Coordinate with Ministry staff and external stakeholders; support wildfire detection and suppression activities.

Skills

Drive for Results

Develop Networks

Build Collaborative Environments

Agility

Systems Thinking

Education

Diploma in Forestry or related Natural Resource Management

Job description

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Ministry:Forestry and Parks
Location:Lac La Biche, AB
Full or Part-Time:Full Time

Hours of Work:36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary:Permanent
Scope:Open Competition

Closing Date: October 28, 2026
Classification: Natural Resource 6

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities.

As the Ministry of Forestry and Parks we are responsible for fostering Alberta’s environmentally responsible forest management practices, including management of wildfires. We preserve our provincial parks for the recreation and enjoyment of Albertans. As well as enabling access to public lands for recreational and commercial purposes while prioritizing conservation. Forestry and Parks also manage public lands and balances sustainable rangelands and grazing leases for Alberta producers.

The Forestry Division, within the Ministry of Forestry and Parks, works to enhance the economic, environmental, and social contributions of our forests and forested lands to Albertans.

Role Responsibilities

Are you eager to kick-start your career in Wildfire or Forest Management? Perhaps you are a recent graduate, ready to learn the ropes and make a real impact. Or maybe you already have a forestry background or some seasonal wildfire experience and are seeking an exciting adventure and a place to grow. If you are passionate about serving the Lac La Biche Forest Area with your pre-suppression and suppression knowledge, then look no further, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase your skills.

As a Forest Officer, you will play a crucial role within the Wildfire Management Program, reporting to the Wildfire Technologist. Your expertise in fire behavior and prevention, knowledge of fuel types, firefighting techniques, and understanding of forest ecology will be invaluable in facilitating and participating in wildfire prevention, operations, and forest management. You will actively contribute to wildfire detection, enforcement, education, engineering, pre-suppression, suppression activities, as well as supervise and coordinate seasonal wildland firefighting crews, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of wildfire suppression activities.

In addition to your involvement in the Wildfire Management Program, you will have the opportunity to support wildfire detection and operation components. Your responsibilities will include overseeing Initial Attack Crews, Lookout Staff adhering to program consistency, enforcing fire permits in accordance with legislation, and contributing to Fire Smart initiatives. These positions also offer involvement in the delivery of Forest Operations Monitoring (FOMP) and Forest Health programs, conducting inspections under Forestry Operations, and assisting with non-compliance investigations.

This is your chance to make a difference and contribute to the protection and preservation of our forests. Join our team as a Forest Officer and seize the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, expand your knowledge, and work in a dynamic environment where every day brings new challenges and rewards.

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.

• Drive for Results: Strives to exceed objectives and maximize resources to achieve results aligned with the goals of the department, considerate to both internal and external stakeholders;
• Develop Networks: Maintains close relations with all stakeholders, actively incorporates the needs of the broader group, and ensures overall client satisfaction.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Takes a collaborative approach with your work to foster open communication and leverage team skills.
• Agility: Identifies alternative approaches in uncertain, complex situations, supporting others in determining and assessing strategy.
• Systems Thinking: Considers the changing environment, recognizing the work impacting a vast network of stakeholders.

Qualifications

The minimum requirements for Forest Officer role are a two-year diploma in Forestry or a related Natural Resource Management field plus three (3) years of directly related forestry or wildfire experience.

Directly related experience or education considered on the basis of: one year of experience for one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience.

Assets:

• Supervisory or leadership experience
• Eligibility for registration with the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals

This position is a permanent, full-time role, with the standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday. The incumbent may be requested to work overtime, evening and weekends due to the emergency nature of wildfires.

Travel within the area and throughout the province will be required as part of your responsibilities to coordinate with Ministry staff and colleagues, other government departments, clients, and other external stakeholders.

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.

Links and information on what we have to offer:

• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.

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 an accommodation during the recruitment process please contact Rashi Vaktania at [e-mail] .