Forest Professional - Wildfire Crew Leader

FPBC; Savona; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

FPBC seeks a Forest Professional – Wildfire Crew Leader to lead critical forestry and wildfire operations with the Skeetchestn Natural Resources LLP. The role reports to the Forestry Department Lead and will drive site planning, timber cruising, health and safety, and crew mentorship at the Lemonade Flats Road office.

The position requires proven wildfire experience, professional registration or eligibility, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Registered Forest Professional (RFT or RPF) or able to register with FPBC within a year.
• Degree or diploma in forestry or natural resources.
• Ability to pass wildfire crew fitness standard.
• Minimum 2 years wildfire experience, preferably as Crew Leader.
• First Aid with Transportation Endorsement is an asset.
• WDTA certification is an asset.
• Wildfire Structure Protection training/experience is an asset.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office programs including MS Teams.
• Strong understanding of occupational health and safety principles.
• Proven leadership and team‑building skills.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support Forestry Lead to implement SNR Forestry Department activities and priorities (e.g., road and block boundary layout, site plan data collection, timber cruising, silviculture surveys).
• Adhere to Health and Safety Program and SNR Policies; ensure documentation is clear and complete.
• Lead IIR Crew during wildfire season and provide training/mentorship.
• Maintain fire equipment and vehicle readiness; participate in standby/overtime as needed.
• Collaborate with Skeetchestn Fire Department and BC Wildfire Service; support safe work practices.

Skills

Leadership

Team‑building

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem‑solving

MS Teams

Microsoft Office

Shuswap language knowledge

Education

Bachelor's or Diploma in Forestry/Natural Resources

Tools

MS Teams

Microsoft Office

Job description

Temporary Full-time position - January to October 2027 - with opportunity to extendReporting to the Skeetchestn Natural Resources LLP (SNR) Forestry Department Lead, the Forest Professional – Wildfire Crew Leader will fully engage in the activities of the company’s forestry department while also taking a leadership role on the Skeetchestn Indigenous Initial Response (IIR) Crew during the wildfire season. The position will be supported by the company’s Forestry Lead as well as its Wildfire Advisor and will be based out of the SNR Lemonade Flats Road office. Opportunity to extend beyond the temporary term may be possible for a suitable candidate. Employees of SNR are integral members of this incredible team and representatives of the Skeetchestn Community. Candidates for this position are expected to reside within 30-40 minutes of the SNR Office to enable effective emergency wildfire response when required.

Core responsibilities

Forest Professional

• Work with Forestry Lead to implement SNR Forestry Department activities and priorities that may include:
  • Road and block boundary layout,
  • Site Plan data collection and plan writing,
  • Timber cruising, forest health surveys,
  • Road inspections,
  • Planting supervision,
  • Silviculture surveys and other reforestation surveys
• Ensure adherence to established Health and Safety Program
• Perform all responsibilities and duties in accordance with SNR Policies and Procedures
• Ensure all documentation is clear, correct and complete
• Other related duties as assigned by the Forestry Lead.

Wildfire Crew

• Participate in all wildfire-related training
• Provide crew training and mentorship as applicable
• Provide leadership of the IIR Crew members from spring training through the entirety of wildfire season
• Ensure maintenance of fire equipment and vehicle readiness at all times
• Participate in any standby / overtime requirements during times of heightened wildfire risk as per the SNR agreement with the BC Wildfire Service
• Participate in cultural burning / prescribed fire opportunities as they arise, in collaboration with other Skeetchestn Natural Resource staff
• Liaise with Skeetchestn Fire Department, BC Wildfire Service and others as necessary
• Ensure all wildfire related procedures and documentation requirements are fulfilledn
• Champion a proactive safety culture by reinforcing safe work practices.

Qualifications, education and experience

• Registered Forest Professional (RFT or RPF) or ability to be registered with the FPBC within a year,
• Completed degree or diploma in forestry or natural resources,
• Ability to pass wildfire crew fitness standard
• Minimum 2 years of proven wildfire experience, preferably in a Crew Leader capacity
• Basic First Aid with Transportation Endorsement certification is an asset
• Wildfire Danger Tree Assessor (WDTA) certification is an asset
• Wildfire Structure Protection training and experience is an asset
• Have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs, including MS Teams
• Strong understanding of occupational health and safety principles
• Proven leadership and team‑building skills
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and organizational abilities

Requirements & Abilities:

• Knowledge of Shuswap language, understanding of First Nations communities, ancestral responsibilities, title and rights, Indigenous sovereignty, culture, and issues are beneficial,
• Ability to communicate and take comprehensive notes

Lift requirements: YES Driver License Required? YES Class Required? 5 Criminal Record Check Required? NO