Helitac Officer

Government of Manitoba; Town of Lac du Bonnet; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Government of Manitoba’s Manitoba Wildfire Service seeks a Helitac Officer (FR4) for Lac du Bonnet/Bissett areas. You will lead Initial Attack Crews daily, directing wildfire suppression strategies, coordinating training and deployments, and ensuring readiness of bases and aircraft resources.

The role requires strong leadership, firefighting knowledge, and the ability to work across provincial and national deployments.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Crew Leader on an Initial Attack Crew.
• Experience interpreting fire weather, fire behaviour and implementing wildfire suppression tactics.
• Experience in fire equipment maintenance and usage.
• Supervisory experience providing training, guidance and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day Activities and operation of the Initial Attack Base including readiness of personnel, equipment and aircraft resources.
• Ensure crew members are trained to provincial and national standards.
• May act as Incident Commander on forest fires.
• Supervise maintenance of fire suppression equipment to provincial standards.
• Complete Initial Attack Fire Reports, morning messages, and other required reports.
• Ensure staff and workplace safety and compliance with health legislation.
• Supervise district work and construction projects as required.

Skills

Crew Leader

Fire Weather Interpretation

Fire Behavior

Equipment Maintenance

Supervisory Experience

Aircraft Knowledge

Leadership

Oral Communication

Written Communication

Job description

FR4 Fire Ranger 4

Departmental

32 weeks (March - October)

Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures

Wildfire Service, Conservation and Wildfire Service

Bissett MB, Lac du Bonnet MB

Advertisement Number: 45646

Salary(s): FR4 $2,007.20 - $2,201.60 bi-weekly Plus Remoteness Allowance and Qualification Pay, if applicable.

Closing Date: September 25, 2026

The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of building an exemplary public service reflective of the citizens it serves, where diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, identities, languages and perspectives drives 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 positions and will remain in effect for 12 months.

Manitoba Wildfire Service is seeking qualified candidates for the roles of Helitac Officer (FR4) in the Lac du Bonnet and Bissett fire areas. Under the direction of the Area Fire Manager or designate, the incumbent provides leadership and supervision to Initial Attack Crews on a daily basis. The Helitac Officer coordinates, implements and directs wildfire suppression strategies, tactics, training and participates in both provincial and national deployments as and when needed.

Duties:

Under the supervision of the Area Fire Manager or designate will manage the day to day activities and operation of the Initial Attack Base which includes:

• Responsible for the readiness of the Helitac Base including personnel, equipment and aircraft resources.
• Ensures all members of Initial Attack crews are trained within the provincial and national standards.
• May act as Incident Commander on forest fires.
• Supervise the maintenance of fire suppression equipment to the provincial standards.
• Complete Initial Attack Fire Reports, morning messages, DIFARS and other reports as required.
• Responsible for work performance of wildfire personnel.
• Ensure staff and workplace is compliant with workplace safety and health legislation.
• Supervise district work and/or construction projects as required.

Why Work for Manitoba Government?

The Manitoba government values its employees, recognizing the important role that each person plays in delivering exceptional services, programs and support to the province. Your important contributions are recognized with a comprehensive package of benefits, including an attractive salary, pension plan, health and wellness benefits, and other supports to encourage work-life balance.

Financial Security

• Attractive salaries
• Defined pension plan
• Life insurance coverage
• Long-Term Disability Plan

Benefit Plan

• Employer paid health care benefits including health, dental and vision
• Extended health care for services such as physiotherapy, chiropractor, massages, acupuncture and more
• Annual health spending account for eligible employees

Commitment to Health and Wellness

• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Paid time-off including sick leave, wellness days and family related leave days
• Flexible work arrangements for eligible positions
• Generous vacation entitlements, increasing with years of service
• Parental, maternity, and adoptive leave options

Professional Growth & Development

We want our employees to thrive and grow and are committing to investing in their development. We offer multiple avenues of support such as inhouse training, educational assistance and leadership development programs to help achieve these goals.

Organizational Culture and Values

The Manitoba government is committed to a work environment and culture that values and recognizes every employee. When we look at Manitoba’s Public Service, we see a reflection of Manitoba’s diversity. We come from differing educational, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds and work in a wide array of jobs across the province, we are all public servants.

Impact on Manitoba’s Future

By working for Manitoba’s Public Service, you have the unique opportunity to use your time to serve the land, communities, and the people of Manitoba. You can leave a lasting mark that will impact both current and future generations.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Experience as a Crew Leader on an Initial Attack Crew.
• Experience interpreting fire weather, fire behaviour and implementing wildfire suppression tactics.
• Experience in fire equipment maintenance and usage.
• Supervisory experience providing training, guidance and performance management.
• Knowledge of fire fighting aircraft and their capabilities.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Strong oral communication skills.
• Strong written communication skills.

Desired:

• Knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
• Knowledge of Wildfire Service policy and procedure, operational guidelines and administration practices.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

Must possess and maintain a full stage Manitoba Class 5F driver's licence or equivalent.

Must be willing and able to work weekends and overtime as required.

Must be physically capable of performing the duties required of this job including lifting up to 27 kg (60lbs).

Must maintain current First Aid/CPR certification.

Must be willing and able to be deployed provincially, inter provincially or internationally.