Manager, Wildfire Operations

Government of Northwest Territories; Fort Smith; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A governing body in environmental management seeks a Manager, Wildfire Operations to lead strategic initiatives for wildfire preparedness and response across the territory. The ideal candidate has a degree in natural resources, at least 5 years of related experience, and strong operational management skills. This role includes overseeing wildfire operations and collaborating with Indigenous governments and other agencies.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in fire response activities and program management.
• Significant knowledge of land and resource management issues.
• At least 1 year in a supervisory role.

Responsibilities

• Guide strategic planning for wildfire operations in the territory.
• Build partnerships with Indigenous governments and agencies.
• Manage wildfire preparedness and response operations.
• Oversee coordination centres and predictive services.

Skills

Fire response management

Operational planning

Partnership building

Legislative compliance

Education

University degree in natural resources

Job description

Department: Environment and Climate Change

The mandate of the Department of Environment and Climate Change is to manage land, water, air, wildlife, and forests. This includes promoting, planning, and supporting the wise and sustainable use of natural resources, and protecting, restoring, and stewarding the environment for the social and economic benefit of all Northwest Territories residents.

Job Information

The Manager, Wildfire Operations provides strategic leadership and direction for all territorial wildfire operations and programs. You will be responsible for setting the vision, priorities, and standards that guide wildfire preparedness, response, and recovery across the territory. You will develop and implement comprehensive strategies that strengthen operational readiness, enhance response capability, and support long-term resilience. Your role demands a balance of strategic foresight and operational expertise, ensuring the territory is prepared to manage and recover from wildfire events effectively and safely.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guide strategic planning initiatives and task teams to ensure coordinated territorial wildfire operations including wildfire strategies, standards, and training programs.
• Build and sustain partnerships and collaboration with Indigenous governments, communities, federal, provincial/territorial, and international agencies.
• Establish and manage contracts, standing offer agreements, sole sources, other procurement processes and financial tracking.
• Lead territorial wildfire preparedness and response operations while ensuring wildfire safety programs in accordance with legislative and operational requirements.
• Oversee six wildfire coordination centres, while managing predictive services, wildfire intelligence, and other decision support tools.

Key Qualifications:

• A university degree in natural resources plus five (5) years of related experience including all phases of fire response activities, significant operational and program/ project management, land and resource management issues and interagency agreements and partnerships, both within NT and across Canada. At least one (1) year in a supervisory role.

GNWT Inquiries

Inquiries Only:

Fort Smith HR Client Service Centre
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
195 MCDOUGALROAD
BOX876
FORT SMITH, NT X0E 0P0
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.