Wildfire Technologist

Government of Alberta; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 68,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial government in Fort McMurray is seeking a Wildfire Technologist to oversee wildfire operations and support community safety. The ideal candidate will have a related diploma and four years of experience in wildfire prevention and mitigation. A valid driver's license and compliance with fitness standards are required. This permanent full-time position promotes a culture of safety and accountability within a dedicated team.

Benefits

Public Service Pension Plan

Professional learning and development

Positive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Minimum of four years of related experience in wildfire operations, prevention, and mitigation.
• Valid Class 5 driver's license.
• Meet departmental fitness standards for rostered positions and fireline certifications.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coach direct reports in wildfire operations.
• Apply project management skills to achieve departmental goals.
• Promote a culture of safety and accountability.
• Work as an Incident Commander on wildfires.
• Manage assigned program funding within budget.

Skills

Wildfire Operations

Project Management

Communication

Collaboration

Critical Thinking

Education

Two-year related diploma

Tools

Microsoft Applications

Job description

Job Information

Job Title: Wildfire Technologist

Ministry: Forestry and Parks

Location: Fort McMurray

Full or Part-Time: Full Time

Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week

Permanent/Temporary: Permanent

Scope: Open Competition

Closing Date: October 16, 2025

Classification: Natural Resource 7

Salary: $2,607.26 to $3,354.3 bi-weekly ($68,049 - $87,547/year)

The Government of Alberta is committed to a diverse and inclusive public service that reflects the population we serve to best meet the needs of Albertans.

Role Responsibilities

Are you an expert in Wildfire Operations, Prevention and Mitigation? Elevate your career by joining the Fort McMurray Forest Area team as a Wildfire Technologist.

This is an exclusive opportunity to be considered as part of a team committed to supporting positive change, ensuring community safety, and conserving the unique natural resources within the Forest Area.

Reporting to either the Wildfire Operations Officer or Wildfire Prevention Officer, the Wildfire Technologist supports delivery of the pre-suppression, suppression and mitigation programs within the Fort McMurray Forest Area.

On a Daily Basis The Following Activities Are Completed

• Supervise, coach and invest in the long term capability and training of direct reports.
• Apply well-developed project management and communication skills to ensure direct reports focus on priorities, execute objectives and achieve the goals of the area and the department.
• Lead by example by promoting a culture of accountability, excellence, respect and integrity.
• Build collaborative work relationships within the team, area, clients, and stakeholders.
• Anticipate and readily adapt to changing priorities, remain calm and composed under pressure, and encourage peers and direct reports to remain optimistic and persevere to find solutions.
• Apply critical and creative thinking skills while assessing risks and identifying as well as applying solutions.
• Actively promote a safety culture, following and adhering to safety legislation, SOPs and business rules, ensuring activities align with the department's safety program.
• Fill rostered positions in a variety of certified and uncertified positions which will include Duty Officer, Response Officer, and Wildfire Assessor rostered positions.
• Work in the field as an Incident Commander on wildfires and gain experience supporting your career development while serving the department on exports/deployments.
• Participate on Incident Command teams, provincial working groups, task forces, and committees as assigned and lead/train wildfire personnel locally as assigned.
• Support delivery of forest management and forest health programs.
• Oversee administration of assigned program funding within budget and policy.
• Maintain a level of fitness required for various qualified fireline and rostered positions.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans.

• Systems Thinking: Consider the changing environment, recognize how the work impacts a vast network of stakeholders.
• Creative Problem Solving: Anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Take a collaborative approach with your work to foster open communication and leverage team skills.
• Develop Self and Others: Aim to learn from experiences, shift, and keep current with skills and knowledge to remain competitive.
• Agility: Identify alternative approaches in uncertain, complex situations, support others in determining and assessing strategy.
• Drive for Results: Hold self and others accountable for meeting agreed targets and outcomes.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirement: The minimum requirements are a two-year related diploma plus four (4) years of related experience in wildfire operations, prevention and mitigation.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Class 5 driver's license.
• Meet departmental fitness standards for rostered positions and fireline certifications.

Assets

• Well-developed supervision and project management skills and experience.
• Eligibility for registration with the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals.
• A strong working knowledge of wildfire, forest and land management legislation, wildfire SOPs and business rules, Incident Command (ICS), financial procurement processes, and various Microsoft Applications.
• A strong working knowledge of wildfire management processes and practices, and several years of specialized wildfire training, and experience.

This 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, including evenings 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.

Candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment as a part of the interview process.

Application Information

• In your application, please include a cover letter detailing your interest and role-related experience.
• In your resume, include dates associated with all education and work experience.
• Three work-related references are required for those selected for an interview.

What The GoA Has To Offer

• Working for the Alberta Public Service.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP).
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information.
• Professional learning and development.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.