Wildfire Crew Member

Role Responsibilities

As a Wildfire Crew Member, you get an exciting, unique experience working on a crew in one of Alberta’s three wildfire crew programs as a wildland firefighter. Wildland firefighters work on the front lines and play a vital role in protecting Alberta’s forests, communities, and ecosystems from wildfire.

For a glance at what the job entails, check out a day in the life of a wildland firefighter on assignment, which walks you through tasks from morning briefings to Fireline operations and evening camp routines.

Wildfire crews maintain a state of physical and mental readiness to respond to wildfires in Alberta and abroad. They are always prepared to respond quickly and spend extended shifts away in a tent for accommodations.

This role offers a rare opportunity to explore remote areas that few have visited - and that even fewer may ever see again after your time there.

Alberta has three wildfire crew programs that are all used for wildfire response and readiness. While similar, each program is unique and are utilized in slightly different ways.

Unit (UNIT)
Unit Crews offer a unique opportunity to work on a 20-person crew dedicated to Alberta’s wildfire suppression efforts. These crews are deployed, often by helicopter, to large-scale fires where hard work and dedication will be essential in constructing fire lines, extinguishing hotspots, and conducting mop-up operations to prevent flare-ups. You will foster a strong sense of teamwork and resilience as your crew sets up and operates often under physically and mentally demanding conditions. On the larger scale fires Unit Crews will work for Incident Management Teams and work collaboratively with heavy equipment, air tankers, helicopters as well as other crews to contain the fires spread.

The work is physically demanding, and the days can be long, but the sense of unity, teamwork, and accomplishment is unmatched. You will discover how determination and commitment – to your crew and the public – can preserve entire communities and ecosystems.

Helitack (HAC)
Helitack Crews are rapid to respond, being flown in by helicopters to attack wildfires at their earliest stages. Working in smaller teams of 4 or 8, you are often dropped into remote areas where speed and safety are crucial.

Your tasks will involve constructing helispots (landing zones), coordinating with aerial suppression resources, and conducting initial attack operations. This role demands agility, decisiveness, and a readiness to adapt quickly to changing fire behavior. With its unique blend of aviation operations and ground firefighting, Helitack is ideal for individuals who thrive on the thrill of fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

Hoist 
Hoist Crews utilize hoist capable helicopters to insert firefighters and equipment into wildfires that are inaccessible for initial attack. The ability to insert into areas that aircraft are unable to land means that Hoist crews are often called upon to create helispots (landing zones) to support suppression activities. The hoist system can also be used for emergency extraction and if called upon, Alberta Hoist will extract wildfire responders in need of medical attention.

Due to the unique nature of hoisting and the associated weight limit (See minimum requirements) only those who select hoist as their preferred wildfire crew program will be considered for the job.

Hoist Crews are based out of Edmonton, where they start and end their shift. However, they spend their time predominantly in Forest Areas around Alberta.

As a Wildfire Crew Member, you will:

• Take direction from the Crew Leader or Sub-Leader to suppress wildfire
• Detect hotspots and construct or hold fire containment lines
• Maintain situational awareness and communicate changes in fire environment to the leader 
• Identify and report hazards
• Provide feedback to the leader on assignment progress and suggest tactical changes to the leader
• Maintain assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment in serviceable condition
• Uphold fire readiness and physical fitness standards
• Participate in regular proficiency training and crew activities
• Complete project work during low fire hazard periods (e.g., FireSmart or facility maintenance)
• Remain prepared for fire deployment
• Work long and extended hours, including occasional overnight shifts

As a Hoist Crew Member, you will also perform the following, in addition to the Wildfire Crew Member duties:

• Receive training for safe helicopter hoist operations, including insertion and emergency extraction into wildfire zones
• Assist with emergency extraction operations as required
• Maintain and inspect hoist-specific equipment
• Provide feedback and assist with data gathering to support hoist integration into wildfire response

APS Competencies

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.

About Your Competencies

• Agility: Having the capacity to anticipate, evaluate, and swiftly adapt to shifting priorities, maintain resilience during uncertain times, and excel in a dynamic work environment.
• Building Collaborative Environments: Taking the lead in creating conditions and work culture that foster effective collaboration, enabling individuals to work together productively to achieve shared objectives. Demonstrating respect for others’ input and expertise and is willing to learn from others by encouraging open and considerate discussion of issues.
• Systems Thinking: Recognizing that tasks performed within the Alberta Public Service (APS) are part of a broader, interconnected environment. It is essential to comprehend that activities within one segment of the APS can have far-reaching impacts on other groups and projects, both within and outside the organization. Systems thinking helps us consider these wider consequences and connections.
• Creative Problem Solving: Having the ability to evaluate options and consequences in novel ways to develop innovative solutions and achieve desired outcomes.
• Drive for Results: Effectively setting goals to prioritize work and proactively seeking advice or guidance when needed. Recognizing program objectives and one’s own contributions through service delivery, performance, and interpersonal interactions to ensure future success.
• Develop Self and Others: Taking initiative to stay current on skills, approaches, and technologies in their field of work. Reflecting on own performance to understand success, participates in developmental activities, and contributing to team learning by sharing information, knowledge, and experiences.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:
Unit Crew Member (UNIT), Helitack Crew Member (HAC), and Hoist Crew Member

• Some high school education
• Some related experience (i.e., up to 12 months). 
• In addition to the above individuals applying for Hoist Crew must be able to maintain a weight of 190lbs, or less, for aircraft hoist limitation considerations (not including wildfire gear).

Related experience may include work in:

• Wildland firefighting, wildfire management, or emergency response (e.g., first aid, search and rescue, volunteer firefighting)
• Forest operations or physical labour (e.g., landscaping, trail maintenance, chainsaw operation, arborist work, or small engine maintenance)
• Coaching team sports, leading outdoor recreation, or other community services (e.g., public safety programs, youth outreach, or working with non-profits)
• Environmental education field work

Assets:

• Advanced Medical First Aid (AFA) certification (more information on approved training agencies).
• Chainsaw certification
• Incident Command System certifications
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certifications

Additional Requirements:
The following conditions are not required at the time of application but must be provided prior to your start date.

• Passing results of the WFPAT1 – Fit test to endure rigorous training and, at times, arduous working conditions.

WFPAT1 Assessment Components

There are four (4) components to the WFPAT1: a screening component, a standardized warm-up and two (2) performance components.

1. 1. Pre-Participation Screening (Get Active Questionnaire, Get Active Reference Document), Blood Pressure, Informed Consent and Release of Results and Photo Identification.
   2. Standardized warm-up and task floor orientation.
   3. Treadmill Component: A 23-minute test: 18 minutes of simulated fireline work followed by a mandatory 5-minute active cool down.
   4. Task Floor Component: A Three (3) tasks performed sequentially and repetitively for 15 minutes.
      • Kettlebell carry
      • Pump carry
      • Sled pull
        
        

• A valid, unrestricted Alberta Class 5 driver’s license or an equivalent Canadian license.
  • For more information on determining license equivalencies, exchanging a non-Alberta license, or information on licensed driver training schools.
• A minimum 3-year Driver's Abstract, showing a record of seven (7) demerits or less (obtained within 30 days of your commencement date and presented to management prior to commencement).
• A current Intermediate First Aid with Level C CPR.
• A current Defensive Driving certificate.

*All candidates must be 18 years of age or older as of March 1, 2027, or prior to their start date. Position start date range from March 1 to April 30, 2027.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This competition is recruiting for seasonal wage Helitack, Unit, and Hoist Crew Members in the forest areas and locations listed below.

Large fires regularly have longer shift hours, which could include having work hours shifted to work weekends, evenings, and overnight on occasions.

Positions and Locations:
Unit Crews (UNIT) and Helitack Crews (HAC)

• Calgary Forest Area   
• Edmonton
• Edson Forest Area  
• Fort McMurray Forest Area  
• Grande Prairie Forest Area   
• High Level Forest Area   
• Lac La Biche Forest Area  
• Peace River Forest Area   
• Rocky Mountain House Forest Area  
• Slave Lake Forest Area   
• Whitecourt Forest Area 

Alberta Hoist

• Edmonton 
  * Hoist Crews are based out of Edmonton, where they start and end their shift. However, they spend their time predominantly in Forest Areas around Alberta.  

Initial Attack and Trails Crews

• Cypress Hills Provincial Park

What We Offer:

• Wage employees receive 11.6% in addition to regular wage earnings in lieu of paid holidays and vacation leave
  • 5.6% of regular wage earnings instead of paid holidays
  • 6% of regular wage earnings instead of annual vacation pay
• Shift differential and opportunity to work overtime, evening, and weekend shifts
• Access to firefighter equipment supplied by the employer and member training at the Hinton Training Centre (HTC)
• Meals and accommodation will be provided for the duration of employment for all crews with the exceptions noted below
• Meals and accommodations will be provided when deployed, however when working locally, these locations provide the following:
  • Slave Lake – Accommodations available only, meals are not supplied
  • Cypress Hills Provincial Park – $140 bi-weekly for accommodations, meals are not supplied
  • Edmonton – Accommodations and meals are not supplied while in Edmonton. Meal and accommodations will be provided when deployed
  • Alberta Hoist – Accommodations and meals will be provided while on shift. Alberta Hoist crews are expected to be in Edmonton for day one of their shift and will be in Edmonton to end their shift

Overall Recruitment Process and Application Requirements

Step 1 - Online application submission

• Resume
  • Your resume should indicate date ranges (month and year) for all education and work experience, specifying if the experience was casual, part-time (PT) or full-time (FT), while highlighting applicable duties or achievements 
    For example, Wildland Firefighter: Apr 2019 – Aug 2019 (PT, 20 hours per week)
• Answer to application pre-screen questions

Step 2 – WFPAT1 test

• Applicants who successfully pass the screening phase will be invited to complete the WFPAT1 test.

Step 3 – Virtual Panel Interview Assessment

• • Successful completion of the WFPAT 1 Fit test may result in an invitation to a virtual interview; however, it does not guarantee an interview.
  • Interviews will consist of behavioural competency, technical and situational based questions
  • Candidates are required to upload a copy of their completed pre-employment forms, including the academic and reference consent form and reference list containing three (3) work-related references

Step 4 – Pre-employment Checks

• • References and post-secondary checks (if applicable)

Step 5 – Extend a Job Offer

• • Complete and provide proof that all conditions of employment have been met prior to the first day of work Step 6 – Training and Orientation

Step 6 – Training and Orientation

Estimated Timelines

• Early October – Job advert is available, and online applications are open
• November 30th – Application deadline, job advert is now closed
• January 9 and 10, 2027 – WFPAT1 fitness testing
• Late January – Virtual interview sessions commence
• February to mid-May – Job offers are extended 
• April to May – Training is scheduled, and orientation begins

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.