Wildfire Information Officer

Role Responsibilities

Are you looking to elevate your career in communications and public relations? As a wildfire information officer, you will be responsible for assisting in delivering important wildfire information, education, and awareness to the public, staff, government agencies, industrial and other stakeholder groups. 

Reporting to the Forest Area Manager, this position serves as an Information officer for Alberta Forestry and Parks, Forest Operations Branch. Based in Calgary, your journey promises both challenge and reward.

In this position, you will have the opportunity to leverage your expertise in communications, public relations, and event planning to effectively inform communities, stakeholders, and the public about current wildfire information, hazards, and mitigation tools across the province. As a vital team player, you may act independently or collaborate with provincial information officers, contributing to the information officer team during wildfire events. 

Responsibilities 
Strategic Communication and Collaboration:

• Contribute to delivering wildfire prevention and operations education and communication strategies for Alberta.
• Assist in developing diverse communication products, catering to internal and external stakeholders.
• Play an integral role as an acting member of the provincial wildfire information team, as required.

Community Engagement:

• Coordinate and deliver impactful wildfire information, awareness, and prevention initiatives and events for diverse audiences.
• Champion an awareness of wildfire prevention, detection, and suppression activities through various communication methods, education programs, and community initiatives.

Information Dissemination:

• Distribute regular wildfire updates during the season, ensuring timely information for subscribers.
• Provide critical emergency and crisis communications support during incidents and within communities facing crises.
• Ensure clarity in communications for public safety, addressing the immediate needs of first responders and the public.

Embark on a challenging and rewarding communications opportunity where your unique skills will help public awareness and safety. Apply today and discover the impact you can make as a wildfire information officer.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirement:

• Two-year diploma in a related field; no experience required; or equivalent as described below. 
  Directly related experience or education may be considered on the basis of: one year of experience for one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience.    
• Currently enrolled in post secondary schooling in either a forestry related or media related.
• Proficient computer skills, encompassing keyboarding and demonstrated organizational experience.
•  Experience with or knowledge of crafting and delivering concise messaging or translating highly technical or complex issues into clear language.
• Must be 18 years of age or older prior to start date. 

Assets:

• Proficiency in media relations, risk communication, and public education, with the ability to engage effectively with community organizations, industry, media, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of forest ecology, wildfire prevention, detection, suppression, policy, and urban interface issues.
• Knowledge of government agencies' roles and responsibilities, particularly in emergencies, providing key insights and assets.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and relationship management skills, displaying the ability to collaborate, negotiate, and be an invaluable asset to diverse clients and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated professional judgment and decision-making skills, prioritizing, and representing the division in working groups dealing with sensitive information.
• Devoted to teamwork and committed to continuous improvement, contributing positively as an asset to the team.

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

• Verification of valid Class 5 (or equivalent) Driver’s License
• Driver’s Abstract (minimum 3-years), showing a driving record of seven (7) demerits or less. Driver’s Abstract is required to be obtained within 30 days prior to your start date.
• Proof of certified Defensive Driving Course (DDC). The Canada Safety Council must endorse the DDC.
• Current First Aid Certification (Standard First Aid with Level C CPR).

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

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.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf

• Agility: 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 atmospheres that foster effective collaboration, enabling individuals to work together productively to achieve shared objectives. Demonstrates respect for others’ input and expertise and is willing to learn from others by encouraging open and considerate discussion of issues.  
• Develop Networks: Proactively build networks, connect, and build trust in relationships with different stakeholders and program partners.  
• Creative Problem Solving: The ability to evaluate options and consequences in novel ways to develop innovative solutions and achieve desired outcomes.  
• Drive for Results: Effectively sets goals to prioritize work, and proactively seeks advice or guidance when needed. Recognizes program objectives and ones’ own contributions through service delivery, performance, and interpersonal interactions to ensure future success.  
• Develop Self and Others: Takes initiative to stay current on skills, approaches, and technologies in their field of work. Reflects on own performance to understand success, participates in developmental activities, and contributes to team learning by sharing information, knowledge, and experiences  

Notes

This competition is recruiting for seasonal wage Wildfire Information Officer position in Calgary Forest Area, with weekly hours of work up to 36.25. 
The estimated term of employment is from 3 to 8 months during the wildfire season, anticipated between April 1 and October 31.
Final candidates may be provided a written assignment as part of the assessment process. 

About Your Application  

• Terms of employment in your resume are to be identified in months and years, highlighting applicable duties or achievements at the respective role.  
• Those selected for an interview are requested to bring three (3) work-related references.  
• 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.   

What We Offer 

• Wage employees receive 11.2% in addition to regular wage earnings in lieu of paid holidays and vacation leave:  
  • 5.2 percent of regular wage earnings instead of paid holidays  
  • 6 percent of regular wage earnings instead of annual vacation pay.  
• Shift differential and opportunity to work overtime, evening, and weekend shifts.  
• Premium Pay Allowances: