Wildfire Prevention Officer (Forestry Technician 4)

The Government of Nova Scotia•Cooks Brook, NS

3d•CA$1,905 - CA$3,421•Onsite

About The Position

As the Wildfire Prevention Officer, you will be responsible for developing, coordinating, implementing and delivering new or existing wildfire detection, prevention and mitigation initiatives for the province of Nova Scotia. You will also be responsible for all aspects of the wildfire prevention program including but not limited to: Coordinating the province wide FireSmart program, Coordinate a wildfire investigation plan, post-season after-action review, and year end report. Research and analyze wildfire human caused fires and develop strategies and tactics for detecting wildfires as well as preventing and mitigating impacts on natural resources, property and communities. Responsible for the development & maintenance of wildfire prevention outreach materials in line with human caused fires. As wildfire management is a global and collaborative effort, you will have the opportunity to represent the province on regional, provincial, national and international committees dealing with wildfire prevention issues. You will build and maintain an extensive network and working relationships with numerous government and non-government stakeholders and clients ensuring emerging issues are anticipated and communicated to the Manager, Forest Protection. As we continually strive to stay at the forefront of Wildfire Management, you will be responsible for being aware of new processes, trends and initiatives (as they emerge) and transferring them to or incorporating them into Nova Scotia’s provincial program. During extreme wildfire risk and activity, you will use your technical knowledge and experience to help make decisions which have an impact on public safety. You will also execute and/or oversee a variety of procurement and applicable administrative operations necessary to meet departmental and corporate reporting requirements. In addition, you will provide leadership to department staff in the delivery of the Prevention Program. You will also coordinate establish effective partnerships & community relations through prevention training/presentations with many external agencies and stakeholders. As part of the Forest Protection team, you will perform as one of the provincial fire duty officers. This includes scheduled duty shifts throughout the fire season and involves setting aircraft alerts, dispatch of detection and suppression aircraft, fire equipment, fire personnel and for ensuring performance of daily fire control duties including the calculation and dissemination of provincial fire danger ratings to the appropriate agencies. This position reports to the Manager, Forest Protection.

Requirements

Completed a department recognized forestry (or related Natural Resources Technician) Diploma Program and have six (6) years of related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Strong technical background that can be applied to all aspects of wildfire management including, but not limited to, technical knowledge of wildfire prevention, wildfire protocols, wildfire risk, hazard and behavior, wildfire terminology and overall wildfire management concepts.
Good working knowledge of the principles and practices of wildfire management, detection, investigation, prevention, and mitigation.
Demonstrated experience and training in a leadership role with decision making responsibilities based on operational requirements.
Excellent communicator (both in writing and verbally) and have exceptional interpersonal skills which enable you to build and maintain functional and effective relationships with many diverse clients and organizations.
Demonstrated problem solving, time management, and organizational skills.
Highly motivated with strong self-initiative and judgement to produce accurate and reliable results.
Completed the following training or be willing and able to obtain upon employment: FireSmart Canada Level 1 through 4 Training, S-590 Fire Behaviour Course, FI 210 Wildfire Investigator.
A valid NS driver’s license (minimum Class 5) is required.
Extensive travel throughout the province (by vehicle or aircraft), nationally and internationally.

Nice To Haves

Public speaking experience
Strong working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database programs
Previous project planning, development and implementation experience with government and non-government agencies

Responsibilities

Developing, coordinating, implementing and delivering new or existing wildfire detection, prevention and mitigation initiatives for the province of Nova Scotia.
Coordinating the province wide FireSmart program.
Coordinate a wildfire investigation plan, post-season after-action review, and year end report.
Research and analyze wildfire human caused fires and develop strategies and tactics for detecting wildfires as well as preventing and mitigating impacts on natural resources, property and communities.
Development & maintenance of wildfire prevention outreach materials in line with human caused fires.
Represent the province on regional, provincial, national and international committees dealing with wildfire prevention issues.
Build and maintain an extensive network and working relationships with numerous government and non-government stakeholders and clients.
Be aware of new processes, trends and initiatives in wildfire management and transfer them to or incorporate them into Nova Scotia’s provincial program.
Make decisions which have an impact on public safety during extreme wildfire risk and activity.
Execute and/or oversee a variety of procurement and applicable administrative operations necessary to meet departmental and corporate reporting requirements.
Provide leadership to department staff in the delivery of the Prevention Program.
Coordinate establish effective partnerships & community relations through prevention training/presentations with many external agencies and stakeholders.
Perform as one of the provincial fire duty officers, including scheduled duty shifts throughout the fire season.
Set aircraft alerts, dispatch of detection and suppression aircraft, fire equipment, fire personnel.
Ensure performance of daily fire control duties including the calculation and dissemination of provincial fire danger ratings to the appropriate agencies.