Wildfire Technologist / AAO

Government of Alberta•Calgary, AB

5d•CA$74,359 - CA$95,665•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Ministry of Forestry and Parks as a Wildfire Technologist / Air Attack Officer in Calgary, AB. This full-time, permanent position supports the delivery of Pre-Suppression, Suppression, and Mitigation programs within the Calgary Forest Area and contributes to the Provincial Airtanker Program. The role involves directing and coordinating aerial attack operations, supporting the Airtanker Program, participating in training, providing operational support to the Provincial Aircraft Coordination desk, overseeing the Airtanker Base program, coordinating fleet vehicle management, and supervising staff. The position also requires applying project management and communication skills, promoting a culture of accountability and safety, building collaborative relationships, adapting to changing priorities, ensuring compliance with safety legislation, and filling rostered operational roles. The incumbent will also work in the field as an Incident Commander, support deployments, participate in committees, support forest management programs, and manage program funding within budget. A minimum of three 15-day shifts during the wildfire season as an Air Attack Officer is required. A strong understanding of wildfire management practices, SOPs, ICS, and systems such as 1GX, AWARE, FIRES, Dispatch, and Field Maps, along with financial and procurement processes, is essential.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related Natural Resource Management field plus a minimum of 2 years related and current experience.
Or a 2-year diploma in Forestry or a related Natural Resources Management field plus four years of related and current experience.
Directly related experience or education considered on the basis of one year of experience for one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience.
Valid Class 5 Driver’s License.
Strong understanding of wildfire management practices, SOPs, ICS, and systems such as 1GX, AWARE, FIRES, Dispatch, and Field Maps.
Understanding of financial and procurement processes.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience is considered an asset.
Working knowledge of aerial firefighting and airtanker base operations.
Knowledge of fire behaviour, fuel types, flight patterns and procedures, fire fighting techniques, weather conditions, aerial photo interpretation, forest ecology and topography.
Extensive working knowledge and ability to interpret forestry policies, legislation and administration - Forest and Prairie Protection Act and Regulations, Forest Protection Policies and Standard Operating Procedures, Public Lands Act, Forests Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act and Municipal Government Act, Policy and Procedures related to Air Tanker use and the Firebombing Procedures Manual.
Strong knowledge of decision support tools such as AWARE, DISPATCH, FIRES, LLP and Internet.
Ability to apply extensive experience, effective coaching skills and constructive feedback to help subordinate staff develop their skills.
First Aid certificate, TDG air and Ground, WHMIS and certified as a Strike Team Leader.

Responsibilities

Direct and coordinate aerial attack operations on wildfire incidents across the province.
Support the maintenance and continuous improvement of the Airtanker Program.
Participate in provincial training, field exercises, and ongoing proficiency development.
Provide operational support to the Provincial Aircraft Coordination desk through rostered shifts.
Oversee the Airtanker Base program, including staffing, training, and facility maintenance.
Coordinate fleet vehicle management, including short-term leases.
Supervise and coach staff, supporting training, capability development, and performance outcomes.
Apply project management and communication skills to achieve operational priorities and objectives.
Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and operational excellence.
Build collaborative relationships with internal teams, clients, and stakeholders.
Adapt to changing priorities, apply critical thinking, and manage risk in high-pressure environments.
Ensure compliance with safety legislation, SOPs, and departmental business rules.
Fill rostered operational roles (e.g., Duty Officer, Deputy Duty Officer, Response Officer).
Work in the field as an Incident Commander and support deployments and incident management teams.
Participate in committees, working groups, and training initiatives across the province.
Support forest management and forest health programs.
Manage program funding within established budgets and policies.
Maintain operational fitness required for fireline and rostered positions.
Fulfill the role of Air Attack Officer for a minimum of three 15-day shifts during the wildfire season.