Wildfire Crew Leader/Sub Leader Talent Pool

Wildfire Crew Leader/Sub Leader Talent Pool

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Posting Date: Oct 1, 2026

Location

Various, AB

Company

Government of Alberta

Job Information

Job Title: Wildfire Crew Leader/Sub Leader Talent Pool

Job Requisition ID: 88019

Ministry: Forestry and Parks

Location: Various, AB

Full or Part-Time: Full-time Seasonal Wages

Hours of Work: Hours of Work: up to 36.25 hours per week

Permanent/Temporary/Wage: Temporary Seasonal Summer

Scope: Wage Opportunity

Closing Date: Open Until Suitable Candidates Found

Classification and Salary

Natural Resources 3 (NR3): $25.82 to $32.67 hourly

Natural Resources 4 (NR4): $26.70 to $33.79 hourly

These positions may be eligible for a salary modifier applied to the base salary, in alignment with the current Collective Agreement.

Alberta Wildfire inspires public confidence in wildfire and forest management, sustaining operations and preventative practices, and leading collaboration that enables safe and resilient communities. For more information, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-wildfire

Role Responsibilities

As a Wildfire Crew Leader, you will direct either a Unit Crew, Helitack Crew or Hoist Crew on the front lines of wildfire response. Your role is essential in facilitating operations and ensuring your team’s safety and effectiveness. For a glance at what the job entails, check out a day in the life of a wildland firefighter on assignment .

Unit Crew Leader (UNIT) (NR4)

The Unit Crew Leader role offers a unique opportunity to lead a 20-person crew dedicated to Alberta’s wildfire suppression efforts. These crews are deployed to large-scale fires in remote areas, where your leadership will be essential in constructing fire lines, extinguishing underground 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 in rugged terrain, often under physically and mentally demanding conditions.

As a leader, you will play a critical role in developing your crew’s communication, situational awareness, and analytical thinking. You will guide them through outdoor challenges, helping them grow personally and professionally while contributing meaningfully to the protection of Alberta’s landscapes. Your ability to inspire collaboration and maintain operational readiness will be key to your crew’s success and safety.

Helitack Crew Leader (HAC) (8-Person) (NR4)

The Helitack Crew Leader role places you at the forefront of Alberta’s rapid wildfire response. Leading a 4- to 8-person crew, you will be among the first to arrive at wildfires, often deployed by helicopter into remote areas. Your team will engage in direct initial attack operations, construct helispots, and coordinate with aerial suppression units and heavy equipment. This fast-paced role demands agility, precision, and strong decision-making under pressure.

As a leader, you will guide your crew through dynamic fire environments, helping them refine their aviation knowledge, tactical awareness, and teamwork. You will assess and support their physical and mental performance, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges of initial wildfire response. Your leadership will foster growth, resilience, and a shared commitment to protecting Alberta’s natural resources through swift and effective action.

Hoist Crew Leader (NR4)

The Hoist Crew Leader role offers an opportunity to lead a team trained in helicopter hoist operations for wildfire response. Operating in steep, inaccessible terrain such as alpine slopes, deep valleys, and dense forests, your crew performs initial attack and suppression where traditional access is not possible. Based out of Edmonton, Hoist Crews spend most of their time deployed across Forest Areas in Alberta, responding to some of the province’s most challenging wildfire environments.

As a leader, the hoist-capable aircraft vendor will train you to operate the helicopter hoist system, inserting and extracting crew members safely and efficiently. You will be responsible for determining the feasibility of hoist operations, identifying safety hazards, and maintaining clear communication throughout each mission.

This role demands advanced physical fitness, technical expertise, and a fearless mindset. While the work is physically and mentally demanding, you will foster a strong sense of personal growth and satisfaction among your team. Your leadership will be instrumental in building trust, enhancing decision-making, and ensuring the safety and success of your crew in some of the most remote and rewarding landscapes Alberta has to offer.

Hoist Crew Sub Leader, Unit Crew Sub Leader (UNIT), Helitack Crew Leader (4-Person) (HAC) (NR3)

HAC and Unit Crew Sub Leaders report to the Unit Crew leader or eight person Helitack leader. They lead a 3-person sub crew. The Subleader plays a critical role in communicating direction and leadership on the fireline. Leadership will be essential in constructing fire lines, extinguishing underground 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 in rugged terrain, often under physically and mentally demanding conditions.

The Sub Leader provides feedback to the crew leader, site specific situational awareness and ensures fireline safety for the sub crew.

As a Unit/Helitack Crew Leader, you will

Lead and supervise sub-leaders and crew members in pre-suppression and fire suppression activities.

Determine the best strategy and tactic to suppress wildfire and evaluate if more resources are required to assist.

Identify hazards to the crew and mitigation strategies

Ensure crew fire readiness is maintained through Fireline equipment and truck maintenance, inventory, and crew physical standards.

Plan, coordinate, track and administer proficiency train to meet certification standards.

Complete Performance Agreements with Wildfire Crew Sub-Leaders.

Complete administrative work promptly, such as timesheets, safety briefings, and fire reports.

Conduct preliminary investigations into fire cause and know the procedure on how to protect a scene for an in-depth investigation by an experienced investigator.

Work longer hours, including being required to work through the overnight period on occasion.

Maintain readiness to respond to wildfire in Alberta and abroad and be prepared to spend extended shifts in a tent for accommodations.

Hoist Crew Sub Leader (NR3), you will

Receive training for safe hoist operations, including insertion and/or extraction into wildfires.

Act as leader or incident commander when deployed via hoist and the crew leader is aboard the aircraft.

Lead emergency hoist extraction operations as required.

Maintain and inspect hoist equipment.

Lead and supervise crew members in pre-suppression and fire suppression activities.

Determine the best strategy and tactics to suppress wildfires and evaluate if additional resources are required.

Identify hazards to the crew and implement mitigation strategies.

Ensure crew fire readiness through Fireline equipment and truck maintenance, inventory management, and crew physical standards.

Plan, coordinate, track, and administer proficiency training to meet certification standards.

Complete performance agreements with crew members.

Assist with administrative tasks such as timesheets, safety briefings, and fire reports.

Conduct preliminary investigations into fire causes and follow procedures to protect the scene for further investigation.

Work extended hours, including overnight shifts as required.

Provide feedback and assist with data gathering to improve understanding of hoist integration in wildfire operations.

Maintain readiness to respond to wildfire in Alberta and abroad and be prepared to spend extended shifts in a tent for accommodations.

Hoist Crew Leader (NR4)

In addition to all duties listed under the Hoist Crew Sub Leader (NR3) role, as a Hoist Crew Leader (NR4), you w