Wildfire Crew Member

Wildfire Crew Member

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Posting Date: Oct 1, 2026

Location

Various, AB

Company

Government of Alberta

Job Information

Job Title: Wildfire Crew Member

Job Requisition ID: 88017

Ministry: Forestry and Parks

Location: Various, AB

Full or Part-Time: Full-Time Seasonal Wage

Hours of Work: Up to 36.25 hours per week

Permanent/Temporary: Temporary Seasonal Summer

Scope: Wage Competition

Closing Date: November 30, 2026

Classification: Natural Resources 2

Salary: $24.52 to $31.02 per hour

These positions are 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 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