Wildfire Hoist Crews

Job Information

Job Title:  Wildfire Hoist Crews
Job Requisition ID:  64646

Ministry: Forestry and Parks
Location: Edmonton/Various, Alberta
Full or Part-Time: Full-Time Seasonal Wages

Hours of Work: Up to 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary: Temporary Seasonal Summer
Scope: Wages Competition

Closing Date: Open Until Suitable Candidates Found
Classification & Salary:

• Natural Resources 2 (NR2): $22.44 to $27.61 hourly

• Natural Resources 3 (NR3): $23.63 to $29.10 hourly

• Natural Resources 4 (NR4): $24.44 to $30.17 hourly

The Government of Alberta is committed to a diverse and inclusive public service that reflects the population we serve to best meet the needs of Albertans. Consider joining a team where diversity, inclusion and innovation are valued and supported.
For more information on diversity and inclusion, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/diversity-inclusion-policy.aspx.

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

The Hoist Crews are a trial initiative which will provide a distinct opportunity to join one of two, five-person, initial attack crews with hoist capable aircraft for remote access.

These Hoist Crews are dedicated teams committed to exploring how hoisting operations can safely integrate into wildfire operations for the purpose of containing and fully extinguishing fires in remote areas of the province. Due to the capabilities of the hoist aircraft these crews may also be used to help extract wildfire staff when required.

Interested individuals will be expected to gather data, document experiences, and provide feedback during the trial process. These expectations are in addition to the teamwork, effective communication, analytical thinking, and the continual situational awareness required to respond to wildfires. You will provide insights into aviation operations and foster personal growth among crew members.

As a leader within this team, you will be trained by the hoist capable aircraft vendor to operate the hoist to insert and extract the hoist crew. Determining feasibility, identifying safety hazards and communication will be key attributes required. While this role is physically and mentally demanding, you will also foster a powerful sense of personal satisfaction and growth among your team members.

As a Hoist Crew Member (NR2), you will:

• Receive training for safe hoist operations being inserted and or extracted into wildfires.
• Provide feedback and assist with the data gathering to better understand how hoist integrates into wildfire.
• Assist with emergency extraction operations as required.
• Take direction from the Crew Leader / Sub-Leader to suppress wildfire. 
• Maintain and inspect hoist equipment.
• Provide feedback to the Leader about the progress of the assignment and suggest changes to tactics. 
• Maintain situational awareness and communicate any changes in the fire environment to the crew leader.
• Detect hotspots and/or constructs and holds fire containment lines.
• Keep assigned equipment serviceable.
• Maintain fire readiness and physical fitness standards.
• Maintain assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Identify and communicate hazards.
• Participates in regular proficiency training and activities. 
• During low fire hazard, may be required to do project work. For example, FireSmart, or facility maintenance.
• Remain prepared for fire deployment.
• Work longer hours, including being required to work through the overnight period on occasion. 

As a Hoist Crew Sub Leader (NR3), you will:

• ​​​​​​Receive training for safe hoist operations being inserted and or extracted into wildfires.
• Act as leader or incident commander when deployed via hoist and crew leader is aboard the aircraft.
• Provide feedback and assist with the data gathering to better understand how hoist integrates into wildfire.
• 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 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 Crew Members.
• Assist with administrative work promptly, such as timesheets, safety briefings, fire reports.
• Conduct preliminary investigations into fire cause and know the procedure on how to protect a scene for in depth investigation by an experienced investigator.
• Work longer hours, including being required to work through the overnight period on occasion.

As a Hoist Crew Leader (NR4), you will:

• Receive training to operate that aircraft hoist system to insert and/or extract firefighters.
• Evaluate risk vs reward propositions as it relates to hoist utilization
• Support deployed crew and be prepared for extraction as required.
• Identify and mitigate hazards
• Lead and supervise sub-leaders and or crew members in pre-suppression and fire suppression activities.
• Ensure hoist equipment is inspected and maintained.
• Document and report program improvements, challenges and/ or concerns.
• 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, fire reports.
• Conduct preliminary investigations into fire cause and know the procedure on how to protect a scene for in depth investigation by an experienced investigator.
• Work longer hours, including being required to work through the overnight period on occasion.

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.

About Your Competencies:
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.

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: 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.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Hoist Crew Member (NR2):

• Some high school education
• Some related experience (i.e., up to 12 months). Related experience includes experience in first aid and emergency services, coaching, team sports, outdoor recreation, environmental education, and community and protective services.

Hoist Crew Sub Leader (NR3):

• A high school diploma
• One (1) season of related experience. Experience in wildland firefighting is required.

Hoist Crew Leader (NR4):

• A high school diploma
• One (1) season of related experience. Experience in wildland firefighting is required
• Supervisory or leadership experience is an asset

*All candidates must be 18 years of age or older as of March 1, 2025, or prior to their start date.
Position start dates range from March 1 to April 30, 2025.   

Additional Requirements:

The following conditions are not required at the time of application but must be provided prior to your start date:

• Individual must be able to maintain a weight of 190lbs, or less, for aircraft limitation considerations (not including wildfire gear).
• Passing results of the WFX-Fit test to endure rigorous training and, at times, arduous working conditions. 
• A valid, unrestricted Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License, or equivalent.
  • See the following links for more information on exchanging a non-Alberta license or licensed driver training.
• A minimum 3-year Driver's Abstract, showing a record of seven (7) demerits or less (obtained within 30 days of your commencement date and presented to management prior to commencement).
• A valid Standard First Aid certificate with CPR certification.
• A current Defensive Driving certificate.

Assets:

• Preference will be given to those that have valid chainsaw training and/or advanced medical certification.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 

Notes

This competition is recruiting for:

• Hoist Crew Member (Natural Resources 2)
• Hoist Crew Sub Leader (Natural Resources 3)
• Hoist Crew Leader (Natural Resources 4)

Large fires regularly have longer shift hours, which could include having work hours shifted to work weekends, evenings, and overnight on occasions.

What We Offer:

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

About Your Work Environment:

• Access to firefighter equipment supplied by the employer.
• The Hoist Crews will be based out of Edmonton, where they will start and end their shift. However, they will be spending their time predominantly in Forest Areas around Alberta.
• Meals and accommodations will be provided while the Crew is on shift.

About Your Application: 

• Your resume should indicate date ranges (month and year) for all education and work experience, specifying if the experience was casual, part-time (PT), or full-time (FT), while highlighting applicable duties or achievements.
  • For example, Wildland Firefighter: Apr 2019 – Aug 2019 (PT, 20 hours per week).
• 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.

How To Apply

Click on the “Apply Now” button.   

Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.  
  

Candidates are required to apply for a job online. Please select the following; Job applicdation resources and Recruitment Principles, for more information.   

  
It is recommended applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada obtain an evaluation of their credentials from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator; please visit the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada for more information.  
   

It is recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application.

Closing Statement

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements.

If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact PSC Seasonal Recruitment at [email protected].

If this competition is closed as per the closing date noted above, please continue to check http://www.jobs.alberta.ca for a listing of current career opportunities with the Government of Alberta.