JFR Crew Leaders and Sub Leaders

Are you in search of a thrilling summer work experience that centers around stewardship, leadership, and traditional ecological knowledge? Join us as a Junior Forest Ranger (JFR) Crew Leader or Sub Leader and contribute to a positive impact on Alberta’s natural environment.

Our summer work experience program places a strong emphasis on stewardship, leadership, and traditional ecological knowledge. It offers hands-on work projects and educational opportunities, providing insights into careers in forestry, wildfire, ecology, and various aspects of natural resource management.

JFR Program Highlights: 
As a JFR Crew Leader or Sub Leader, you will work collaboratively to supervise a six-person crew of high school students, ensuring a safe and positive work environment. Your primary responsibility is to craft a secure and rewarding program schedule by networking and coordinating with professionals in government, industry, and local organizations.

You will undergo a comprehensive two-week training at the Hinton Training Centre before delving into the project planning phase throughout June. Together with your partner, you will network with individuals in the government, industry, and local organizations to curate a diverse summer calendar filled with a wide range of work projects and educational opportunities:

• 70% of the program schedule is dedicated to physically active work experiences, including ecosystem restoration, bushcraft, wildfire experience, tree planting, habitat construction, and recreational trail construction.
• 30% of the program schedule will encompass educational opportunities such as forestry tours, ATV training, hunters’ education courses, lookout tower tours, discussions with elders or knowledge keepers, wildlife ID training, and more.

You will have the opportunity to travel to different areas within the province for training, area visits, and program events. Evenings and weekends will be spent with your crew, participating in outdoor recreation activities, and handling administrative tasks.

Responsibilities:
JFR Crew Leaders (NR4):

• Supervise and direct a Sub Leader and six crew members.
• Develop and implement safety standards and procedures.
• Design a secure, rewarding work, and educational program schedule through networking and coordination with professionals.
• Organize evaluations and address any situations with staff.
• Promote team building and a positive, inclusive outdoor experience.

JFR Crew Sub Leaders (NR3): 

• Assist in directing and supervising all crew members, work projects, recreational outings, and general camp situations.
• Design a secure, rewarding work, and educational program schedule by networking and coordinating with professionals.
• Project and conduct maintenance and inventory inspections of all equipment.
• Implement safety standards and procedures.
• Promote team building and a positive, inclusive outdoor experience.

If you are highly motivated, enthusiastic, and have a passion for the outdoors, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity to lead our JFR crews and foster appreciation for our natural environment!

Qualifications

Natural Resources 3 (NR3)
JFR Crew Sub Leaders: 

• A high school diploma plus some related experience, training, and or courses (i.e., up to 12 months).
• Leadership or supervisory experience is an asset
• $23.63 to $29.10 per hour

Natural Resources 4 (NR4)
JFR Crew Leaders: 

• A high school diploma plus one-year of related experience, training, and or courses.
• Leadership or supervisory experience is required
• $24.44 to $30.17 per hour

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.

Assets: 

• Relevant technical post-secondary completion, enrollment, or direct experience in outdoor education, recreation, forestry, environmental science, or related disciplines
• Demonstrated experience in youth recreation, development, coaching, and or project planning
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, such as Word, Outlook, and Excel
• Demonstrated proficiency in outdoor skills, including gravel road driving, and expertise in power and hand tools

Additional Requirements: 

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

• A Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check conducted by local police department (within 6 months of start date).
• A valid, unrestricted Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License, or equivalent.
• 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.
• Passing results of the PAR-Q and Physical Fitness test to endure rigorous training and, at times, arduous working conditions.

*Applicants must be 18 years of age or older by May 16, 2024.

Notes

This competition is recruiting for JFR Sub Leader and Crew Leader personnel across all Alberta Forest Areas. This competition may be used to fill future vacancies within the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

Crew Leaders and Sub Leaders are expected to be employed from May 16 to August 23, 2024 (dates subject to change). Travel to various locations within the province will be necessary for training, area visits, and program events.

About Your Work Environment:  

• These positions report estimated work schedules of up to 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, throughout the anticipated employment term from May to August.
• In addition to daily work Monday to Friday, leaders will be compensated for evening and weekend supervision during July and August, as applicable.
• Free accommodation and meals, and access to equipment supplied by the employer.
• Successful candidates will be provided with training at the Hinton Training Centre (HTC).

About Your Application: 

• Candidates selected for an interview will receive the JFR Pre-Interview Guide for preparation
• Terms of employment in your resume are to be identified in dates, months, and years, highlighting applicable duties or achievements at the respective role. 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.

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.
• Premium Pay Allowances:
  • Wage employees residing above the 57th Parallel (i.e., High Level Forest Area) are eligible for a biweekly Northern allowance of $241.38.
  • Wage employees residing within the Fort McMurray Forest Area receive a biweekly allowance of $478.17 (pro-rated for part-time employees).