Role Responsibilities

Are you an experienced aviation professional with a passion for wildfire management and operational excellence? We are looking for a Provincial Helicopter Specialist to lead and oversee the safe, effective, and cost-efficient use of helicopters across Alberta’s wildfire response programs.

As the Division’s subject matter expert in helicopter operations, you will play a key role in managing all aspects of the helicopter program including charter and long-term contracts, training development and delivery, and the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures and Business Rules.

In this dynamic role, you will collaborate with wildfire personnel, helicopter contractors, and national wildfire agencies to ensure consistent and safe helicopter operations across the province. You will also support the coordination of advanced aviation tools such as the Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS), driving innovation and safety in aerial wildfire suppression.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the Provincial Helicopter Program to ensure the Branch's helicopter capabilities are in operational preparedness for the wildfire season.
• Develop standard operating policies and procedures along with maintaining program performance standards.
• Assist with directing the strategic deployment and dispatch of the provincial helicopter fleet throughout the wildfire season.
• Provide support to wildfire response.
• Assist with the development and delivery of the following internal/external aviation related training initiatives.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled professional to make a meaningful impact in wildfire management while shaping the future of helicopter operations in Alberta.

Please click on this link to view the job description.

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.

• Creative Problem Solving: readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment.
• Drive for Results: Strive to exceed objectives and maximize resources to achieve results aligned with the goals of the department, considerate to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Take a collaborative approach with your work to foster open communication and leverage team skills.
• Agility: Identify alternative approaches in uncertain, complex situations, support others in determining and assessing strategy.
• Systems Thinking: Consider the changing environment, recognize how work impacts a vast network of stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standard:

A related two-year diploma in Forestry or Natural Resources plus 4 years related experience in forestry or wildfire. 

Equivalency: 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:

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of CARs (Canadian Aviation Regulations).
• Thorough knowledge of Alberta Wildfire Management Air Operations on incidents and in areas.
• Preference given to candidates who have 3+ years' experience in wildfire  air operations in Alberta.
• Understanding of helicopter utilization in Alberta.

Additional Requirements:

• Eligible for RPFT with the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This position is a permanent position in Edmonton, full-time role, with standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday. The incumbent may be requested to work overtime, evening and weekends due to the emergency nature of wildfire situations.

Travel within the area and throughout the province will be required as part of your responsibilities to coordinate with Ministry staff and colleagues, other government departments, clients, and other external stakeholders. 

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. 

Candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment as a part of the interview process.

Application Information:

• In your application, please include a cover letter detailing your interest and role-related experience. 
• In your resume, include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time or full time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Foreman (PT three 8-hour shifts/week).
• Three (3) work-related references are required for those selected for an interview.

What the GoA has to offer:

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.