Alberta Forests, Alberta Summer Jobs

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Hiring: Junior Forest Rangers Crew Leaders & Sub Leaders
Employer: Government of Alberta
Location: multiple locations in Alberta

About the Junior Forest Rangers

The Junior Forest Rangers (JFR) is an exciting summer work experience program that focuses on stewardship, leadership, and traditional ecological knowledge. The program fosters an appreciation for our natural environment by completing hands-on work projects and being immersed in educational opportunities that showcase careers in forestry, wildfire, ecology and other aspects of natural resource management. There will be seven JFR crews stationed at different wildfire bases across Alberta. Each crew consists of a Leader, Sub Leader, a Leader-in-Training, and seven Crew Members (high school students). We are currently seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic and outdoor-oriented individuals to lead our JFR crews throughout the province of Alberta.

Term of Employment: May 16 to August 22, 2025

Roles and Responsibilities

JFR Crew Leaders and Sub Leaders work in pairs and their main responsibility is to supervise a six-person crew of high school students, as well as one leader-in-training. All Leaders and Sub Leaders go through two weeks of training at the Hinton Training Centre. Leader pairs then begin the project planning phase throughout the month of June. This is done by networking with various individuals in the government, industry, and local organizations, to fill a summer calendar with a wide range of work projects and educational opportunities. Seventy percent of the program schedule is dedicated to physically active work experiences, which may include ecosystem restoration, bushcraft, wildfire or mock fire experience, tree planting, habitat construction, recreational trail construction, and more. The remaining thirty percent of the program schedule may include the following educational opportunities: forestry tours, ATV certification, hunters education course, lookout tower tours, speaking with elders or knowledge keepers, wildlife ID and awareness training, and so much more.

During the months of July and August, Leaders and Sub Leaders live and work from a wildfire base with their crew. This is when the crews take part in all of the projects the leaders planned during June. Evenings and weekends are spent with your crew, taking part in outdoor recreation activities and completing administrative tasks. All leaders alternate working weekends during these two months and have the option of working every evening (Mon – Thurs), with at least one leader being on. All leaders strive to ensure a safe and positive work environment for the entire crew.

Crew Leaders and Sub Leaders have a start and end date of May 16 - August 22, 2025 (dates may be subject to change). There will be some travel to other areas within the province for training, area visits and program events. Meals and accommodations are covered all summer, outside of weekends spent away from your base.

JFR Crew Leaders:

• Train, supervise, and direct Crew Members, a Leader in Training, and a Sub Leader
• Leaders are the main point of contact for JFR Edmonton staff, Area Coordinators, and project partners
• Design a secure and rewarding work and educational program schedule by networking and coordinating with professionals to plan projects for your crew
• Develop and implement safety standards and procedures in accordance with OH&S Regulations, such as developing Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) for out-trips and daily site safety assessments
• Organize evaluations and address any issues with staff
• Ensure vehicles assigned to your crew are properly maintained (large SUV and 1/2 ton truck)
• Communicate with your JFR Area Coordinator effectively during daily work activities
• Create a final report by the end of the season based on provided template
• Upload crew photos to the JFR Google Photos throughout the season
• Submit crew photos and written entries for the Jiffer Journal (annual newsletter)
• Complete weekly reports, timesheets, incident reports, and other paperwork
• Promote team building and a positive, inclusive outdoor experience
• Provide mentorship and leadership, supporting the development of your crew
• Maintain physical fitness standards

JFR Crew Sub Leaders:

• Assist in training, supervising, and directing Crew Members and a Leader in Training
• Design a secure and rewarding work and educational program schedule by networking and coordinating with professionals to plan projects for your crew
• Develop and implement safety standards and procedures in accordance with OH&S Regulations, such as developing Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) for out-trips and daily site safety assessments
• Conduct maintenance and inventory inspections of all equipment, keeping it serviceable, organized, and ready for use
• Communicate with your Area Coordinator effectively during daily work activities
• Assist in the creation of a final report with provided template
• Upload crew photos to the JFR Google Photos throughout the season
• Submit crew photos for the Bull of the Woods end of year slideshow
• Provide input to the evaluations and any issues with staff
• Assist in the completion of weekly reports, timesheets, safety reports, and other paperwork
• Promote team building and a positive, inclusive outdoor experience
• Provide mentorship and leadership, supporting the development of your crew
• Maintain physical fitness standards

Qualifications

For JFR Crew Leaders, a high school diploma plus one year related training/courses and or six months related experience is required.

For JFR Crew Sub Leaders, a high school diploma plus some related training/courses and six months related experience is required.

Preferred applicants:

• Are university, college or technical school students or graduates in education, outdoor recreation, forestry, ecology, conservation, environmental science or related disciplines
• Have experience working with youth and project planning
• Are proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook and Excel)
• Have outdoor skills, gravel road driving experience, and power/hand tool experience
• Have experience in a leadership or supervisory roles

Additional requirements:

Applicants must provide proof of required items before receiving an offer letter. Applicants are able to provide proof of the documents after submitting their application. If you have these items readily available, include a copy of the following with your application:

• Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
• An unrestricted, Alberta Class 5 Driver’s Licence, or equivalent
• A minimum of Standard First Aid with Level A or C CPR certification
• A Defensive Driving Certification (contact JFR staff for online options)
• A completed JFR fitness form and Par-Q readiness form
• Drivers Abstract

Salary

Crew Leaders: $24.44 to $29.10 (NR4) per hour

Crew Sub Leaders: $23.63 to $28.10 (NR3) per hour

There is an additional 11.2% added to the hourly rate in lieu paid holidays and vacation.

• 5.2% of regular wage earnings instead of paid holidays
• 6% of regular wage earnings instead of annual vacation pay

In addition to daily work Monday to Friday, leaders will be compensated for evening and weekend supervision/task completion during July and August, as applicable.

Meals and accommodations are covered for the duration of the contract (excluding meals on weekends off if you leave the wildfire base). Work vehicles are provided. You may have the opportunity to earn several certifications and trainig courses, including:

• Chainsaw level 2
• Radio Operators Certificate
• TDG
• ATV certification
• Mental Health First Aid
• Wilderness First Aid
• Hunters Education
• Firearms Safety
• Indigenous Introductory and Protocol Training
• Wildfire Orientation
• Wildfire Investigator course

How to Apply:

Click on the link below. You will have to create a profile on the Government of Alberta website before you can apply.

JFR Crew Leaders and Sub Leaders Job Details | Government of Alberta

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If you have any questions please reach out to Trevor Nichols at trevor.nichols@gov.ab.ca or wf.jfr-alberta@gov.ab.ca