Forest Area Manager

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities.

As the Ministry of Forestry and Parks, we are responsible for fostering Alberta’s environmentally responsible forest management practices, including management of wildfires. We preserve our provincial parks for the recreation and enjoyment of Albertans, enabling access to public lands for recreational and commercial purposes while prioritizing conservation. The Forestry Division works to enhance the economic, environmental, and social contributions of our forests and forested lands to Albertans.

Role Responsibilities:

• Oversee wildfire management, forest health, and forest management programs within the designated Forest Area.
• Collaborate with Environment and Protected Areas Executive Directors and Operational Services Managers for administrative support.
• Prioritize protection of human life, forest communities, watersheds, sensitive soils, natural resources, and infrastructure within the provincial wildfire management strategy.
• Direct wildfire prevention, operational support, scientific research projects, detection, pre-suppression, and suppression activities to mitigate wildfire risks effectively.
• Ensure responsible and sustainable forest management practices including timber establishment, harvest, and removal on public lands.
• Implement and manage a Forest Health program and budget for the Area.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead strategic initiatives, manage budgets, and collaborate with key stakeholders to achieve departmental objectives. If you are passionate about sustainable forestry practices and possess strong leadership skills, we invite you to apply and contribute to the conservation and management of our natural resources.

Competencies:

• Drive for Results: Knows what outcomes are important and maximizes resources to achieve results that are aligned with the goals of the organization.
• Creative Problem Solving: Assesses options and implications in new ways to inform decision making.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Leads and contributes to the conditions that allow people to work collaboratively.
• Develop Networks: Builds networks and trusting relationships with stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• University graduation in a field related to the position assignment, supplemented by six years progressively responsible experience, or
• Diploma in Forestry or a related discipline plus ten years of experience in natural resource and wildfire management is required.

Assets:

• Membership, or eligibility for membership, with the Alberta Association of Forest Management Professionals is preferred.
• Understanding of budgeting and expenditure control.
• Comprehensive knowledge of wildfire, forest management, and forest health programs, legislation, policy, and regulations.
• In-depth understanding of wildfire suppression methods, cause, behavior, prevention principles, and techniques.
• Familiarity with provincial legislation related to forestry, environmental protection, and public lands management.
• Experience in natural resource and wildfire management.

This competition is recruiting for a full-time permanent position in Fort McMurray with standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday. The successful candidate will be operating out of an office and field setting. Travel within the region and throughout the province will be required. This job will require you to fly in a helicopter and work extended hours including evenings and weekends. The position may also require you to work away from home up to 24 days based on emergent situations within the province. Relocation assistance may be provided to eligible candidates.

Candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment as part of the interview process. Final candidates will be required to undergo a criminal records check (CRC). Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate.

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.