Air Attack Officer

About Us

Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources – including biodiversity, forests, provincial parks and the land we manage. Natural Resources is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forests, parks and wildlife resources and the administration of the province’s Crown land. Together we are working with Nova Scotians to build a better future through sustainable natural resource management.

About Our Opportunity

The Forest Technician 4 – Air Attack Officer (AAO) provides specialized, technically complex direction and coordination of aerial wildfire suppression operations across the Province of Nova Scotia. The position ensures that aircraft resources are deployed safely, effectively, and efficiently in support of provincial wildfire suppression strategies. As the AAO, you will also provide operational support to the Fleet and Wildfire Management division including wildfire prevention and mitigation, training and equipment initiatives.

Primary Accountabilities

• Direct, coordinate, and control aerial wildfire suppression operations including airspace management, target selection, and drop evaluation.
• Conduct aerial reconnaissance, post-mission debriefings, and provide clear, concise radio communications.
• Monitor aircraft readiness, base alert levels, weather conditions, and fire danger indices.
• Ensure compliance with aviation policies, safety standards, and operational guidelines.
• Develop, deliver, and evaluate training for Air Attack Officers and wildfire management staff.
• Contribute to annual wildfire preparedness and pre-suppression planning activities.
• Support Provincial Wildfire Coordination Centre operations including duty officer rotations, aircraft dispatch, and situation reporting.

Qualifications and Experience

You have graduated from a recognized forestry or related technician diploma program and have a minimum of six (6) years of related experience. You must be able to demonstrate extensive experience with wildfire aerial suppression tactics using fixed‑and rotary‑wing aircraft operations. You have advanced knowledge and analytical skills to assess wildland fire behaviour and values at risk to develop and adapt aerial attack strategies under dynamic and high‑pressure operational conditions. The role requires a strong working understanding of Canadian Aviation Regulations, restricted wildfire airspace procedures, and applicable wildfire legislation to ensure aircraft are deployed safely, effectively, and in compliance with established standards. Effective performance requires clear, concise verbal and written communication, particularly in demanding radio environments, and the ability to remain composed while managing multiple concurrent operational priorities. The position includes leadership responsibilities such as mentoring and developing Air Attack Officer trainees. Proficiency with office productivity software and mobile technology is required, including the use of iPhones, iPads, and operational applications such as ESRI Field Maps, Avenza Maps, and ForeFlight to support situational awareness and decision‑making.

You must have:

• Valid class 5 driver's licence or equivalent
• Valid Canadian passport for international deployments (or ability to obtain)
• S-490 Advanced Wildland Fire Behaviour course or equivalent

Assets:

• National Air Attack Officer certification
• Provincial/Territorial Agency Air Attack Officer certification (with the ability to obtain National Air Attack Officer certification)
• Qualified as one or more Incident Command System command and general staff positions
• Experience in the development and delivery of training courses in an adult education environment.

Working Conditions

Normal work week is 35 hours per week. This position often requires extensive travel within province, nationally, and internationally with minimal notification. Extended periods in small aircraft under turbulence, exposure to G forces, and occasional field movement requiring coordination and stamina. Incumbents will perform a rotating shift to provide seven day per week coverage during the wildfire season and on occasion overtime may be required.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths

Pay Grade: TE 27 Salary Range: $2,944.94- $3,420.52 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued. External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates.

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information. If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.