Role Responsibilities As a Wildfire Crew Member, you get an exciting, unique experience working on a crew in one of Alberta’s three wildfire crew programs as a wildland firefighter.

Wildland firefighters work on the front lines and play a vital role in protecting Alberta’s forests, communities, and ecosystems from wildfire.

For a glance at what the job entails, check out , which walks you through tasks from morning briefings to Fireline operations and evening camp routines.

Wildfire crews maintain a state of physical and mental readiness to respond to wildfires in Alberta and abroad.

They are always prepared to respond quickly and spend extended shifts away in a tent for accommodations.

This role offers a rare opportunity to explore remote areas that few have visited - and that even fewer may ever see again after your time there.

Alberta has three wildfire crew programs that are all used for wildfire response and readiness.

While similar, each program is unique and are utilized in slightly different ways.

Unit (UNIT) Unit Crews offer a unique chance to work on a 20-person crew dedicated to Alberta’s wildfire suppression efforts.

These crews are deployed, often by helicopter, to large-scale fires where hard work and dedication will be essential in constructing fire lines, extinguishing hotspots, and conducting mop-up operations to prevent flare-ups.

You will foster a strong sense of teamwork and resilience as your crew sets up and operates often under physically and mentally demanding conditions.

On the larger scale fires Unit Crews will work for Incident Management Teams and work collaboratively with heavy equipment, air tankers, helicopters as well as other crews to contain the fires spread.





The work is physically demanding, and the days can be long, but the sense of unity, teamwork, and accomplishment is unmatched.

You will discover how determination and commitment – to your crew and the public – can preserve entire communities and ecosystems.

Helitack (HAC) Helitack Crews are rapid to respond, being flown in by helicopters to attack wildfires at their earliest stages.

Working in smaller teams of 4 or 8, you are often dropped into remote areas where speed and safety are crucial.

Your tasks will involve constructing helispots (landing zones), coordinating with aerial suppression resources, and conducting initial attack operations.

This role demands agility, decisiveness, and a readiness to adapt quickly to changing fire behavior.

With its unique blend of aviation operations and ground firefighting, Helitack is ideal for individuals who thrive on the thrill of fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

Hoist Hoist Crews utilize hoist capable helicopters to insert firefighters and equipment into wildfires that are inaccessible for initial attack.

The ability to insert into areas that aircraft are unable to land means that Hoist crews are often called upon to create helispots (landing zones) to support suppression activities.

The hoist system can also be used for emergency extraction and if called upon,



Alberta Hoist will extract wildfire responders in need of medical attention.

Due to the unique nature of hoisting and the associated weight limit (See minimum requirements) only those who select hoist as their preferred wildfire crew program will be considered for the job.

Hoist Crews are based out of Edmonton, where they start and end their shift.

However, they spend their time predominantly in Forest Areas around Alberta.

As a Wildfire Crew Member, you will: Take direction from the Crew Leader or Sub-Leader to suppress wildfire Detect hotspots and construct or hold fire containment lines Maintain situational awareness and communicate changes in fire environment to the leader Identify and report hazards Provide feedback to the leader on assignment progress and suggest tactical changes to the leader Maintain assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment in serviceable condition Uphold fire readiness and physical fitness standards Participate in regular proficiency training and crew activities Complete project work during low fire hazard periods (e.g., Fire

Smart or facility maintenance) Remain prepared for fire deployment Work long and extended hours, including occasional overnight shifts As a Hoist Crew Member, you will also perform the following, in addition to the Wildfire Crew Member duties: Receive training for safe helicopter hoist operations, including insertion and emergency extraction into wildfire zones Assist with emergency extraction operations as required Maintain and inspect hoist-specific equipment Provide feedback and assist with data gathering to support hoist integration into wildfire response

📌 Wildfire Crew Member (Alberta)
🏢 Government of Alberta
📍 Alberta