Crew Leader

The Opportunity:

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is seeking a results-oriented, dynamic and motivated individual for the position of Crew Leader in the Eastern Response Area for the Prince Albert Protection Base.

Type 1 firefighters are highly trained seasonal SPSA unionized staff located in each Protection Area. These individuals have a combination of training and experience that meets or exceeds the national wildland firefighter standards established by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC).

The primary purpose of Type 1 crews is to perform fire suppression activities on wildland fires. These activities range from initial attacks to sustained action on various sizes of incidents.

Wildland firefighting is a physically demanding job that requires high levels of both aerobic and muscular endurance. Type 1 firefighters utilize fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, fire trucks, various hand tools and equipment such as pumps, hoses, sprinkler systems and hand torches when fighting fires. Type 1 firefighters may also be utilized to fill fire line supervisory roles, supervising contract employees and Emergency Fire Personnel on extended attack incidents.

Crew Leaders share the supervision of Type 1 crew members with Fire Base Supervisors, which includes the orientation and training of new crew members and also ensures fitness training is scheduled for the entire crew and ensures fitness activity logs are completed and maintained. Crew Leaders will also participate in large fires, filling various Incident Command team roles based on their qualifications.

Type 1 firefighters may be required to travel away from their headquarters for extended periods of time on large fires and to assist other forest protection bases. They may be required to assist other provincial, national or international wildfire agency partners. Other assigned duties include wildland fire prevention and mitigation activities, delivery of wildland training, site development and maintenance, and other projects/duties as required.

To qualify, you must have knowledge and experience of wildfire suppression techniques, firefighting equipment, and fire behaviour through experience or training. You must also possess and maintain a valid class 5 or greater driver’s license. You must also complete a health evaluation according to Agency policies/guidelines and meet the Type 1 Wildland Fire Fighter Physical Abilities Test (WFPAT1) prior to hire, and annually thereafter. Preference will be given to candidates 18 years of age or older. Completion of Grade 12 would be an asset.

• Perform fire suppression activities on wildland fires, ranging from initial attack to sustained action on incidents of varying size.
• Utilize fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, fire trucks, and a variety of hand tools and equipment including pumps, hoses, sprinkler systems, and hand torches during fire operations.
• Share supervision of Type 1 crew members with Fire Base Supervisors, including orientation and training of new crew members.
• Ensure fitness training is scheduled for the entire crew and maintain accurate fitness activity logs.
• Participate in large fire incidents, filling Incident Command team roles based on qualifications.
• Conduct wildland fire prevention and mitigation activities to reduce risk and enhance preparedness.
• Deliver wildland fire training programs to staff and crews.
• Contribute to site development, maintenance, and other assigned projects or duties.

Job Capabilities:

As a public servant, we are seeking someone who:

• Is accountable, takes ownership of their work by contributing to organizational outcomes and demonstrates the corporate values in our Commitment to Excellence.
• Is innovative and seeks out ways for improvement by thinking creatively, identifying new ideas and taking responsible risks.
• Works collaboratively with others to understand, engage and have meaningful dialogue to achieve work outcomes.
• Is inclusive, identifies and is aware of personal bias, and readily seeks out and appreciates diverse perspectives.
• Is adaptable, continuously learns from experience and applies those learnings to new situations.
• Focuses on achieving public service excellence.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

You will have knowledge of:

• Wildfire suppression techniques, firefighting equipment, fire behaviour.
  

You will have demonstrated the ability to:

• Work independently and safely with minimal supervision;
• Work effectively in a team environment;
• Work for extended periods of time in remote settings;
• Effectively communicate and follow written and oral instructions;
• Fly in small aircraft or helicopters, and travel in boats or all-terrain vehicles;
• Work in adverse conditions, e.g., smoky and noisy environments for extended periods of time; and
• Reside in remote locations and field situations.

Job Skills:

• Communication (Level A)
• Critical Thinking (Level A)
• Digital Skills (Level A)
• Interacting with Others (Level A)
• Navigating Ambiguity (Level A)
• Managing Self (Level A)
• Health, Safety and Wellness (Level A)

Learn more about the Government of Saskatchewan’s Capabilities and Skills Framework here.

Other Qualifications and Requirements:

Other Conditions of Employment

• Meet the Type 1 Wildland Fire Fighter Physical Abilities Test (WFPAT1) standard prior to hire, and annually thereafter.
• Possess and maintain a valid class 5 or greater driver’s license.

What We Offer:

• Dynamic and challenging work
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension
• Vacation, scheduled days off, and other types of leave
• Inclusive work environments
• Career growth, development, and advancement opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements

Our Commitment to Excellence:

The Government of Saskatchewan upholds deep-rooted values of Respect and Integrity, Serving Citizens, Excellence and Innovation, and Acting as One Team.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is a Treasury Board Crown responsible for provincial emergency management, along with SaskAlert, fire safety, wildfire management and Saskatchewan's 911 emergency dispatching services. SPSA’s mission is to safeguard and protect the people, property and resources of Saskatchewan through partnerships, coordinated planning, education, prevention, mitigation, response and recovery. With a fleet of specialized aircraft, equipment, personnel and bases across the province, SPSA responds to emergencies and disasters from the air, on the ground and behind the scenes. As home of the Fire Commissioner, the SPSA also assists communities in compliance with the National Fire Code through investigations conducted by designated inspectors/peace officers. The Government of Saskatchewan provides the services, programs and supports the people of Saskatchewan need. We deliver on the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth to build a strong economy, strong communities and strong families, ultimately building a stronger Saskatchewan. Dedicated to service excellence, we demonstrate innovation, collaboration and transparency, practice effective and accountable use of resources and promote engagement and leadership at all levels.