About the Crew Member Position

You Can Apply If You:

• • Are 16 to 18 years of age as of July 1.

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• • Are a full-time Albertan high school student at the time of application (you can still apply if you are graduating in June).

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• • Are interested in or curious about forestry, wildfire operations, wildlife biology, environmental science, or stewardship.

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• • Are in good physical condition. There is a minimum fitness standard that is part of the screening process.

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• • Are available for a 5-day overnight training program starting in the first week of July.

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• • Are prepared to be away from home for seven weeks. Many crews live and work in rural and semi-remote locations throughout the summer.

While you don't need to check every box, these are some of the qualities and experiences we value in JFR applicants:

• • Involvement in

• your community, school activities, sports, clubs, or volunteer work.

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  • Curiosity and a willingness

• to learn and try new things.

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  • Initiative and motivation

• to contribute as part of a team.

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  • A positive attitude

• and the ability to adapt when plans change.

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  • Experience and/or knowledge in

• the outdoors, hand tools, or power tools. This is not required, but it can be an asset.

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  • Experience helping, mentoring, and supporting others.

• Everyone comes to JFR with different skills and experiences. Being willing to share what you know, help your fellow Crew Members, and learn from each other is an important part of the summer.

JFR is a unique summer experience and it's different from a typical summer job. It might be a great fit for you if you're ready to:

• ✔ Spend seven weeks away from home. 

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• ✔ Live and work closely with a small crew. 

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• ✔ Live in a rural or semi-remote location, where Wi-Fi and cell service may be limited. 

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• ✔ Try activities that may be new or outside your comfort zone.

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• ✔ Work outdoors in different weather conditions.

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• ✔ Take part in physical work, hands-on projects, and educational activities.

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• ✔ Share responsibilities and help with day-to-day crew life. 

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• ✔ Meet new people and work as part of a team 

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• ✔ Be flexible and adapt when schedules, activities or plans change 

JFR is more than a typical summer job. Here's what a summer as a JFR Crew Member could look like:

• Step 1: Training

• » Start your summer with five days of training at the Hinton Training Centre. You'll meet your crew Leaders, Senior Crew Member and the rest of your crew.

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• Step 2: Travel to your crew location

• » After training, you and your crew head to their assigned locations across Alberta.

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• Step 3: Live, learn and work with your crew

• » Spend the next several weeks completing work projects, learning from professionals, developing new skills, exploring different careers and practicing for Bull of the Woods.

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• Step 4: August long weekend

  » Everyone has a break during the August long weekend, and gets to spend time at home.

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• Step 5: Finish your JFR summer
  » Finish the summer with more work, learning and preparation for Bull of the Woods (BOTW), our friendly end-of-season competition. Celebrate what you've accomplished with JFR crews from across the province, then head home with new skills, work experience, friends, stories and memories.

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What's It Like To Live, Work And Be Part Of A JFR Crew?

Living with your crew:

JFR is more than a regular summer job. You'll live and work with your crew for seven weeks, and many crews are based at wildfire bases in rural or semi-remote locations across Alberta.

Wildfire bases have the essentials you'll need, such as bathrooms and showers, kitchen and dining areas, laundry facilities, recreation areas, and workout facilities. Accommodations vary by location and may include shared bedrooms or cabins.

Working with your crew:

Throughout the summer, you'll meet project partners and industry professionals while taking part in a variety of experiences, from hands-on projects and career exploration to training, presentations and learning from professionals working in Alberta's natural resource fields.

During projects, training, and other program activities, Crew Members are expected to be respectful, professional, open to learning, and willing to participate. You'll also need to work as part of a team, follow direction from your Crew Leaders, and adapt when plans change.

When you're not working, you might go hiking, camping, or fishing, explore a nearby community, volunteer, practice for Bull of the Woods, spend time with your crew, or simply relax.

Some resources you can check:

Junior Forest Rangers

Camp Life

All JFR crews can expect a camp experience with a routine schedule. Each crew is a little different, but they all include a mix of hard work, adventure and team building.

Junior Forest Rangers

Crew Location Information

No matter where you are stationed, you will have an incredible summer!

Every JFR summer is different, and no two days are exactly the same!

Crews take part in a mix of hands-on work projects, educational activities, training, and career exploration.

Activities vary depending on your crew location, available projects and opportunities, and the interests of your crew.

Schedules and activities can change throughout the summer. Weather, wildfire activity, project availability, and other unexpected circumstances may mean plans need to be adjusted, postponed, or replaced with something different. Being flexible and ready to adapt is an important part of the JFR experience.

As a JFR Crew Member, you can look forward to:

• • Wage: Crew Members are paid $16/hr for their work throughout the summer. 

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• • Free Meals and Accommodations: Your meals and accommodations are provided while you're with your crew. 

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• • Earn School Credits: You may be able to earn up to 10 work experience credits. 

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• • Build your skills: Training varies by crew and year. Depending on available opportunities, you may have opportunities to complete certifications or training in areas such as first aid, canoeing, ATV operation, wildfire, radio operation, leadership and more. Not every Crew Member will take part in every course or receive every certification. 

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Find out what you need to apply and get started

Learn about eligibility, required documents, application timelines and each step of the process on our

Everything you need to know about supporting a JFR Crew Member throughout the summer.

JFR Crew Members spend seven weeks away from home living and working with their crew, including in rural or semi-remote parts of Alberta. We know families, teachers and school counsellors may have questions about safety, accommodations, transportation, supervision, communication, school credits, equipment and time off. 

For more info about these topics you can check the following resources: 

Junior Forest Rangers

About JFR

The program objectives and meet the Edmonton staff!

Junior Forest Rangers

Key Dates for the 2026 JFR Season

Important dates for the 2025 JFR season.

Junior Forest Rangers

JFR FAQs

Find out answers to many frequently asked questions.

Junior Forest Rangers

Career Fairs and School Visits

Our work doesn't end with the summer. Find out how you can hear from JFR staff at career fairs or arrange for a presentation at your school.

Junior Forest Rangers

Bull of the Woods

Bull of the Woods is a traditional name for forestry or logging sports competition. Join in the fun at our annual light-hearted competition and indigenous culture day.

We're here to help!

Learn more about the program and access helpful resources below.

Junior Forest Rangers

JFR FAQs

Find out answers to many frequently asked questions.

Junior Forest Rangers

JFR Resources

Check out key dates, location information, forms, recommended equipment and FAQs for the JFR program.

or Send Us an Email!