Wildland Firefighter
Wildland firefighters work in crews to suppress fires in remote locations.
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Forest Fire Fighter
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
Starting | $26.90 |
---|---|
Overall | $31.92 |
Top | $36.47 |
Interest in driving - operating skidders, bulldozers and other prime movers to pull scarification and site preparation equipment over areas to be regenerated; and in operating power thinning saws to thin and space trees in reforestation areas and chain saws to thin young forest stands
Interest in copying information to control weeds and undergrowth using manual tools and chemicals; in performing silvicultural duties such as collecting seed cones, pruning trees and marking trees for subsequent operations; and in maintaining firefighting equipment
Interest in assisting in planting surveys; and in fighting forest fires under the direction of fire suppression officers and forestry technicians
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
There are several different types of wildland firefighting crews in Alberta:
Duties and responsibilities vary from one type of crew to another but, in general, wildland firefighters:
Crews may be flown into remote locations to fight fires that are difficult to reach by other means.
Wildland firefighters work outdoors in all weather conditions, usually in isolated areas. Their work is dangerous and physically demanding. Occupational hazards include smoke, intense heat, falling trees and branches, wildlife and strong winds. Wind can quickly turn a small fire into an inferno. Some wildland firefighters also fly in helicopters and rappel from heights.
Wildland firefighters are required to bend, stoop and crouch while wearing protective gear and carrying heavy equipment. They also must work quickly on steep and uneven terrain. They carry and use equipment such as hand tools, chain saws, water pumps and hoses, often for long periods.
Wildland firefighters may be required to work up to 24-day shifts and may be relocated anywhere in the province as needed.
Wildland firefighters need:
All candidates for wildland firefighter must maintain good health and physical fitness. For example, they must have the strength and agility to climb and balance when moving over rough terrain.
They should enjoy having routine, organized work punctuated by periods of intense activity, and technical activities such as operating 2-way radios and meteorological instruments.
In Alberta, wildland firefighters must successfully complete a training program at the Hinton Training Centre. For information about training and employment, see the Government of Alberta website.
Candidates will undergo medical screening and physical testing to ensure their health and physical fitness for the job.
The following qualifications are assets when seeking employment as a wildland firefighter:
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Wildland firefighters are employed by Government of Alberta and contractors. Most are employed on a seasonal basis from April through late October.
The province of Alberta maintains a complement of about 3,000 certified firefighters. Many move on to full-time work in other fields, so employment turnover is high in this occupation.
Rates of pay for certified wildland firefighters range from $21.08 to $25.95 an hour (2016 estimates).
Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting | $22.00 | $38.64 | $26.90 | $22.00 |
Overall | $25.00 | $49.91 | $31.92 | $25.00 |
Top | $31.46 | $49.91 | $36.47 | $32.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Public Administration | $75,850 |
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ALL INDUSTRIES | $55,292 |
Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre website: www.ciffc.ca
Canadian Wildland Fire Information System website: cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca
Government of Alberta website, wildfire information and recruitment: wildfire.alberta.ca
International Association of Wildland Fire website: www.iawfonline.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.