Fire Crew Foreperson (Maintenance Worker 3B)

About Us

Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources – including biodiversity, forests, geological resources, provincial parks and the land we manage. The Department of Natural Resources  is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, mineral, 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 as we all benefit from the natural health and wealth of the province.

For more information on the department view our website: https://novascotia.ca/natr

About Our Opportunity

Under the direction of the Area Manager, or designate, the Forestry/Fire Crew Foreperson is responsible for leading, participating, and supervising seasonal staff who carry out forest fire suppression and pre-suppression activities as well as work in other department programs.

Primary Accountabilities

Some of the primary accountabilities in the role will include:

• Conducting general maintenance of department vehicles, buildings, grounds, and equipment.
• Complying with, and seeking compliance with, Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and department policies from staff.
• Actively participating in implementing the department Occupational Health and Safety Policy and Programs.
• Operating department vehicles and equipment.
• Assisting district technicians in forestry, wildlife, parks, and other general district duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a minimum of 4 years of related experience. Graduation from a forestry training program at a University, Technical or Community College level will be considered asset.
 
Related experience includes: 

• General carpentry; building and grounds maintenance; general machine maintenance; use of tractors, ride-on mowers, push mowers, string trimmers and hand and power tools.
• Supervision and evaluating the work of others.
• Basic Wildland Fire Suppression Certification.
• Knowledge of map and compass reading.
• Valid (Standard) First Aid certificate and WHMIS training.
• Valid N.S. Class 5 Driver’s License or equivalent and able to operate standard shift vehicle.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of cleaning methods and sanitation requirements.
• Ability to start a Wajax Mark 3 Fire Pump.
• Candidate must be able to complete the Medium Level Pack Test.  This involves walking 2 miles (3.3 km) in 30 minutes while wearing a 25 pound (11.3 kg.) vest.  Hiring is contingent on successful completion of the Medium Level Pack Test. 

Assets

Asset Qualifications:

• Experience and / or training in radio communication.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations. 
• Forest Safety Society certified for power saw and spacing saws.
• Demonstrated self-initiated desire to advance skills and/or training in wildland fire suppression (online training, SAT’s, exports, off season courses or experience).
• Able to use and navigate with GPS units, collate data and properly up/download to/from associate