Program: Wildland Fire Management – Initial Attack Crew      

Position: Wildland Fire Management Crew SPARE

Term: 2025 Fire Season (approximate dates are April 19 – August 31 with the possibility of extension)

Hours of Work:  To be determined

Summary of Duties: Fire Crew members are responsible for initial attack operations and sustained action on campaign fires. Fire Crew members could be assigned to respond to other fires, disasters or emergencies within the Yukon and may be asked to temporarily help in other provinces, territories or countries if the need arises.  As a Crew Member Spare, you will be trained with the other fire management crew members from KDFN and all other territorial jurisdictions. You may be assigned to work with any of the crews in the territory if you pass the mandatory qualifications and fitness testing identified below.

During periods of low fire activity, Crew members are assigned to complete other projects such as grounds maintenance, repair of buildings and equipment and other related tasks. Fire Crew members are expected to participate in all training that is made available. You would be responsible for reporting to work as scheduled (10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday to Friday). In periods of elevated fire activity, you may be deployed to work remotely, with limited notice, for up to 14 days, working 12 hours per day.

Fire Crew Members are required for each fire season; typically, 4 months a year unless extended due to heavy fire activity. Trained KDFN Fire Crew members are given first right of recall to return each season.

Your career starts at a 2-week training camp where you’ll learn the basics of your trade. These skills include:

  • learning how to use firefighting tools like pumps, hand tools and ground ignition devices
  • how to use and maintain a chainsaw
  • the different ways of managing wildfires
  • general bush craft knowledge, orienteering and radio operations
  • how to safely travel on all-terrain vehicles and in helicopters

Once you’re trained, you’ll hold qualifications you can use for the rest of your life:

  • WHMIS and Transportation of Dangerous Goods
  • Restricted Operator Certificate (Aeronautical)
  • Incident Command System Level 100
  • Standard First Aid and CPR-C (at minimum)

A normal work day starts with a briefing and could involve anything from initial-attack readiness or risk reduction work. You should expect to take part in a physical fitness routine each day on base. If you’re assigned to a wildfire incident, you’re likely to spend the day applying your skills for up to 14 days in a row that will be 12- to 16-hour days long. It’s hard work – but you’re making a difference when people count on our help the most. Multi-day wildfire assignments also usually lead to working overtime hours.

Mandatory Qualifications: 

  • High Level of Physical fitness
  • Valid Class 5 Driver’s License
  • Interest in living or working in a wilderness environment

Medical Clearance

  • Standard medical examination is required

Fitness Qualification

  • Must pass the WFX-FIT Fitness Test (4 parts)
  • Fitness self-readiness plan is recommended (6 weeks)

For more details visit: http://www.community.gov.yk.ca/firemanagement/wfm_jobs.html

Fire Crew Training Camp (IF Selected)

  • 2025 Schedule is still being determined.
  • 8 am to 5:00pm daily – crew must remain at the camp for the training
  • All crew members must fully participate and PASS the Fire Crew Basic Training program

Other important qualifications

  • Reliable, safety-minded team player with good interpersonal skills
  • Willing to follow direction and instructions
  • Willing to work away from home as required, possibly for extended periods of time
  • Prepared to take on going and regular training and maintain fitness
  • Valid Canadian Passport is an asset

Salary:  Approximately $30.00 per hour (in discussions with Yukon Government)

Expression closing date:  March 14, 2025

Please provide copies of all certificates with your resume.Please declare KDFN Citizenship, benefactor, or other documented First Nation on your resume.A cover letter should be provided additional to the resume stating why you are interested in the position.

If you are interested in putting your name forward as a candidate for the opportunity, please drop you’re your resume off at Kashgêk’ building, 35 McIntyre Drive, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 5A5, Attention: HLRD Operations Manager, or you may submit your résumé to resume@kdfn.net