Crew Member (Initial Attack)

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Position Title: Crew Member – Initial Attack

Position Code: IACM

Job Function: Emergency Preparedness and Response

Supervisor: Crew Leader – Initial Attack

Status: Full-time, regular, seasonal from April 22nd to August 30th, 2024

Location: On-site in Whitehorse or Rural Community Posting

Office Address: 100 Platinum Road, Whitehorse, YT, Y1A 6A9

Closing Date: March 13th, 2024, or until all positions are filled.

 

About the Position:

You will be employed as an Initial Attack Crew Member for Yukon First Nations Wildfire (YFNW) and will report directly to the Initial Attack Crew Leader in your region. Initial Attack Crew Members are expected to focus on positive leadership methods and be well organized. Candidates should have a professional, team-building mentality and be able to work with a diverse range of people of varying backgrounds and experience levels.

A typical workday kicks off with a briefing and may involve tasks such as initial-attack readiness or risk reduction work. Expect to engage in a physical fitness routine on base and weekly training to increase emergency response capabilities. When assigned to a wildfire incident, you could find yourself applying your skills for up to 14 consecutive days, with workdays spanning 12 to 16 hours. While the work is demanding, the impact is significant, especially when people depend on our assistance during critical times. Extended wildfire assignments often entail overtime hours.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Arrives at work in a timely matter and is mentally and physically fit for work.
  • Maintains a high level of physical fitness through daily fitness training to be prepared for sustained action on wildfire incidents and ensures that all other squad members do the same.
  • Trains and develops skills and abilities.
  • Is expected to work long hours when needed – up to 18 hours per day.
  • Is expected to work for extended periods of up to 19 days away from home when needed.
  • Cleans and maintains personal gear and equipment daily.
  • Cleans and maintains fire base daily.
  • Wears the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing tasks to ensure the safety of themselves and those around them.
  • Wears the appropriate uniform while on shift.
  • Is responsible for ensuring their crews’ assigned vehicle and equipment are clean and serviceable daily.
  • Acts professionally and respectfully while on shift and off-hours while working on incidents.
  • Maintains communications with Crew Leaders and other Crew Members using a handheld radio.

Duties and Responsibilities when on a Fire:

Perform management tasks including, but not limited to

  • Remote power water pump set up and operation,
  • Construction of control lines around perimeter of fire area using power saws, power pumps, hose, backpack pumps, and hand tools,
  • Hot spotting operations using power saws, power pumps, hose, backpack pumps, and hand tools,
  • Ignition operations in direct and indirect attack settings using ignitions devices such as fuses and drip torches

 

Qualifications:

  • S-131 Training or Equivalent.
  • ICS I-100 certification
  • Has obtained applicable leadership courses (L-180)
  • Understands the FBP system (Fire Behavior Prediction)
  • Surpass WFM WFX-fitness standard (14:30)

 

Skills and Experience:

  • A minimum education level that provides the skills to read, write and comprehend wildfire knowledge, and can understand written instructions.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Must meet and maintain the Yukon WFM WFX-Fitness standards
  • Demonstrates an aptitude for leadership, organization, supervision, and communication

 

Compensation:

$29.92 – $34.34 per hour based on experience.

 

Benefits:

  • Personal Protective Equipment provided.
  • On-site gym
  • On-site parking
  • Inclusive work environment

 

Conditions of Employment:

  • Ability to legally work in Canada
  • Criminal record check
  • Confidentiality agreement
  • Conflict of interest declaration
  • Proof of a valid driver’s license
  • Complete the S-134 Safety on the Fireline course
  • Complete the ICS-200 training course
  • Complete WHMIS and TDG training
  • Get certified in Standard First Aid, Level C with CPR
  • Complete the WFX test1 in a time of 14:30 or less
  • Maintain the Yukon WFM WFX-Fitness standards.

 

Introductory Training When Required:

Your career in wildfire starts with a comprehensive training camp that begins April 29th in Whitehorse, where you will acquire fundamental skills crucial to your role. Among other things, this training encompasses:

  • Understanding the dynamics of fire weather and behavior.
  • Various strategies for wildfire management.
  • Proficiency in utilizing firefighting tools, including pumps, hand tools, and ground ignition devices.
  • Small engine operation and maintenance.
  • General bushcraft knowledge, orienteering, and radio operations.
  • Safe navigation on vehicles and helicopters.
  • Leadership and Command.

Upon completion of training, you’ll attain qualifications applicable throughout your career, including:

  • Yukon Type 1 Wildland Firefighter Certificate
  • WHMIS and Transportation of Dangerous Goods.
  • Restricted Operator Certificate (Aeronautical).
  • Incident Command System Level 100.

 

About Yukon First Nations Wildfire:

Yukon First Nations Wildfire (YFNW) is a partnership of Yukon First Nations Stakeholders offering emergency management and training services. We train, manage and employ all-hazard response crews who provide wildland firefighting, flood response and mitigation services to communities in the Yukon. We also offer a wide variety of emergency management training and capacity development services. YFNW is committed to incorporating traditional knowledge and supporting the growth of Yukon’s future leaders in consultation with community elders. We are currently expanding our services in the realms of mitigation, prevention, preparedness, and recovery to reflect the growing need in Yukon communities for multi- faceted emergency personnel and a wide variety of emergency management services.

 

How to apply:

Interested and qualified candidates can send their resumes and cover letters to resumes@yfnw.ca, quoting the position title in the subject line. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this position however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.