Build a Meaningful Career with YFNW

At Yukon First Nation’s Wildfire (YFNW), we offer training and employment opportunities for people at all stages of their wildfire career. Whether you’re a young person exploring your first job, an experienced firefighter looking to grow your leadership skills, or an Indigenous community member interested in land-based work that reflects your values—we welcome you.

Our work is rooted in respect for the land, community strength, and shared knowledge. Training and hiring typically begin in the early spring. Check back often for job postings, intake dates, and program updates.

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Wildland Firefighter Fitness Trainer (January–April 2026)

Employer: Yukon First Nation Wildfire (YFNW)
Partner: SHA SHÄW Corporation
Location: Haines Junction, Yukon
Wage: $40/hour
Schedule: 2–3 sessions per week
Hours: ~8–10 hours per week (including planning, setup, and instruction)
Term: January–April 2026
Participants: 10–15 community members

Position Overview

Yukon First Nation Wildfire (YFNW), in partnership with SHA SHÄW Corporation, is seeking a Wildland Firefighter Fitness Trainer to design and deliver a structured, occupation-specific fitness training program that prepares community members for the 2026 wildland fire season.

The program, “Train Like a Wildland Firefighter,” focuses on developing the physical capability, endurance, and resilience needed for wildland fire operations. The primary objective of this program is to prepare participants to successfully complete the Wildland Firefighter Physical Fitness Test (WFX-FIT)—the national standard for assessing readiness for wildland firefighting roles.

The Trainer will lead progressive, practical fitness sessions that introduce participants to the movement patterns, intensity, and physical challenges of wildland firefighting.

About the WFX-FIT Test

The WFX-FIT is a national physical fitness test that evaluates strength, endurance, and cardiovascular capacity. Participants complete the test in 14 minutes, 30 seconds or less, while wearing a weighted vest.

Test Components

1. Simulated Power Pump Carry (on back) – Lower body & core strength
2. Simulated Power Pump Carry (off back) – Upper body & grip strength
3. Hose Bag Over Ramp – Power, coordination & cardio endurance
4. Simulated Charged Hose Pull – Upper/lower body pulling strength & stamina

Key Muscle Groups Trained

·       Legs & glutes

·       Core

·       Back, shoulders & arms

·       Cardiovascular system

More information: https://www.ciffc.ca/standards/wfx-fit

Key Responsibilities

The successful applicant will:

·       Deliver 2–3 group training sessions per week in Haines Junction.

·       Create and implement a progressive, WFX-FIT–aligned fitness program.

·       Provide functional strength, endurance, and cardiovascular training.

·       Incorporate wildfire equipment into sessions (e.g., hose bags, pumps, hand tools).

·       Design movement-based conditioning that reflects real field operations.

·       Develop and submit weekly lesson plans to YFNW.

·       Support participants of varying fitness levels using safe and inclusive methods.

Program Supports Provided by YFNW

YFNW will supply training materials commonly used in wildfire readiness, including:

·       Weight vests

·       Hose bags and hose

·       Hand tools (shovels, pulaskis, etc.)

These tools allow training to realistically mirror operational conditions.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate:

·       Certification and/or proven experience in fitness instruction, strength and conditioning, athletic coaching, or a related discipline.

·       Experience designing and leading group training programs.

·       Ability to adapt programming for a wide range of fitness levels.

·       Strong communication and motivational skills.

·       Ability to deliver all sessions in person in Haines Junction.

Assets:

·       Experience incorporating equipment-based or occupation-specific fitness training.

Commitment

·       Approximately 10 hours per week including planning, setup, and instruction.

·       Program runs January–April 2026.

·       Weekly lesson plans must be submitted to YFNW.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants must submit:

·       A brief overview of relevant qualifications and professional experience.

·       A summary of experience with group or occupation-specific fitness programs.

·       A short description of their training approach and how it supports WFX-FIT readiness.

·       Confirmation of availability for the January–April 2026 term.

·       A current Criminal Record Check.

How to Apply
Applications may be submitted to:

Yukon First Nation Wildfire (YFNW)
Email: resumes@yfnw.ca
Subject Line: Application – Wildland Firefighter Fitness Trainer

**Application deadline is 5:00pm December 29, 2025**

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DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Permanent, Full-Time Position
Location: Whitehorse, Yukon
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Wage: $80,000 – $100,000/year

Job Summary

The Director of Business Development works directly with and under the direction of the CEO and is responsible for conceptualizing, initiating, managing, and controlling all business activities of Yukon First Nation Wildfire (YFNW). This position develops and implements both short- and long-term business strategies and oversees the creation of an effective and efficient financial and reporting system.

This role focuses on advancing YFNW’s mission through sustainable partnerships, economic development initiatives, and reconciliation-based business practices across the Yukon and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of YFNW’s business and funding agreements, ensuring effective allocation of resources.
• Monitor project timelines, performance metrics, and business development activities.
• Lead the development of new business ventures, partnerships, and commercial relationships across the Territories and provinces.
• Develop, negotiate, and manage MOU’s, LOU’s, and Terms of Reference (TOR’s) in collaboration with partners and governments.
• Develop and submit funding applications and prepare financial and activity reports as required by funding agreements.
• Monitor and manage operational and program budgets, ensuring financial sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory and safety standards.
• Participate in organizational strategic and operational planning with YFNW’s executive team.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with First Nation governments, boards, partners, and community organizations.
• Represent YFNW in public forums, business meetings, and intergovernmental discussions.
• Manage risk and implement improvements in organizational systems and business operations.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing work culture.
• Ensure all business development activities align with YFNW’s reconciliation mandate and Indigenous self-determination values.

Decision-Making Authority

The Director of Business Development provides strategic advice and guidance to the CEO and COO, participates in corporate planning, and supports decision-making on business and operational priorities.

Education and Experience

Required:

• Knowledge of First Nations governance, land claims, and self-government agreements, and an understanding of social, economic, and political issues affecting First Nations.
• Experience working with development corporations, private industry, and community/economic development initiatives.
• Knowledge of policy development, business negotiations, and creation of MOU’s, LOU’s, and TOR’s.
• Knowledge of federal, territorial, and other funding agencies’ programs.

Preferred:

• Post-secondary education in Operations Management, Economic Development, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience leading Indigenous-focused business initiatives across the territories and provinces of Canada.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning and implementation of business growth strategies.

Specific Skills

• Research and analytical abilities.
• Policy and procedure development.
• Reading and interpreting acts, regulations, and standards.
• Proposal and report writing.
• Financial management and forecasting.
• Staff supervision, mentorship, and performance management.
• Problem-solving, conflict resolution, and team facilitation.

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to interact and work effectively with boards, committees, investors, and community partners.
• Proven ability to foster trust and relationship-building at the community level.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Coordination and facilitation abilities.
• Self-motivated and capable of working both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism.
• High degree of cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Working Conditions

This position is based in an office environment in Whitehorse, Yukon, with periodic travel required within Yukon and across Canada. Some evening and weekend work may be required to meet business needs and represent YFNW in intergovernmental or community settings.

Additional Assets

• Familiarity with Indigenous business models and approaches to community-driven economic growth.
• Experience working with Yukon First Nations, Northern communities, and intergovernmental frameworks.
• Understanding of reconciliation-based economic development and capacity-building principles.
• Strong understanding of YFNW’s mandate, goals, and operational structure.