Wildfire Prevention Officer (Forestry Technician 4)

The Wildfire Prevention Officer (Forestry Technician 4) position at the Province of Nova Scotia involves developing and implementing wildfire detection and prevention initiatives. Responsibilities include coordinating the FireSmart program, researching wildfire causes, and managing outreach materials. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders and participation in committees. The officer will also oversee fire duty operations and ensure public safety during wildfire risks. This is a permanent position based in Shubenacadie, NS.
Department: Natural Resources
Location: SHUBENACADIE
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 21-Jun-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)


About Us
Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources – including biodiversity, forests, provincial parks and the land we manage. The Department of Lands and Forestry is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, 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.
About Our Opportunity
As the Wildfire Prevention Officer, you will be responsible for developing, coordinating, implementing and delivering new or existing wildfire detection, prevention and mitigation initiatives for the province of Nova Scotia. You will also be responsible for all aspects of the wildfire prevention program including but not limited to:

Coordinating the province wide FireSmart program
Coordinate a wildfire investigation plan, post-season after-action review, and year end report.
Research and analyze wildfire human caused fires and develop strategies and tactics for detecting wildfires as well as preventing and mitigating impacts on natural resources, property and communities.
Responsible for the development & maintenance of wildfire prevention outreach materials in line with human caused fires

As wildfire management is a global and collaborative effort, you will have the opportunity to represent the province on regional, provincial, national and international committees dealing with wildfire prevention issues. You will build and maintain an extensive network and working relationships with numerous government and non-government stakeholders and clients ensuring emerging issues are anticipated and communicated to the Manager, Forest Protection. As we continually strive to stay at the forefront of Wildfire Management, you will be responsible for being aware of new processes, trends and initiatives (as they emerge) and transferring them to or incorporating them into Nova Scotia’s provincial program.

During extreme wildfire risk and activity, you will use your technical knowledge and experience to help make decisions which have an impact on public safety. You will also execute and/or oversee a variety of procurement and applicable administrative operations necessary to meet departmental and corporate reporting requirements.
In addition, you will provide leadership to department staff in the delivery of the Prevention Program. You will also coordinate establish effective partnerships & community relations through prevention training/presentations with many external agencies and stakeholders.
As part of the Forest Protection team, you will perform as one of the provincial fire duty officers. This includes scheduled duty shifts throughout the fire season and involves setting aircraft alerts, dispatch of detection and suppression aircraft, fire equipment, fire personnel and for ensuring performance of daily fire control duties including the calculation and dissemination of provincial fire danger ratings to the appropriate agencies.
This position reports to the Manager, Forest Protection.

Qualifications and Experience
As the successful candidate, you have completed a department recognized forestry (or related Natural Resources Technician) Diploma Program and have six (6) years of related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
You must have a strong technical background that can be applied to all aspects of wildfire management including, but not limited to, technical knowledge of wildfire prevention, wildfire protocols, wildfire risk, hazard and behavior, wildfire terminology and overall wildfire management concepts.
You have a good working knowledge of the principles and practices of wildfire management, detection, investigation, prevention, and mitigation.


You have demonstrated experience and training in a leadership role with decision making responsibilities based on operational requirements. You are an excellent communicator (both in writing and verbally) and have exceptional interpersonal skills which enable you to build and maintain functional and effective relationships with many diverse clients and organizations. You have demonstrated problem solving, time management, and organizational skills.


This is a specialized position, and you must be highly motivated with strong self-initiative and judgement to produce accurate and reliable results.