Opportunities Maintenance Worker 3B (Fire Crew Foreperson)

Seasonal Status

This is a seasonal opportunity of six months or more with an anticipated season start date of March 30th 2026 and an end date of October 3rd 2026.

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 and Renewables is responsible for the development management conservation and protection of forest mineral parks and wildlife resources and the administration of the provinces 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: 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:

• 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 Drivers 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:

• 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 SATs exports off season courses or experience).
• Able to use and navigate with GPS units collate data and properly up/download to/from associated PC software.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination standardized tests oral presentations interview(s) and reference checks.

Salary Information

MOS 12 -

$1862.96 - $1914.72

Benefits

Based on the employment status and Union agreement the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health Dental Life Insurance Pension General Illness (Short and Long Term) Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

• This position requires the ability to lead and work as part of a team performing strenuous manual tasks in an outdoor environment.
• Duties often require working irregularly scheduled hours weekends evenings and holidays.
• During times of high fire activity you may be assigned to other areas of the province to assist in fire suppression.
• Must be willing to be transported in department aircraft and attend department training in duties related to this position.

Additional Information

Because employees safety is the utmost concern as a condition of employment successful applicants must successfully complete the following prior to employment:

• Medium Level Pack Test
• Entails wearing a 25 pound (11.3 kg.) vest and walking 2 miles (3.3 km) in 30 minutes.
• Wajax Mark 3 Fire Pump start-cord pull test
• Medical evaluation and clearance form
• Must be completed by a physician and paid for by the applicant.
• Valid Standard First Aid certificate and WHMIS certification

Candidates selected for interviews will be required to submit a drivers abstract criminal records check and vulnerable sector check.

You must supply your own CSA approved safety boots that are at least 6 inches high.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance tools resources and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued respected connected and tuned in we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules