Airtanker ; ATB Loader & Supervisor

Job Information

Job Title:

Airtanker Base (ATB) Loader & Supervisor

Job Requisition

Ministry:
Forestry and Parks

Location:

Various, AB

Full or Part-Time:
Full-Time Seasonal Wages

Hours of Work:
Up to 36.25 hours per week

Permanent/Temporary:
Temporary Seasonal Wages

Scope:
Wage Competition

Closing Date:
Open Until Suitable Candidates Found

Classification and Salary:

• Natural Resources 2: $23.80 to $30.12 hourly
• Natural Resources 3: $25.07 to $31.72 hourly

Alberta Wildfire inspires public confidence in wildfire and forest management, sustaining operations and preventative practices, and leading collaboration that enables safe and resilient communities. For more information, visit:

Are you ready for a dynamic seasonal experience in airtanker operations that blends stewardship, leadership, and direct expertise? Join us as an Airtanker Base (ATB) Supervisor or ATB Loader and play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of Alberta's wildfire response team.

Are you ready for a fast-paced and high-impact seasonal opportunity in Alberta’s wildfire response program?

Join our Airtanker Base (ATB) team as an ATB Loader or ATB Supervisor, both of which play essential roles in supporting the safe, efficient, and coordinated loading of firefighting aircraft across the province. Airtanker operations are dynamic, physically demanding, and require strong problem-solving under pressure. Agility and comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions, around aircraft and machinery, are critical for success in these roles.

Your attention to detail, collaborative mindset, and drive to deliver results, even during long and irregular work hours, are key. A strong focus on safety, professionalism, and adaptability, combined with effective communication to foster teamwork and collaboration, is vital to the operational success of the team.

This hands‑on role places you at the front line of Alberta’s wildfire response. Whether loading aircraft, managing retardant and fuel systems, or maintaining safe and effective base operations, your decisions will directly support emergency response across Alberta’s forests. Airtanker Base locations include Pincher Creek, Springbank, Rocky Mountain House, Edson, Whitecourt, Lac La Biche, Slave Lake, Grand Prairie, Manning, Loon River, Fort McMurray, High Level and Rainbow Lake.

ATB Loader (Natural Resources
2):

ATB Loaders are critical team members responsible for safely loading aircraft with retardant, maintaining equipment and facilities, and supporting day-to-day operations. Loaders work closely under the direction of the ATB Supervisor, and often coordinate with aircrew, fuel contractors, and other staff.

• Safely operate mixing systems, valves, hoses, and pumps to load aircraft with retardant or foam.
• Conduct retardant control tests, perform recirculation, and report inventory data.
• Maintain mixing systems and storage areas in clean, ready condition.

• Conduct daily facility and grounds upkeep, workshop cleaning, and janitorial duties daily.
• Perform general maintenance on assigned base equipment and systems.

• Support aircraft refueling and fuel testing under the supervision of the ATB Supervisor.
• Record fuel volumes, perform quality checks, and report any irregularities.

• Maintain clear, professional radio communication with aircrew and team.
• Participate in daily briefings and follow supervisor direction in high-pressure environments.
• Report daily to the ATB Supervisor for a briefing on the general fire situation and the plan of action.

ATB Supervisors

ATB Supervisors lead base operations, ensuring safety, task coordination, and operational readiness. Supervisors mentor Loaders, maintain base standards, and act as the primary contact for dispatch and aircrew.

• Supervise a team of up to three ATB Loaders and support seasonal onboarding.
• Assign and monitor tasks including loading, assisting in fuel handling and testing, maintenance, and janitorial cleaning of Airtanker base facilities.
  Perform general maintenance on supplied equipment assigned to the base.
• Uphold a safe and respectful workplace culture.

• Ensure retardant systems, fueling areas, and base infrastructure are…