Area Forester

Job Information

• Job Title:
  
  Area Forester
• Job Requisition
• Ministry:
  Forestry and Parks
• Location:
  
  Edson or Hinton, AB
• Full or Part-Time:
  Full time
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
• Permanent/Temporary:
  Permanent
• Scope:
  Open Competition
• Closing Date:
  July 1, 2026
• Classification:
  Natural Resource 8
• Salary: $3,165.58 to $4,088.56 bi-weekly ($82,621-$106,711 per year)

We are dedicated to protecting Alberta's forests from wildfires and preserving our provincial parks for the recreation and enjoyment of Albertans. The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations.

• Monitor industry planning, silvicultural activities, and forest operations to maintain alignment with detailed Forest Management Plans, quota agreements, provincial legislation, and departmental directives.
• Communicate sustainable forest management principles to diverse stakeholders, including forest and other industries, the public, and First Nations communities.
• Mediating conflicts between various interest groups to ensure local issues are effectively managed and promote harmony and sustainability.
• Collaborate with timber management companies, embedded quota holders, and contribute to development of Detailed Forest Management Plans and operational ground rules.
• Conduct audits of timber harvesting operations through the Forest Operations Monitoring Program to ensure compliance with established standards and best practices.
• Represent the area in developing regulations, policies, and procedures aimed at enhancing forest sustainability and management practices.
• Travel within the area and throughout the province to coordinate with Ministry staff, other government departments, clients, and external stakeholders.
• Work flexible hours, including overtime, evenings, and weekends as required by wildfire operations.

• Creative Problem Solving – anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience in uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment.
• Build Collaborative Environments – take a collaborative approach to foster open communication and leverage team skills.
• Agility – identify alternative approaches in uncertain, complex situations; support others in determining and assessing strategy.
• Systems Thinking – consider the environment change, recognizing work impacting a vast network of stakeholders.
• Develop Self and Others – learn from experiences, shift, and stay current to remain competitive.

• Education:
  
  University degree in Forestry, Sciences, Natural Resources or related field plus four (4) years of related experience. Directly related education or experience may be considered on a one-for-one basis (e.g., two-year diploma plus six (6) years of related experience).
• Class 5 Driver’s License.
• Canada Safety Council endorsed Defensive Driving Course.
• First Aid, Level C CPR, certificate.
• Eligible for registration with the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals.
• Assets:
  Supervisory or leadership experience; forest management planning/operations and fireline certification; project management experience; crew leader or member experience; experience operating off‑highway vehicles, 4x4 vehicles, and snowmobiles; knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Arc Map, or other GIS applications; strong mediation and negotiation skills; ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships with various stakeholders.

This is a permanent, full-time role with standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday. The incumbent may be required to work overtime, evenings, and weekends due to the emergency nature of wildfire operations. The position is based in either the Edson or Hinton office; the successful candidate may be required to work from both locations as operational needs dictate.

Application to Alberta Public Service offers full benefits as outlined by the public service pension plan, benefits packages, professional development opportunities, positive workplace culture, leadership and mentorship programs, and more.