Junior Forest Ranger; JFR Crew Member

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Job Title:

Junior Forest Ranger (JFR) Crew Member
Job

Requisition
Ministry:
Forestry and Parks

Location:

Various, AB
Full or Part-Time:
Full-Time Seasonal Wages
Hours of Work:
Up to 36.5 hours per week
Regular/Temporary:
Temporary Seasonal
Scope:
Wage Opportunity
Closing Date:
April 1, 2026
Classification:
Non-Employee
Salary: $16 hourly for Crew Members

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

Learn More about how we are committed to protecting Alberta's forests from wildfires.

The Junior Forest Rangers (JFR) is an exciting summer work experience program that focuses on stewardship, leadership, and traditional ecological knowledge. JFR Crew Members will work together in a team of seven, being accompanied by a Senior Crew Member and mentored and supervised by a Crew Leader and Sub Leader. All crews live on a wildfire base for the seven-week contract in July and August.

The program provides insight into a wide variety of careers in forestry, wildfire, ecology and other areas of natural resource management by completing hands‑on work projects and being immersed in educational opportunities. We are currently seeking motivated, enthusiastic and team‑oriented individuals to be a part of our JFR crews throughout the province of Alberta.

All members go through five days of training to start off the season. During training, everyone will take part in a wide variety of sessions, including leadership and team development, cultural awareness, bushcraft skills, hand tool training, health and safety, wildfire orientation, brushsaw course, and much more.

After training, all crews travel to their respective forest areas, where they are stationed for the summer. Every day, crews take part in a different work project or educational opportunity. Seventy percent of the program schedule is dedicated to physically active work experiences which can include ecosystem restoration, bushcraft, wildfire or mock fire experience, tree planting, habitat construction, recreational trail construction, and more.

The remaining thirty percent of the program schedule involves educational opportunities which may include forestry tours, ATV training, hunters education course, lookout tower tours, speaking with Indigenous elders or knowledge keepers, wildlife , and so much more.

During the evenings, crews will have some down time to relax, have a camp fire, go for an evening hike, utilize the rec or weight rooms on base, or simply hang out with the crew. Weekends are geared towards outdoor recreation activities or potentially volunteer opportunities. Some of that includes hiking, fishing, canoeing, practicing for Bull of the Woods, visiting an animal shelter to walk some dogs, going camping, or anything else the crew wants to plan that aligns with the program goals.

Everyone is off for the August long weekend.

• Work on projects set out in the schedule provided by the supervisors.
• Participate in educational activities including tours, presentations, and out‑trips.
• Learn and demonstrate safe working practices with equipment and during projects.
• Be prepared and on time each work day.
• Adhere to the rules, terms, and conditions of employment as set out by the Programs and the supervisors.
• Assist in the upkeep of the camp.
• Participate in evening and weekend activities.

• Be aware of OH&S policy, camp/work site emergency response, and adhere to high standard of safety in the workplace. This includes being present for daily safety briefings.
• Demonstrate professionalism and dress appropriate for work and community events. Represent the JFR/AJFR programs in a positive way.
• Utilize required personal protective equipment for all work and education opportunities.
• Maintain open lines of communication with other crew members and supervisory staff.
• Quickly inform supervisors of any concerns regarding camp/accommodations, transportation, equipment, and safety.

• Assist with completing vehicle inspections.
• Assist with documentation and reporting of accidents and near misses.
• Assist with completing Site Specific Hazard Assessments.
• Complete season end evaluation of camp facilities and supervisors.

Every day is a different project or experience, but most crews have a similar daily routine. Here is a typical day in the life of a crew member:

• Wake up on base (unless you are camping).
• Eat breakfast in the kitchen and prepare a lunch to bring.
• Get equipment ready, both personal gear and the tools needed for the day.
• Drive in work vehicle to the job site for that day (leaders are the ones who drive our work vehicles).
• Arrive on‑site, meet project partner, complete safety orientation and prepare the gear needed.
• Start work project or…