Wildfire Training

Last Review/Updated: January 25, 2007

The Forestry Branch Wildfire Training program helps new Wildfire Ranger candidates develop their skills and knowledge over a two to three year period. The Wildfire Training Program is three pronged, and consists of:

  • participating in a guaranteed Seasonal Work Program;
  • attending the Wildfire Training Academy at the Hinton Training Centre; and
  • participating in a Mentor Program whereby candidates are assigned to a mentor and complete a Skills and Knowledge task book.

The Skills and Knowledge task book ensures recruits successfully acquire the skills and knowledge they need. The book also accredits any prior training that has been recently completed by an applicant. (For example, a candidate who has completed a basic fire suppression course would not have to re-take the course.)

To ensure candidates are exposed to all facets of wildfire management, field experience and formal education are conducted simultaneously. This allows candidates to gauge early-on whether a career in wildland firefighting is right for them.

Seasonal Work Program

Successful candidates from the interview process are guaranteed a seasonal position as part of their work experience.

To qualify, applicants must have a minimum of one season experience as a firefighter, or as a leader of a Type II, HAC or RAP team. Skills and knowledge obtained through seasonal work will be recorded in the candidate's personal Skills and Knowledge task book. A wide-range of seasonal positions exist, including warehouse, lookout, patrol, air tanker base, dispatcher, seasonal task force leader and fire management.

Hinton Training Centre Wildfire Training Academy

Classes at the Wildfire Training Academy run from the beginning of October to the end of February. Students reside at the Hinton Training Centre for the duration of their training. Upon graduating, students are certified for Type II Fire Management duties.

Mentoring Program

The purpose of the mentoring program is to offer enhanced training to candidates "on the job", as a way to fine-tune their skills and knowledge. It allows candidates to ask questions, try out the job, and prepare themselves for a career with the department.

Mentors are assigned to new recruits from their commencement to the end of their probationary. Mentors have years of experience, and the skills and knowledge to help candidates progress through the program.

Upon completing the program the mentor will, in conjunction with a supervisor, make a recommendation for permanent employment based on the student's skills and knowledge task book.