Forestry Technician 4 (Air Attack Officer)

About Us

Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources – including biodiversity, forests, provincial parks and the land we manage. Natural Resources is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forests, parks and wildlife resources and the administration of the province’s Crown land. Together we are working with Nova Scotians to build a better future through sustainable natural resource management.

About Our Opportunity

The Forest Technician 4 – Air Attack Officer (AAO) provides specialized, technically complex direction and coordination of aerial wildfire suppression operations across the Province of Nova Scotia. The position ensures that aircraft resources are deployed safely, effectively, and efficiently in support of provincial wildfire suppression strategies. As the AAO, you will also provide operational support to the Fleet and Wildfire Management division including wildfire prevention and mitigation, training and equipment initiatives.

Primary Accountabilities

• Direct, coordinate, and control aerial wildfire suppression operations including airspace management, target selection, and drop evaluation.
• Conduct aerial reconnaissance, post-mission debriefings, and provide clear, concise radio communications.
• Monitor aircraft readiness, base alert levels, weather conditions, and fire danger indices.
• Ensure compliance with aviation policies, safety standards, and operational guidelines.
• Develop, deliver, and evaluate training for Air Attack Officers and wildfire management staff.
• Contribute to annual wildfire preparedness and pre-suppression planning activities.
• Support Provincial Wildfire Coordination Centre operations including duty officer rotations, aircraft dispatch, and situation reporting.

Qualifications and Experience

You have graduated from a recognized forestry or related technician diploma program and have a minimum of six (6) years of related experience. You must be able to demonstrate extensive experience with wildfire aerial suppression tactics using fixed‑ and rotary‑wing aircraft operations. You have advanced knowledge and analytical skills to assess wildland fire behaviour and values at risk to develop and adapt aerial attack strategies under dynamic and high‑pressure operational conditions. The role requires a strong working understanding of Canadian Aviation Regulations, restricted wildfire airspace procedures, and applicable wildfire legislation to ensure aircraft are deployed safely, effectively, and in compliance with established standards. Effective performance requires clear, concise verbal and written communication, particularly in demanding radio environments, and the ability to remain composed while managing multiple concurrent operational priorities. The position includes leadership responsibilities such as mentoring and developing Air Attack Officer trainees. Proficiency with office productivity software and mobile technology is required, including the use of iPhones, iPads, and operational applications such as ESRI Field Maps, Avenza Maps, and ForeFlight to support situational awareness and decision‑making.

You must have:

• Valid class 5 driver's licence or equivalent
• Restricted Radio Operators Certificate (ROC-A) (or can obtain)
• National Air Attack Officer certifications (or can obtain)
• Valid Canadian passport for international deployments (or ability to obtain)

Assets:

• Advanced Wildland Fire Behaviour course or equivalent
• Qualified as one or more Incident Command System command and general staff positions
• Experience in the development and delivery of training courses in an adult education environment. 

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Normal work week is 35 hours per week. This position often requires extensive travel within province, nationally, and internationally with minimal notification.  Extended periods in small aircraft under turbulence, exposure to G forces, and occasional field movement requiring coordination and stamina. Incumbents will perform a rotating shift to provided seven day per week coverage during the wildfire season and on occasion overtime may be required.

What We Offer

• Career development and access to ongoing training and professional growth opportunities.
• An engaging and supportive workplace where employees feel valued and respected.
• A wide range of career paths across the Government of Nova Scotia.
• Department-specific flexible working arrangements where operationally feasible