Forestry Technician 4 (Air Attack Officer) Nationally Certified

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

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

• 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.

Equivalency

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

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