Employment Opportunity
The Type 1 Helitack (HAC1) program provides the right individual with a unique opportunity to work as a team member alongside
people with similar interests. It offers the chance to see different and remote areas of the province and to assist in preserving
Alberta's natural resources.
The position is a challenging one, bringing with it a feeling of personal satisfaction and accomplishment.
Members must maintain a state of good health and physical fitness to endure the rigorous training and at times arduous working
conditions. The fitness standard reflects the very real dangers that accompany firefighting. On a fire, a high-energy output
over extended periods is normal, and good physical conditioning helps mitigate the risk of fatigue related accidents.
Prior to training camp, all candidates must have, and be able to show proof of, a valid standard first aid certificate with
CPR, a driver's license, a defensive driving certificate, and a valid high school diploma or equivalent.
Medical Screening
Before any physical fitness testing is conducted, all candidates must complete a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire
(PAR-Q) and sign an Informed Consent. Candidates invited to the fitness tryouts in January will be asked to submit current,
completed PAR-Qs and Informed Consent forms at the check-in table. Those candidates who have answered "Yes" to any of the
PAR-Q questions will require a doctor's written permission to take part in the testing and will be required to submit this
document at check-in. At the training course, the candidate will then undergo an extensive medical examination.
Physical Fitness
At a location designated by the area office or the Provincial Forest Fire Centre, all applicants selected must complete
a physical fitness test, consisting of three phases. Members are tested throughout the season and must be able to meet the
following minimum physical fitness standards at all times. Failure to do so may result in the member's being released from
the program. A 20-minute rest is allowed between phases.
Fitness Training
Physical training is recommended four to six weeks prior to attempting this fitness test. For guidelines for training, see:
Interview
Selected applicants may be interviewed after the physical fitness test and if successful, they will be invited to the training
course.
Fire Training (April 27 – May 11, 2012)
The Type 1 training course is held each year at the Hinton Training Centre in Hinton, Alberta. Job offers are extended upon
successful completion of the training.
- Instructors conduct continuous assessments of each candidate's attitude, competence, suitability, job knowledge, ability
to follow instructions and fitness.
- Training includes both theory and practical in subjects such as:
- radio
- equipment use and maintenance
- map and compass reading
- firefighting methods
- fire weather/behaviour
- helicopter safety
- pump and power saw training
- Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS)
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
- bear safety
- Candidates are subjected to stressful conditions with morning fitness classes at 0600 hours each day, seven days a week.
There will be occasional evening lectures, written exams on fire theory, practical application, and the use of fire fighting
equipment.
- The candidate will progress from the basics, from proper care and usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to helicopter
operations.
- Safety is of the utmost importance: anyone failing to display a safety-conscious attitude will not be accepted. The training
is strenuous, and candidates will be assessed and selected in accordance to the above guidelines and to their suitability
for the program.
Pending training completion, crew members will report to their respective Wildfire Management Area, where they will live
and work together in strategically placed bases.
During a typical season, members may experience varied periods of fire action. The remainder may include project work, proficiency
training, or deployment to other regions while waiting for fire action.
Crews will usually have trailer/bunkhouse accommodations. In some cases, members may be expected to cook for themselves.
Members can also be based in tent camps in remote locations and overnight on a fire to extinguish it.
Members are expected to supply sleeping bags, CSA-approved safety footwear, rain gear, adequate work clothing, running shoes,
exercise clothing, and personal items.
The employment period will vary depending on the location. The approximate period may be from April 1 to October 31 and
may be extended depending on the fire hazard.
Due to the helicopter payload limitations, there may be a weight restriction for individuals accepted into the program.
Rates of Pay
The range for Type 1 members will be from $19.44 to $23.93 per hour, depending on a member's experience.
Critical Dates
Fitness testing has been scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, January 7 and 8, 2012 at:
Edmonton Expo Centre
Edmonton, Alberta
Interviews are scheduled for January 23 – 27, 2012 in Edmonton at the Provincial Forest Fire Center.
Applications and Deadlines
HAC1 Application Form
Applications can also be obtained from any provincial government office and must be postmarked no later than November 30,
2011. Indicate on your application that you are applying for HAC1H. HAC1H personnel predominately work away from their home
base. Please provide your top three (3) area locations on your application form.
In case of a postal strike, your application, with or without a resume, can be dropped off at the nearest government office.
Please ensure you have the appropriate address.
NOTE: Only successful candidates will be contacted (initially by email and then by phone) to schedule fitness
testing/interview time slots.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only individuals selected to proceed to the next hiring stage will
be contacted. Due to the large volume of applicants, we regret that we cannot confirm that our office has received resumes.
Applicants who apply online will receive an email acknowledging receipt of their application.
If you apply by fax or email, please DO NOT send a duplicate by regular mail.
Your application or resume can be mailed, emailed, faxed, or dropped off. Please quote the competition number HAC1H.
Mail and drop off address:
Helitack Program
c/o Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Forestry Division
9th floor, 9920 - 108 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2M4
Phone: (780) 427-6807
Fax: (780) 415-1509
Email: FPD.Type1Seasonal@gov.ab.ca