National Certified Air Attack Officer (Seasonal)
Job Summary
Department Information
The mandate of the Department of Environment and Climate Change is to manage land, water, air, wildlife, and forests. This includes promoting, planning, and supporting the wise and sustainable use of natural resources, and protecting, restoring, and stewarding the environment for the social and economic benefit of all Northwest Territories residents.
Job Information
The National Certified Air Attack Officer (AAON) is a seasonal (April¿August) position in the Northwest Territories (NWT) responsible for directing and coordinating aerial wildfire suppression operations. Reporting to the Air Attack Supervisor within the Forest Management Division (FMD), the AAON provides specialized expertise in managing airtanker operations and supporting overall aerial fire response.
The Forest Management Division oversees sustainable forest management and wildfire programs across 80 million hectares in the NWT. The Aviation Services Section maintains the GNWT fleet of Air Tractor 802A Fire Boss airtankers, operates six airtanker bases, and coordinates the Air Attack Officer Program.
The AAON controls and directs airtanker response during wildfire events, working closely with aircrews, regional and territorial wildfire staff, and other jurisdictions across Canada and the United States. The role requires strong expertise in aerial fire suppression strategies and the ability to make critical operational decisions in field environments without technical support.
Key Requirements:
- Directs, coordinates and controls air attack operations in order to ensure effectiveness, efficiency and that safety standards are maintained.
- Ensures aviation and support functions in order to ensure they are maintained in a state of preparedness.
- Provides assistance to the Manager, Aviation Services in program delivery.
- Participates in the daily function of the Air Attack Program.
Key Qualifications:
A high school diploma with 5 seasons of experience in ground related firefighting and 3 seasons in aerial wildfire management experience.
Must have completed the National Air Attack Officer Level 3 Training Program, must currently hold qualifications as a National Certified Air Attack Officer in accordance with national standards and specifications, and must have a Communications Canada Radio Operators License, a valid Class 5 NWT Driver¿s License and a valid Canadian Passport.
GNWT Inquiries
Inquiries Only:
Fort Smith HR Client Service Centre
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
195 MCDOUGAL ROAD
BOX 876
FORT SMITH, NT X0E 0P0
Tel (867) 872-8029
Fax (867) 872-3298
jobsfortsmith@gov.nt.ca
Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.
More Information
Seasonal Position
This job opening is for a seasonal position from approximately April to August each year.
Indigenous Employment Policy
Candidates must clearly identify their eligibility in order to receive priority consideration under the Indigenous Employment Policy.
Criminal Records Check
Candidates must provide a satisfactory criminal record check. Failure to provide a satisfactory check may deem you disqualified from the competition.
Driver's License Requirement
A mandatory requirement for this position is a valid Class 5 Driver's License
Diversity and Inclusion
The Government of the Northwest Territories is an inclusive workplace. If you have a disability and you require support during the hiring process, you are encouraged to identify your needs if you are contacted for an assignment or interview so that you may be accommodated during the hiring process.
Eligibility
Eligibility lists may be created from this competition to fill future term and indeterminate positions.
Equivalencies
Equivalencies may be considered based on a one-year of directly related experience equivalent to one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience. However, combinations of education and experience must often be considered on a case-by-case basis. For a full list of equivalencies that will be considered for this role, please contact human resources.
Job Opening Information
Job Opening ID # 27611
Closing Date: April 3, 2026- 23:59, Mountain Time
Salary Information
The salary for this position starts at $49.68 per hour (approximately $96,876. per annum) plus an annual Northern Allowance of $5,662.
Application Assistance
For more information on preparing and submitting your application, please visit: Preparing Your Application