Airtanker ; ATB Loader & Supervisor

Job Title

Airtanker Base (ATB) Loader & Supervisor

Job

Requisition
Ministry:
Forestry and Parks

Location:

Various, AB
Full or Part-Time:
Full-Time Seasonal Wages
Hours of Work:
Up to 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary:
Temporary Seasonal Wages
Scope:
Wage Competition
Closing Date:
Open Until Suitable Candidates Found

• Natural Resources 2: $23.80 to $30.12 hourly
• Natural Resources 3: $25.07 to $31.72 hourly

Join Alberta’s wildfire response program as an airtanker base supervisor or loader. Your role is essential to the safe, efficient, and coordinated loading of firefighting aircraft across the province. You will work in all weather conditions, manage retirement and fuel systems, and support day‑to‑day base operations.

• Safely operate mixing systems, valves, hoses, and pumps to load aircraft with retardant or foam.
• Conduct retardant control tests, perform recirculation, and report inventory data.
• Maintain mixing systems and storage areas in clean, ready condition.
• Conduct daily facility and grounds upkeep, workshop cleaning, and janitorial duties.
• Perform general maintenance on assigned base equipment and systems.
• Support aircraft refueling and fuel testing under the supervision of the ATB Supervisor.
• Record fuel volumes, perform quality checks, and report any irregularities.
• Maintain clear, professional radio communication with aircrew and team.
• Participate in daily briefings and follow supervisor direction in high‑pressure environments.
• Report daily to the ATB Supervisor for a briefing on the general fire situation and the plan of action.

• Supervise a team of up to three ATB Loaders and support seasonal onboarding.
• Assign and monitor tasks including loading, assisting in fuel handling and testing, maintenance, and janitorial cleaning of airtanker base facilities.
• Uphold a safe and respectful workplace culture.
• Ensure retardant systems, fueling areas, and base infrastructure are functioning and compliant.
• Coordinate aircraft loading activities, scheduling, and site preparation.
• Maintain detailed logs for retardant usage, incidents, fuel records, and inspections.
• Monitor OHS compliance and ATB safety protocols.
• Identify and correct unsafe conditions or behaviors.
• Serve as primary point-of-contact for base-level emergency or operational issues.
• Work with the Air Attack Officer to ensure clear directions are given and received.
• Facilitate the group briefing upon arrival to the base location.

• Agility – anticipate, evaluate, and swiftly adapt to shifting priorities.
• Building Collaborative Environments – create conditions that foster effective collaboration and respect others’ input.
• Systems Thinking – understand how tasks within the APS affect other groups and projects.
• Creative Problem Solving – develop innovative solutions and outcomes.
• Drive for Results – set goals, prioritize work, and seek guidance when needed.
• Develop Self and Others – stay current on skills and technologies; share knowledge and experience with the team.

• Some high school education plus up to 12 months of related experience.

• High school diploma plus up to 12 months of related experience.
• Experience as an ATB Loader is preferred.

• One year of experience for one year of education, or vice versa.
• Related experience includes airtanker operations, aviation support, wildfire suppression, forestry logistics, environmental stewardship, and emergency response.
• Positions may require the ability to lift, bend, and perform physically intensive tasks.

• Experience with loading air tankers.
• Experience with wildfire suppression activities.
• Proficient computer skills and use of Microsoft Office applications (Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to prioritize and multi‑task in a fast‑paced environment.
• Flexibility to work various hours based on operational needs to support the active wildfire season.

• Valid, unrestricted Alberta Class 5 driver’s license or equivalent Canadian…