JFR Crew Leaders-in-Training

Role Responsibilities

The Junior Forest Rangers (JFR) is an exciting summer work experience program that focuses on stewardship, leadership, and traditional ecological knowledge. The program fosters an appreciation for our natural environment by completing hands-on work projects and being immersed in educational opportunities that showcase careers in forestry, wildfire, ecology and other aspects of natural resource management. We are currently seeking applicants that are 17 years of age and older that are looking to further develop their leadership skills, as well as gain more hands on experience in the field of natural resources.

There will be seven JFR crews across the province, with each one living on a different wildfire base. Each crew consists of seven Crew Members (high school students), one Leader-in-Training (LIT), one Sub Leader, and one Leader. Throughout July and August, JFR crews work Monday to Friday, 0815 to 1630, and take part in a wide variety of work projects or educational experiences. Seventy percent of the program schedule is dedicated to physically active work experiences, which may include ecosystem restoration, bushcraft, wildfire or mock fire experience, tree planting, habitat construction, recreational trail construction, and more. The remaining thirty percent of the program schedule will focus on more educational opportunities such as lumber mill and cutblock tours, ATV certification, hunters education course, wildfire lookout tower tours, speaking with elders or knowledge keepers, wildlife ID and awareness training, and so much more.

There will be one LIT on every JFR crew, assisting our Crew Leaders and Sub Leaders with a variety of tasks to provide a successful summer experience for the Crew Members. Before the crew members arrive, all LIT’s will take part in a week-long training program at the Hinton Training Centre. LIT’s will have the opportunity to meet with their leaders to go over the project calendar, and create a task list for the summer. Here is a breakdown of major tasks for the LIT’s :

• Assist your Crew Leader and Sub Leader with training, supervising, and directing all crew members
• Assist your Crew Leader and Sub Leader with completing administrative tasks as required (e.g., weekly reports, timesheets, safety reports)
• Promote team building and a positive, inclusive outdoor experience
• Conduct maintenance and inventory inspections of all equipment and perform regular tool maintenance
• Outline safety standards and procedures and be a positive role model for Crew Members
• Communicate with your Crew Leader and Sub Leader effectively during daily work activities
• Provide the Program Assistant with the crews Jiffer of the Week selection and question responses
• Lead the creation of a weekly video blog and posting on YouTube
• Provide input on the final report
• Upload crew photos to the JFR Google Photos throughout the season
• Ensure JFR accommodations are properly maintained
• Maintain physical fitness standards