Type II Crew Leads are expected to lead specialized wildfire crews in the safe, effective, and professional delivery of wildfire suppression services in complex, demanding, and high-risk environments. This role requires advanced field experience, strong Fireline leadership, and a solid understanding of suppression tactics associated with both initial attack and sustained attack operations. Type II Crew Leads must be capable of directing crews through more intensive and specialized Fireline activities, including hand guard construction, hose lays, pump operations, burning operations where applicable, power saw operations, hazard tree management, mop-up, patrol, and sustained suppression efforts in remote and challenging terrain. These crews may also include specialized positions such as Advanced First Aid Attendants and Qualified Fallers, and the Crew Lead must understand how to effectively deploy and supervise these resources within the broader operational plan.
As the front-line supervisor, the Type II Crew Lead is directly responsible for the safety, welfare, performance, and discipline of the crew while on assignment. This includes maintaining situational awareness, managing fatigue, ensuring fitness for duty, addressing conflict, and making sound operational decisions in rapidly changing conditions. The Type II Crew Lead must be able to balance production, crew welfare, and Fireline safety while maintaining a cohesive and disciplined team under pressure. This position also requires a high degree of professionalism in representing the company and maintaining strong working relationships with BC Wildfire Service and other clients through reliable service delivery, clear communication, accurate reporting, and operational excellence. While not engaged in active fire response, Type II Crew Leads may be scheduled for base support duties, training, equipment maintenance, physical fitness testing, project-based work, or other operational assignments where available; however, as this is an on-call position, non-fire assignments and hours of work cannot be guaranteed and will depend on fire activity, operational requirements, and project availability.
Safety & Supervision:
- Lead and maintain a strong safety culture for the crew, ensuring all suppression activities are completed in accordance with company policies, client expectations, and safe work procedures.
- Act as the supervisor on the Fireline and in camp, taking responsibility for the safety, well-being, conduct, and accountability of assigned crew members.
- Oversee more intensive and specialized wildfire suppression activities associated with Type II crews, including initial attack, sustained attack, and extended operations as assigned.
- Monitor Fireline hazards, changing conditions, escape routes, communications, and crew effectiveness while adjusting tactics and assignments as needed.
- Ensure effective use and supervision of specialized crew roles, including Advanced First Aid Attendants, Qualified Fallers, and other qualified personnel.
- Safely direct and oversee the use, care, and maintenance of firefighting equipment such as pumps, hose systems, hand tools, power saws, and other assigned resources.
- Monitor crew fatigue, hydration, physical condition, and fitness for duty throughout operations.
- Ensure all crew members are appropriately briefed, equipped, and prepared for daily assignments and emergency situations.
- Travel and work safely in remote areas and under adverse conditions, including smoke, steep terrain, extreme heat, long shifts, and extended operational periods.
Leadership:
- Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, composure, and adherence to workplace and fireline safety standards.
- Build and maintain a disciplined, respectful, and high-functioning crew culture in remote, high-stress, and fast-changing environments.
- Provide clear direction, assign tasks effectively, and ensure work is completed to the expected operational and safety standard.
- Actively manage interpersonal issues and conflict within the crew, addressing concerns early and appropriately to maintain team cohesion and performance.
- Support the development of crew members by coaching, mentoring, and reinforcing strong operational habits and safe work practices.
- Maintain morale and operational focus during extended deployments, camp shifts, and demanding incident conditions.
- Adapt leadership style and tactical approach as required to match incident complexity, crew composition, and operational objectives.
Operations & Client Services:
- Deliver specialized wildfire suppression services in support of BC Wildfire Service or other clients in a safe, professional, and dependable manner.
- Maintain a strong working knowledge of Type II crew responsibilities, Fireline tactics, and the expectations associated with initial attack, sustained attack, and more specialized suppression assignments.
- Ensure the crew is capable of responding effectively to changing fire behavior, evolving incident objectives, and field direction from overhead personnel.
- Represent the company professionally in all interactions with BC Wildfire Service, agency personnel, contractors, stakeholders, and the public.
- Contribute to positive client relationships through preparedness, responsiveness, professionalism, and dependable execution in the field.
- Ensure work is completed efficiently and to a high standard in support of operational success and client satisfaction.
Admin & Financial Accountability:
- Complete and submit accurate crew time, shift tickets, equipment records, field documentation, and other required operational reporting.
- Demonstrate financial awareness by accurately tracking labour, equipment use, and operational activities tied to billing, project costing, and cost recovery.
- Ensure reports and paperwork are completed in a timely, accurate, and professional manner.
- Maintain accountability for company equipment, supplies, and assigned resources in the field, during transport, and at base.
- Support efficient operations by minimizing avoidable downtime, maintaining organization, and ensuring crew readiness for deployment.
Quality & Professionalism:
- Maintain professional deportment and demeanor at all times.
- Attend and successfully complete required suppression, leadership, safety, and specialized training as identified by management or contract requirements.
- Work extended hours, overtime, standby shifts, and on-call assignments with limited notice, and travel extensively as required.
- Participate in camp shifts and live in camp-style environments for extended periods, including up to 16 consecutive days or as operationally required.
- Ensure vehicles, equipment, and supplies are maintained in a clean, organized, serviceable, and deployment-ready condition.
- Perform non-fire duties such as base support, equipment upkeep, project-based work, or other assigned responsibilities when available.
- Present oneself in a manner appropriate to the role of field supervisor and leader.
Profitability & Efficiency:
- Ensure all crew activities are aligned with company interests by promoting safe, efficient, prepared, and responsible operations.
- Balance safety, production, and resource use to support both operational success and sound financial performance.
- Encourage efficiencies through strong planning, organization, preparedness, and teamwork.
- Support the company’s reputation and long-term success through dependable service delivery, operational leadership, and professional conduct in the field.
The starting wage for this position is $35/hour, with potential for progression based on experience and development within the role.
