Aviation Operations Coordinator

Job Description

About CIFFC
The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) supports wildfire management agencies across Canada by coordinating resource sharing, strengthening national collaboration, and advancing programs and standards that improve Canada's collective wildfire response and resilience. FireSmart Canada, a program under CIFFC, empowers communities and individuals to take proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk through education, resources, and best practices for prevention and mitigation.

The Opportunity
The Aviation Coordinator is part of an integrated national aviation team and reports to the Aviation Specialist, contributing to the delivery of operational wildland fire aviation services to CIFFC Member Agencies across Canada. Working collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary environment, the role supports the national coordination, movement, procurement, and integration of aerial firefighting and crew transportation resources, including logistics, advanced planning and staging, contract administration, and the implementation of protocols to incorporate new aviation assets into provincial and territorial operations. The position helps ensure seamless, rostered aviation coverage during fire season through cross-training across aviation and Duty Officer functions, while maintaining strong working relationships with member agencies, federal partners, and commercial aviation vendors.

Key Responsibilities
Provide national coordination and oversight of aviation resources to support crew deployments and operational requirements during fire season, ensuring seamless 24/7 coverage through cross-training and a rostered system that includes Duty Officer responsibilities.
Co-lead CIFFC Working Group(s), fostering a collaborative environment among member agencies to advance aviation operations, technology, safety, and integration across Canada.
Align Working Group priorities and project charters with the Resource Management Committee work plan in collaboration with the Director of Operations and manage associated project teams.
Coordinate the day-to-day movement, logistics, planning, and operational readiness of national aviation resources, including newly procured aircraft and associated capabilities.
Develop and implement protocols to integrate new aircraft fleet into provincial and territorial operations, addressing standards, training requirements, operational procedures, and interagency compatibility.
Undertake advanced national planning and staging of aviation resources in collaboration with provinces, territories, national forecasters, and prediction specialists.
Manage the procurement and administration of charter aircraft, including working with vendors and brokers, validating contracts and invoices, and maintaining strong relationships with the commercial aviation sector.
Facilitate the collection, validation, and dissemination of aviation information among member agencies, including data related to operations, maintenance, training, and safety.
Maintain national systems and standards such as the airtanker and birddog numbering system, fire chemical standards coordination with US partners, and aviation components of MARS implementation guidelines and international operating plans.
Liaise with federal departments and external partners, including Transport Canada and international counterparts, on legislation, regulatory matters, cross-border arrangements, and emerging aviation issues.
Represent CIFFC and Canadian interests at national and international meetings, workshops, and conferences related to wildland fire aviation.
Collaborate with the Coordination Centre Manager and Aviation Working Group members to streamline national and international resource request and movement processes, including integration into systems such as ROADS.
Provide subject matter expertise to support national aviation training curricula and personnel exchange standards in collaboration with CIFFC leadership and training staff.
Prepare technical reports, correspondence, recommendations, and briefings on aviation matters for member agencies and stakeholders.
Maintain comprehensive national and international aviation contact networks and respond to information requests from member agencies.
Perform additional coordination and operational duties as assigned by the Director of Operations and participate in the CIFFC Duty Officer rotation, serving as CIFFC Representative as required.

Qualifications
Graduate from a recognized university or college in Renewable Resource Management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Understanding of operational wildland fire activities.
Understanding of air attack and aircraft management operations.
Experience in charter aircraft procurement processes.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Demonstrated proficiency in all areas of presentation design and delivery.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate (verbally and written) in Canada's two official languages (English and French) is considered an Asset.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders, both internally and externally.
Exceptional organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability in taking initiative and working well under limited supervision.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with private and sensitive information.
Demonstrated ability to manage change and achieve results.
Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict, problem-solve, and achieve consensus by fostering collaboration.

Key Competencies
Integrity & Trust - Honest, reliable, follows through.
Client Focus - Understands and meets client needs, listens actively, builds trust and respect, and treats colleagues as internal clients.
Problem Solving - Analyzes complex issues, separates facts from opinions, evaluates risks, identifies root causes, and generates practical solutions.
Quality of Work - Pays attention to detail, ensures accuracy, delivers high-quality outcomes, and takes ownership of errors.
Adaptability - Adapts readily to change, remains open to differing perspectives, and adjusts behaviours and approaches as needed.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Works effectively across teams and jurisdictions.
Drive for Results - Committed to achieving objectives, overcomes obstacles, sets challenging goals, and follows through on commitments.
Planning & Organizing - Establishes priorities, sets clear goals, coordinates work effectively, and ensures alignment with organizational objectives.
Emotional Intelligence - Maintains composure under pressure, demonstrates empathy, inspires optimism, and responds effectively to others.

How to Apply:
To apply, combine your cover letter and resume into a single PDF. Submit your application at:
For further information about this career opportunity, please feel free to contact Janelle Robin