Looking for a career in Fire and Emergency Services Education?

Position: Lead Cook
Organization: Canadian Fire Rescue College
Shift: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Position
Type: Seasonal / Scheduled Class Dates Only
Wage: $21.00 – $25.00 per hour (based on experience)
Benefits: Employer Benefit Plan Included (Blue Cross)

Position Overview

Canadian Fire Rescue College (CFRC) is seeking a reliable and organized Lead Cook to manage and operate our training facility kitchen during scheduled training programs. This is a unique position that offers extended time off between training sessions, particularly during the winter months, while still maintaining stable and predictable scheduled work periods throughout the year.

This position offers a consistent daytime schedule, independent work environment, and structured work periods, making it ideal for individuals seeking seasonal or structured employment.

The Lead Cook is responsible for operating the kitchen independently and managing all kitchen operations, including food ordering, menu planning, meal preparation, meal service, dishwashing, and kitchen cleaning. The kitchen is operated by one cook, and the Lead Cook is responsible for all kitchen operations.

The Lead Cook will typically prepare meals for approximately 6–24 students and staff per day. Meals are buffet style and served on a structured schedule. Dietary restrictions and food allergies may need to be accommodated from time to time.

Food ordering will be completed through approved suppliers and local grocery stores using company accounts. The Lead Cook will be responsible for maintaining reasonable food costs and managing kitchen inventory.

This position requires standing for extended periods, lifting up to 40 lbs, and working independently for most of the shift.

This position is ideal for semi-retired cooks, camp cooks, school cooks, institutional cooks, or individuals seeking full-time hours during scheduled training periods with extended time off between programs.

The Lead Cook reports to the College Administration and works independently in the kitchen facility.

Scheduled Work Periods

The cook will be required to work only during scheduled class dates:

• May 9 – July 17, 2026
• August 15 – December 11, 2026
• February 27 – August 20, 2027
• August 30 – October 21, 2027
• October 30 – December 17, 2027

Outside of these dates, the cook is not required to work, providing significant time off between training programs.

This position is paid hourly during scheduled class dates only. Shifts are guaranteed during scheduled training periods.

Daily Schedule & Duties

Each workday follows a consistent schedule and workflow:

• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Lunch meal cooking
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch meal service
• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Dishwashing and kitchen cleaning, Next day continental breakfast preparation, Next day lunch preparation, Current day dinner preparation and cooking, Food ordering and menu planning (as required).
• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Dinner service
• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Kitchen cleaning, dishes, and lock up

Meals are prepared for training staff and students in a structured training environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan weekly menus
• Order food and kitchen supplies
• Prepare daily continental breakfasts (prep for next day)
• Prepare and cook lunch and dinner meals
• Serve meals during scheduled service times
• Wash dishes and maintain kitchen cleanliness
• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards
• Manage kitchen independently
• Lock and secure kitchen at end of day

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Previous cooking experience in a commercial, institutional, camp, or restaurant kitchen
• Ability to work independently and manage a kitchen alone
• Experience with menu planning and food ordering
• Food Safe Certificate (or willingness to obtain)
• Strong organization and time management skills
• Reliable and punctual
• Ability to prepare meals for groups on a schedule

Preferred:

• Lead cook or kitchen manager experience
• Experience cooking for groups (10–40 people)
• Experience in camp, school, or institutional food service
• Basic budgeting and inventory management experience

Position Benefits:

• Employer benefit plan
• Consistent daytime/evening schedule (11 AM – 7 PM)
• Independent work environment
• Scheduled work periods with extended time off between training sessions
• Stable recurring training schedule through 2027

How to Apply

Please submit your application through Indeed or the email address listed below. Include your resume and a brief description of your cooking experience with the subject line "Lead Cook - Canadian Fire Rescue College" to:

justin.wollin@canadianfirerescuecollege.com

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced, highly capable, and physically fit Wildland Firefighter to join our instructional team and help train the next generation of wildfire professionals. This role involves delivering Firetack Crew Member and other related wildland fire training to cohorts of up to 24 students, both on campus and at off-site locations.

Ideal candidates bring substantial Alberta Wildfire operational experience, strong instructional ability, and a demonstrated commitment to professional firefighter training. This is a casual instructional position, with opportunities for classroom and field instruction on an as-needed basis, as well as delivery of additional wildland training levels at regularly scheduled intervals.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate with the Training Coordinator and Assistant Training Officers to ensure classes are properly prepared and resourced.
• Lead the delivery of Firetack Crew Member and BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) training (e.g., S-100, S-185) in both classroom and field environments.
• Direct, mentor, and supervise Assistant and Guest Training Officers during training delivery.
• Accurately complete and submit all required training records, evaluations, and administrative documentation.
• Deliver additional training levels, as qualified and available (optional), including NFPA 1140 and various Incident Command System (ICS) courses.

Mandatory Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:

• Minimum Strike Team Leader certification (current).
• Active operational experience within the past five (5) years on incidents managed by Alberta Wildfire or the Alberta Forestry Division.*
• Demonstrated familiarity with Alberta Wildfire Standard Operating Procedures and wildfire suppression practices.
• Proven background in adult instruction or training delivery.
• Valid Standard First Aid certification (St. John Ambulance, Red Cross, CSPS, Industrial First Aid, BC WCB, or equivalent).
• Completion of S-490 Advanced Wildland Fire Behaviour.

* Active operational experience is defined as having served under the Operations Section, or as an Incident Commander or Safety Officer, on a wildfire in Alberta, including incidents managed under an Alberta Incident Management Team (IMT).

Additional Information

This position is intended for individuals who meet the Hinton Training Centre’s qualification requirements for the delivery of Firetack Crew Member training. The requirements listed above are non-negotiable and are necessary to fulfill this role.

We appreciate your interest and look forward to reviewing your application.

Job Type: Casual

Pay: $30.00-$45.00 per hour

Expected hours: 8 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Experience:

• Operational Alberta Wildfire: 5 years (required)
• Familiarity with Alberta SOP's and Wildfire Practices: 1 year (required)
• Adult education: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Alberta Strike Team Leader Certification (must be current) (required)
• Standard First Aid and CPR (required)
• S-490 Advanced Wildland Fire Behaviour Training Course (required)

Work Location: In person

Type: Casual (0-50hrs/week)

Competition Number: CI-0126

Schedule: This position is casual in nature with no set number of hours required. Most training delivered by the CFRC occurs on weekdays, so having availability during the week is important for those looking to recieve ample opportunities to instruct. The Training Coordinator will reach out to the casual instructor list in a rotational manner whenever additional staff are needed for training*. Casual instructors have one business day to respond with whether or not they would like to take the teaching assignment before the manager moves on to the next casual instructor on the list. This ensures fair and equal opportunity for all casual instructors - eliminating any preferential treatment or subconcious biases.

Location: Springbrook, Alberta - and other locations

Wages: $30-45/hr

Paid Time-Off: None

Benefits: Continuing education opportunities, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom suite on campus, discounted meal plan from college kitchen.

Description:  The Canadian Fire Rescue College (CFRC) is seeking casual professional Emergency Services Instructors to deliver firefighter training courses at our soon to open new campus location in Springbrook, and on location to various clients throughout the province. The successful candidate will be expected to work on a casual basis as available working alone, or in cooperation with other instructors and staff.

Duties:

• Plan and deliver Fire and Rescue and/or EMS and First Aid courses to groups of trainees of varying skill levels
• Demonstrate firefighting and/or EMS skills as needed to adequately instruct programs.
• Revise lesson plans as needed
• Prepare for training in advance - including resetting of training props and teaching areas. (as needed)
• Provide a safe and supportive learning environment for participants
• Teach proper fire and rescue and/or EMS techniques in a safe manner
• Assess participants' progress and provide feedback for improvement
• Adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of different learners
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, progress, and evaluations

Skills:

• Strong firefighting and/or EMS skills and knowledge of various incident types and techniques
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively with individuals of all ages and backgrounds
• Patience and ability to provide constructive feedback
• Excellent problem solver - able to overcome last minute changes or difficulties that may arise from time to time.
• Attention to detail - able to make thoughtful plans, and can keep a keen eye on student performance.
• Significant firefighting and/or EMS experience, ideally ending or currently in an officer role

Required Qualifications:

• NFPA 1041 Emergency Services Instructor Level I
• NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I and II
• NFPA 472/1072/470 Hazmat Responder Awareness and Operations Levels
• Class 5 Drivers license with Q (Air brake) endorsement

OR

• Canadian Red Cross Professional Responder Instructor (EMR/AFA/BLS)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Full-Time Firefighter (currently employed)
• NFPA 1002 Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator
• NFPA 1140 (1051) Wildland Firefighter Level I
• NFPA 1041 Emergency Services Instructor Level II
• NFPA 1021 Fire Company Officer Level I
• NFPA 1021 Fire Company Officer Level II
• NFPA 1006 (Ropes, Confined Space, or Vehicle Extircation)
• NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Responder Technician Level
• NFPA 1521 Safety Officer (ISO and HSO)
• Class 3 Drivers license
• Canadian Red Cross First Aid Instructor
• Canadian Red Cross Professional Responder Instructor
• H2S Alive Instructor

We are seeking enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about teaching in the fire service. If you enjoy working in a dynamic environment and have a love for the fire service, we would love to hear from you!

Advancement Opportunities: Depending on experience and qualification level, Casual Instructors may be able to advance into positions such as  Evaluator, or Program Manager.