Our goal at FireSmart Canada is to see wildland fire-resilient communities from coast to coast to coast. And we know that to get there, every province and territory must have the right tools to implement their mitigation/FireSmart programs.
That is why we have developed a comprehensive role structure and accompanying training to grow and strengthen capacity within the provincial and territorial FireSmart teams.
The roles comprise of four levels:
- Level 1 – FireSmart Ambassador
- Level 2 – Neighbourhood Recognition Program Specialist
Please not that the Level 2 training is currently not available in Quebec - Level 3 – Home Ignition Zone Specialist
- Level 4 – Program Coordinator
Level 1 – FireSmart Ambassador
FireSmart Ambassadors serve as frontline representatives, knowledgeable about FireSmart within the local community. As promoters of FireSmart guidelines, programming, and concepts, they play a foundational role in building awareness of and promoting wildland fire prevention and encouraging action within their community. Ambassadors do not conduct technical assessments.
Find more information on the position and its requirements: FireSmart Ambassador Role Description.
Training
The FireSmart Ambassador training is a four-module online course, open to anyone, regardless of background or role in the community. The course takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be stopped and started at any point. The goal of the Level 1 training is to have as many FireSmart Ambassadors in communities as possible because the more educated community residents and leaders are on FireSmart, the more resilient to wildland fire they will become. Anyone wanting to advance to Level 2-4 roles will be required to have completed the Ambassador training.
Access Level 1 FireSmart Ambassador training here.
Level 2 – Neighbourhood Recognition Program Specialist
The NRP Specialist is responsible for coordinating and supporting the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program within their local area. This includes guiding residents and neighbourhoods through the NRP process, from forming committees to completing wildland fire neighbourhood hazard assessments and holding FireSmart events. To become an NRP Specialist, you must have completed Level 1 Ambassador training and take the Level 2 training.
Specific eligibility criteria must be met to qualify for this role. Upon successful completion of the training, an active commitment to fulfilling the role is expected.
Find more information on the position and its requirements: NRP Specialist Role Description.
Training
An access code is required to access the training for the Level 2 NRP Specialist role. Please fill out the Access Code Request Form to request a code from your Provincial or Territorial Liaison.
Once your request is approved and you receive the code, you can return here to access the training: NRP Specialist training.
Please not that the Level 2 training is currently not available in Quebec.
Level 3 – Home Ignition Zone Specialist
The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Specialist is responsible for facilitating the FireSmart Canada Advanced Home Assessment Program, Home Partners Program (currently only available in BC) or other FireSmart Canada-sanctioned home assessment programs in their local area, to help residents identify and reduce potential property hazards related to wildland fires.
Under the direction of a FireSmart Program Coordinator or other community authority, the HIZ Specialist conducts approved FireSmart home assessments at residents’ request, submits the assessments for approval, reports back to the residents on results, and provides advice and guidance on implementing the FireSmart Canada Home Ignition Zone guidelines.
Find more information on the position and its requirements: HIZ Specialist Role Description
Training
HIZ Specialist training will take place in-person only at predetermined workshops. Level 1 Ambassador Training must be successfully completed before participating in the HIZ Specialist Training.
If you are interested in participating in the Home Partners Program WMS Training, please visit the Home Partners Program page.
For Advanced Home Assessment Training, please email FireSmart Canada at general@firesmartcanada.ca indicating your interest, your certificate of completion for level 1 Ambassador training, and your location.
Level 4 – Program Coordinator
The FireSmart Program Coordinator is tasked with coordinating FireSmart Canada programming in a community, municipality, or regional jurisdiction, to enhance wildland fire preparedness, prevention, and mitigation and minimize community risk. This role involves collaborating with community agencies, municipalities and/or regional governments, and the provincial/territorial Wildfire Management agency to coordinate FireSmart programs and activities, manage related projects, planning and budgets, grant applications, and may participate in Community Wildfire Protection Plans.
Find more information on the position and its requirements: Program Coordinator Role Description
Training
Training for the Program Coordinator role will be delivered/provided by the hiring organization. Level 1 through 3 training and active participation in each role must be successfully completed to take the Level 4 Program Coordinator training.
If you’re interested in pursuing a FireSmart Program Coordinator role, please reach out to your FireSmart Provincial or Territorial Liaison.