Emergency Planning Coordinator II

Requisition ID: 38021 

Company

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

The Emergency Planning Coordinator II – Operational Readiness is responsible for performing a wide range of emergency management tasks, and for various elements of program and project management.  This position consults with internal and external stakeholders, including volunteers, to develop plans and procedures, design and deliver training programs; chairs and or supports local, regional and provincial planning initiatives. Also, the incumbent coordinates and supports the administration, training, and deployment of staff and/or volunteer emergency teams to support response to planned and unplanned events.  Some supervisory functions may be performed.

The EPC-II employs a practical approach to training development and delivery and understands the importance of empowerment through learning and the relationship between planning, training and operational readiness. Experience working in municipal government and the ability to understand the perspective and issues related to first responders, unionized staff and management is an asset.

This position reports to the Manager, Operational Readiness and works closely with other members of the Vancouver Emergency Management Agency team, volunteers, internal departments, and external stakeholders.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate and lead multi-stakeholder planning teams to develop and update plans, procedures and protocols to support coordinated inter-departmental response to emergencies.
• Maintain the City’s EOC staffing program (VanTEAMS) including recruitment, engagement, administration, metrics and reporting
• In close consultation with the Vancouver Emergency Management Agency (VEMA) team and other City staff, the EPC-II will develop and deliver training content with a specific focus on Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and Department Operations Centre (DOC) functions
• Coordinates and oversees logistical, operational and administrative functions related to EOC activation, staffing, operations and deactivation for planned and unplanned events
• Takes a senior leadership or advisory role in an activated EOC and provides mentorship and guidance to other staff and volunteers supporting response 
• Develop and manage project and program budgets
• Act as VEMA Duty Officer and carry out related duties as required. This includes a 24/7 on-call rotation for a one-week period every 4-6 weeks.  Compensation for overtime and standby pay for this function will be administered per the Collective Agreement. On call activities include:
  • Monitoring for extreme weather and other emerging events that may require coordinated response
  • Activating, deploying and supporting Emergency Support Services volunteers to support residents displaced by fire or other emergencies
  • Liaising with EMBC to obtain provincial task numbers and/or funding extensions as part of an ESS activations, and performing other response related duties as required
  • Assessing emergency incidents to determine supports needed and escalation required
  • Occasionally providing onsite support during emergency responses (e.g. house fire) to connect with first responders, those displaced and housing/food suppliers.
• Conduct or lead research and leading practice studies and develop recommendations to support the emergency management program
• Oversee the implementation of recommendations to further enhance emergency programs, with consideration for change management processes
• Support emergency response and emergency operations centre activations
• Participate in emergency training, exercises, and planning
• Participate in exercise design and execution
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

This position is part of an on-call Duty Officer rotation and will have an operational role at the Emergency Operations Centre when activated. Due to the nature of this position, some evening and weekend work is required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with a focus on emergency management, communications, education or a related discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required
• Experience developing, delivering, and assessing the effectiveness of training and educational materials to a range of audiences, program development and project management would be considered assets. Experience working with emergency management information systems, communications and audio visual technology is also considered an asset. Operational experience in emergency or incident management is preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience in planning, coordinating, delivering and evaluating training through a variety of methods including in-services, workshops, tabletop exercises, drills, functional and full-scale exercises.
• Considerable knowledge of training and adult education techniques, facilitation and engagement practices and principles
• Considerable project and program management knowledge and experience
• Knowledge of principles and practices of emergency management, risk reduction, planning, mitigation, response, and recovery
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders to analyze programs, identify improvement opportunities, develop recommendations, and implement improvement plans using change management principles
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse internal and external partners
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with equity-denied communities
• Demonstrated ability to develop project plans and manage budgets
• Demonstrated ability and comfort with public speaking
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of other agencies and local, provincial and federal governments
• Ability to balance competing priorities in a dynamic environment
• Ability to coordinate and mediate parties with conflicting priorities
• Ability to participate in or chair committees with senior personnel from all levels of government, industry, private organizations and the public
• Ability to present views and ideas effectively, both orally and in writing, and present recommendations to senior leaders
• Ability to learn and utilize technology for program and information management
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Experience engaging and supporting vulnerable populations is an asset
• Familiarity with equity principles and Gender-Based Analysis is an asset

A contractor clearance is a requirement of this position. 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A current and valid BC Driver’s License is a requirement of this position. Transportation arrangements must meet operational requirements of the Department.

The City’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination against COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the City deem it necessary to re-introduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.

Business Unit/Department: Chief Safety Officer (1090) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 

Position Start Date: May 2023

Position End Date: July 2024 

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-028: $45.68 to $53.97 per hour

Application Close: March 24, 2023

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10mins. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a tailored summary of skills and experience related to the position.