Coordinator, Emergency Management Program

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is responsible for leading the coordination of City services in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from major planned and unplanned events. During emergencies, the Office of Emergency Management ensures that City-wide response and recovery activities are coordinated through the City’s Emergency Management Framework, and follow the City’s emergency management plans, including the City’s Continuity of Operations Plan. The City of Ottawa’s Emergency Management Program is governed by Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

You are responsible for working with City departments and services to ensure that the City maintains a robust Emergency Management Program. You are accountable for coordinating the City’s Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment work and updates to City-wide emergency management plans, as well as for delivering emergency management training and public education initiatives. In addition, during emergencies, you are responsible for supporting the City’s Emergency Coordination Centre with activities related to response, recovery, demobilization and after-action evaluations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4-year university degree with a focus on, or specialization in Emergency Management, Public Safety, business continuity management or other related field such as Business Administration or Communications with additional training in emergency management.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in coordinating and supporting emergency management plans, emergency response, special events, and business/operational continuity.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

KNOWLEDGE

• Applied knowledge of the emergency management framework and fundamentals of emergency management (Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Recovery)
• Understanding of either Incident Management System (IMS), Incident Command System (ICS), or National Incident Management System (NIMS)
• Knowledge of current issues and trends in the field of emergency/risk management, including familiarity with relevant provincial and federal legislation affecting municipal government emergency/risk management and business continuity plans
• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the City’s emergency management program, including local, provincial, and federal governments, emergency services and public safety agencies, non-government organizations, broader public sector agencies and private sector businesses 
• Proficiency in Microsoft office applications, to produce reports, track data, produce manuals/procedures, and for training purposes
• Experience with multi-disciplinary/jurisdictional groups on emergency planning projects and exercises is an asset
• Knowledge of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and its regulations
• Knowledge of the Personal Health Information Protection Act
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to write clear and concise reports, plans and procedures and communicate effectively verbally; ability to summarize information and tailor it for specific audiences
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication, facilitation, presentation and training skills
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and research skills to provide recommendations and advice to management
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to multi-task, and to work in a high-pressure and politically sensitive unit, and deliver projects under tight deadlines with minimal supervision
• Ability to establish positive working relationships and communicate with a broad range of stakeholders, including management, City staff, emergency services and public safety agencies, external organizations and members of the public
• Ability to prepare effective training materials (or documentation) and deliver training courses to all staff levels
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in emergency situations, and remain calm in emergencies 
• Ability to work independently and apply initiative and good judgement
• Exercise tact and diplomacy 
• May be required at times to work outside normal operating hours, for extended periods of time, to meet the organization’s staffing requirement to support the planning, response, and recovery from emergency events as necessary
• Ability to travel to the Emergency Coordination Centre or an emergency site (e.g. emergency reception centre) at any time of the day or night

Core Behaviours

Core behaviours define the City’s expectations of the behaviours employees should demonstrate in performing their work.  They are reflective of the City’s culture and values and guide all our present and future activities.  Every employee is encouraged to learn, embody and demonstrate these core behaviours.

Review the Core Behaviours.