Emergency Planning and Operations Specialist

We are accepting applications for a permanent full-time Emergency Planning and Operations specialist to join the Comox Valley Emergency Management (CVEM) team.

Comox Valley Emergency Management is a multi-jurisdictional partnership serving K’ómoks First Nation, the Town of Comox, the City of Courtenay, the Village of Cumberland, and the Comox Valley Regional District. Reporting to the Manager of CVEM, the Emergency Planning and Operations Specialist is the primary operational and planning resource within the service, responsible for supporting emergency readiness, operational coordination, regional planning initiatives, training and exercises, and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) preparedness.

We are looking for a collaborative and solutions-focused emergency management professional who thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about community resilience, public safety, and regional partnerships. The successful candidate will work closely with internal departments, partner municipalities, Indigenous Governing Bodies, emergency services and agency partners, professional volunteers, and key interested parties to support effective emergency management services across the Comox Valley.

Reporting to the Manager of CV Emergency Management, the primary responsibilities of this role include:

• Leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of regional emergency plans, procedures, operational guidelines, and preparedness initiatives;
• Supporting Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) readiness, activations, training, and exercises, including serving in leadership roles such as EOC Director or Liaison Officer when required;
• Coordinating emergency management systems, communications platforms, equipment, and operational resources to ensure regional readiness and interoperability;
• Directing staff, contractors, volunteers, and external personnel, including assigning work, supporting training and development, monitoring performance, and promoting a safe and collaborative work environment;
• Administering the CVEM Duty Roster and Duty Officer program to support 24/7 operational readiness and emergency response capability;
• Supporting volunteer and partnership programs through policy development, training coordination, risk management and alignment with provincial standards and organizational polices;
• Providing technical expertise, policy guidance, and recommendations related to emergency management legislation, operational standards, and emerging trends; and
• Preparing reports, presentations, briefing materials, and recommendations for senior leadership, boards, councils, and partner agencies.
  

Our ideal candidate is:

• Collaborative and adaptable emergency management professional who demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment;

• Experienced in emergency management, business continuity, or public safety operations, preferably within a local government with an understanding of interdepartmental, cross-sector cooperation collaboration, with three to five years of progressive experience including supervisory responsibilities;

• Educated at the post-secondary level with a degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a related field;

• Proven experience in Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) functions, Incident Command System (ICS) principles, and relevant emergency management legislation, frameworks, and standards;

• Skilled in project and operational management, including budgeting, procurement, contract administration, and grant management;
• A strong communicator with demonstrated facilitation, presentation, report writing, and stakeholder engagement skills;
• A relationship builder who works effectively with local governments, Indigenous communities, emergency response agencies, volunteers, and community partners;
• Able to make sound decisions under pressure while managing competing priorities in dynamic environments;
• Committed to equity-informed and culturally respectful practices, including meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities and equity-denied populations;
• Experienced in coaching, supervising, and supporting staff and volunteers;
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat, and emergency management technology systems; and
• Able to travel throughout the region and work occasional evenings, weekends, extended hours, and emergency deployments as required.