Requisition ID: 40235 

Organization

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, reconciliation, 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 & Function

The Emergency Management Advisor is responsible for performing a wide range of emergency management tasks, and for various elements of programs and project management including but not limited to the overseeing and implementing of emergency preparedness plans,  and initiatives within Engineering Services. This position consults with internal and external stakeholders, to develop plans and procedures, design and deliver training programs; chairs and or supports local, regional and provincial planning initiatives, including hazard, risk and vulnerability assessments, supporting the departmental Business Continuity initiatives, and emergency response plan development. The position leads a number of strategic emergency management processes, collaborates with senior managers and other staff to develop response and recovery plans for Engineering, including crisis communications. The role is responsible for completing complex projects, supporting exercises and engaging stakeholders. The position also manages any staff or contractors hired to assist in related projects, and ensures that the project tasks are within budget and accurately monitored. Projects and initiatives may entail or result in the re-assignment of responsibilities between staff or organizational units within the City, and in the reduction of or increase to staff complement. 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.

The position reports to the Senior Project Manager and works closely with Engineering Senior Leadership, Engineering branches, Vancouver Emergency Management Agency (VEMA), as well as management and staff from many other City departments. The role engages with related organizations and members of the Resilient Critical Infrastructure and Services Directors Working Group. The position works collaboratively with staff leading a wide range of related work, including climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, emergency management, long-range planning and development, capital planning and asset management. The position liaises with external infrastructure owners and operators, academic partners, and regional, provincial and federal government staff.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Business Continuity Planning

• Engages Engineering Branches to identify the:
  • Critical services
  • Critical staff (the minimum number and qualification of staff needed to deliver those critical services)
  • Critical resources (the equipment, software and resources that staff must have to deliver those critical services)

• Designs processes and makes recommendations for the prioritization of critical infrastructure and services through capital and operational budgets, in collaboration with the City’s Business Continuity Manager.
• Develops process to establish and monitor recovery and risk reduction targets and guidelines for Engineering-owned critical infrastructure and services, in collaboration with the City’s Business Continuity Manager.

Project Management

• Scopes and manages complex project plans and budgets, including the management of consultants and staff teams
• Plans and tracks the project deliverables clearly identifying project scope, work breakdown structure, budget and schedule.
• Manages project risks and project organization following Engineering’s project management approach.
• Ensures that areas such as confidentiality and operational sustainment are well considered and addressed as part of a project.
• Develops requisite monitoring plans / programs
• Organizes and leads meetings with project team, stakeholders and vendors as needed and manages actions arising from them.
• Determines recommendations, risk mitigations and corrective actions as required.
• Develops reports and presentations for staff and stakeholders

Consultation, Coordination & Reporting

• Participates in confidential planning that may have City-wide operational and financial implications.
• Designs and facilitates workshops with internal and external stakeholders, subject matter experts and senior leadership, synthesize input and develop reports.
• Coordinates with external critical infrastructure owners and operators on regional initiatives
• Coordinates with and support directors and staff to implement and monitor new policy and processes.

Other

• Leads, organizes, participates and manages follow-up actions related to emergency response exercises.
• Acts as key stakeholder for the department for City-wide emergency management activities, such as emergency planning related to large-scale events.
• Supports the Engineering department and branches to develop and update Emergency Plans.
• Supports Engineering branches in the development and implementation of Departmental Operations Centre (DOC) activations, ensuring best practices are followed.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned 

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management and a minimum of five years of direct experience in the field of emergency or risk management, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Formal training in Project Management methodologies preferable, consistent with those provided by Project Management Institute.
• Experience supervising staff

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the range of infrastructure and services delivered by Engineering Services in Vancouver.
• Knowledge of emergency management best practices, legislation, and standards (including hazard assessments, critical infrastructure assessments, BCERMS, designing emergency exercises, and EOC/DOC operations)
• Exceptional organizational skills, and ability to prioritize work, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to analyze the implications of proposed changes and to present proposals in non-technical language
• Ability to focus on details, while maintaining a balanced high-level view of an assignment.
• Ability to manage change and assist others with adapting to change.
• Excellent customer service skills and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with staff, partner agencies, volunteers and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels in the organization, and with external clients and business contacts
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships at all levels in the organization, external clients, and business contacts.
• Ability to work effectively with changing and competing priorities with frequent interruptions within a multiple task environment
• Ability to manage and resolve conflicts
• Ability to manage, coach, and motivate staff
• Ability to thrive under pressure, handle multiple tasks, and changing priorities within tight timeframes
• Ability to work well independently and in a team environment
• Ability to reprioritize work on short notice
• Ability to manage and lead staff and volunteers effectively

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

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: Engineering Services (1300) 

Affiliation: Exempt 

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 

Position Start Date: June , 2024 

Position End Date: August, 2025 

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-080: $92864 to $116070 per annum

Application Close: April 25, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders 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. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.