ABOUT US
Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.
WHAT WE OFFER
Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.
- Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
- Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
- Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
- Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.
POSITION PURPOSE:
Reporting to the Executive Director, Strategies and Initiatives, is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, public education, training & exercises and administration of the Region’s comprehensive emergency management policies and programs; for the integration of the area municipalities’ emergency preparedness goals and objectives with the Region’s emergency management program; the planning, development and implementation of the Region’s Business Continuity Program; for policies and programs; and for all aspects of Emergency Management, including strategic planning, business, budget planning, policies and standards.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:
Emergency Management Program Functions:
- Manages the strategic planning, establishment, implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive emergency management program to provide effective prevention, mitigation, preparedness response and recovery to emergency events and to ensure compliance with Government, Corporate and industry standards, policies and guidelines including recommendations to revise Regional policy or plans.
- Recommends emergency management priorities and required services based on continuous environmental assessments, analysis of best practices and maximizing resources.
- Coordinates the planning and rollout of Regional disaster preparedness activities in conjunction with other municipalities, agencies and communities.
- Oversees the assessment of training needs and ensures the development and implementation of a training/education program which complies with all applicable statutes/regulatory requirements to support the the Region’s Emergency Management Program, including the Community Safety Village partnership and fire safety public education programs. Ensures annual training and exercises for theRegional Emergency Control Group and supporting staff.
- Oversees the evaluation of plans, procedures and capabilities through an annual review by the Emergency Management Program Committee, post incident reports, testing, performance evaluation and exercises.
- Coordinates the establishment of a Business Continuity Program and developing strategies and capability to effectively respond and recover in an orderly manner to unplanned interruptions that disrupt critical operational functions for the Corporation and York Region.
Business & Financial Planning Functions:
- Manages the strategic and operational planning and the development of the annual work plan and monitors the plan for achieving results including regular evaluation of targets and outcomes, taking corrective action where/when necessary and regularly reporting on progress as directed.
- Manages and monitors the Emergency Management and Fire safety public education budgets including funds assigned to carry out emergency planning, training and exercises initiatives, budget projections for inclusion in the Region’s budget process.
Quality Assurance and Reporting Activities:
- Maintains knowledge of emergency management services including: applicable legislation, industry standards and practices, regulations, techniques, current emergency management systems including best practices, training standards and requirements.
- Ensures processes are established for Regional compliance with legislated requirements and provincially mandated initiatives, best practices and industry standards.
- Prepares reports, compiles background and informational material for submission to the Director, Regional Council, and external agencies as required.
Liaison, Communication and Customer Service Activities:
- Liaises with municipal and provincial government, agencies, internal and external staff, York Regional Police, and Regional Fire Coordinator to address and respond to Regional emergency management issues, concerns and requirements and to ensure that their plans are aligned with the Regional Plan.
- Facilitates a response in the event of an emergency or in prevention of an emergency, assesses current and potential issues and provides guidance and advice to the Regional Emergency Control Group.
- Liaises with Emergency Information Officer on emergency preparedness communication strategies including emergency notification and emergency public information.
- Develops and implements customer service strategies to ensure that services delivered meet Regional customer service standards.
Human Resource Management & Team Responsibilities:
- Supervises staff, including recruitment, selection, hiring, assigning work, determining training and development needs, coaching, and mentoring, conducting performance appraisals and determining/recommending disciplinary action up to and including dismissal in accordance with collective agreements, Regional policies and practices.
QUALIFICATIONS
- University Degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration or related discipline with additional emergency management courses or equivalent approved combination of education and experience.
- Minimum five (5) years directly related experience in emergency management program development, implementation and strategic planning preferably in a municipal environment with minimum of two (2) years of direct supervisory experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of innovative development and implementation of disaster preparedness initiatives, emergency plans, public education, and emergency training and exercises.
- Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, emergency management principles and theory, including hazard identification and risk assessment, emergency management systems, site management, emergency operations centres, emergency communications and plan development methodologies.
- Demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer services, communication, teamwork, initiative/self management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.
- Management competencies including results/achievement focus, human resources management, leadership, financial management, business planning, decision making/judgement, representation and professionalism and job knowledge.
- Contemporary supervisory and human resource management skills, knowledge of collective agreement administration and labour relations principles and practices.
- Computer literacy in a Windows environment utilizing MS Office and emergency management software.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver presentations to varied audiences and represent the Region with community groups, the public health sector, Provincial Ministries, Municipalities, district school boards and other stakeholders.
- Strong report writing and project management skills to meet program objectives and work to tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated leadership ability to co-ordinate, plan, implement and evaluate programs for customer service.
