FireSmart Coordinator

Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine; Terrace; On-site; CAD 58,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine is seeking a FireSmart Coordinator for a 12-month term in Terrace, BC. The role is a temporary full-time position offering $41.82/hr to $48.02/hr plus 12% in lieu of benefits, for 35 hours per week.

The FireSmart Coordinator oversees planning and execution of FireSmart initiatives, collaborating with communities, Indigenous partners, and provincial guidelines. Office and field work in the Terrace area, with potential evenings/weekends during emergencies.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Emergency Management, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of two years of related experience including supervisory, facilitation and contract management.
• Experience preparing reports and grant proposals is preferred.
• Completion of FireSmart 101 and Wildfire Risk Reduction (WRR).
• Experience with local government.
• Completion of cultural sensitivity training.
• Prior wildfire experience and construction/renovation experience an asset.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Act as the single point of contact for the Regional District’s FireSmart Program.
• Manage contracts for Program projects and initiatives, including Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans.
• Plan, organize, and participate in community events to promote FireSmart principles.
• Create public communications related to FireSmart activities.
• Lead the development of a wildfire mitigation program aligned with FireSmart principles.
• Participate in cross-jurisdictional FireSmart and wildfire mitigation committees.
• Host or participate in FireSmart committees.
• Manage funding applications and reporting for wildfire mitigation efforts.
• Maintain knowledge of best practices and trends in wildfire mitigation.
• Attend training sessions and emergency management opportunities.
• Support the Emergency Operations Centre during activations.

Skills

FireSmart knowledge

Public speaking

Grant writing

Contract management

Project coordination

Education

Post-secondary education in Emergency Management, Public Administration, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data management software

Job description

Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine

FireSmart Coordinator

Come for the Outdoor Adventure and Stay for the Job!
The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine is pleased to announce they are searching for a Temporary full-time FireSmart Coordinator to join their dedicated team. This position offers a competitive hourly rate ranging from $41.82/hr to $48.02/hr plus 12% in lieu of benefits for 35 hours per week for a 12-month term with the possibility of extension.
If awe-inspiring, natural scenery and breathtaking views are what you crave, then the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS) is your place. This area is renowned for its world-class fishing and outdoor adventure opportunities, including a ski hill, sledding, skating, heli-skiing, an 18-hole golf course, hiking, and mountain biking trails. The area offers quality advanced education opportunities with both Coast Mountain College and the University of Northern BC satellite campus. There is also a well-developed arts and cultural community, recreation facilities and library. Terrace, where the role is located, is the regional retail and service hub for the northwestern portion of British Columbia. The opportunity for adventure is endless in any season. The Kitimat-Stikine region is the traditional homeland of the Tahltan, Nisga’a, Gitxsan, Wet’suwet’en, Heiltsuk, Tsimshian, and Haisla Nations. Spanning a geographic area of 110,000km² the RDKS is home to almost 40,000 people and includes the five incorporated municipalities of Terrace, Kitimat, Stewart, District of New Hazelton, and the Village of Hazelton.

Purpose Statement:

The FireSmart Coordinator oversees the planning and execution of FireSmart initiatives within the Electoral Areas of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine. This position will ensure FireSmart activities are supported, developed and implemented in alignment with Provincial guidelines and the policies and direction set by the RDKS.

Direct Reports:

• Two (2) FireSmart Program Assistants

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the single point of contact for the Regional District’s FireSmart Program.
• Manage contract(s) for Program projects and initiatives, including, but not limited to, Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans.
• Plan, organize, and participate in community events such as tradeshows, wildfire preparedness days, and other public gatherings to promote and educate the public on FireSmart principles.
• Create public communications related to FireSmart activities.
• Lead the development of a wildfire mitigation program that aligns with Provincial FireSmart principles and is supported by the policies and direction of the RDKS.
• Participate in cross-jurisdictional committees related to FireSmart and wildfire mitigation initiatives.
• Host and/or participate in relevant FireSmart committees.
• Manage the preparation and submission of funding applications that support wildfire mitigation efforts and complete all required interim and final reports.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of best practices, trends and new developments in wildfire mitigation issues and strategies.
• Attend relevant training sessions, workshops, and professional development opportunities related to FireSmart practices and emergency management.
• Supports the Emergency Operations Centre during activations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working with others:

• Collaborates with Protective Services and Corporate Administration staff on public education and program goals.
• Coordinates with municipalities, Indigenous Governing Bodies, fire departments, provincial agencies, critical infrastructure owners, and other partners.
• Builds and maintains respectful relationships with residents, elected officials, contractors, community representatives, and partner agencies.

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of FireSmart principles, wildfire risk reduction, fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and related program requirements.
• Ability to develop and deliver clear educational and outreach materials to diverse audiences.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and public-speaking skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities reliably and independently.
• Cultural awareness and the ability to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, mobile technology, online research, presentation tools, and social media; familiarity with data management and reporting software is an asset.
• Basic knowledge of building construction and plant identification for assessing wildfire risk is an asset.
• Ability to use hand tools and equipment and work safely with ladders, trailers, and motorized equipment is an asset.

Specific Training and Experience:

• Post-secondary education in Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of related experience including supervisory, facilitation and contract management, preferably in a local government setting.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and practical experience related to the above may be considered.
• Experience preparing reports and writing grant proposals is preferred. Clerical or administrative experience is considered an asset.
• Experience with public safety education and/or emergency preparedness programs.
• Completion of FireSmart 101 and Wildfire Risk Reduction (WRR).
• Experience in Local Government.
• Completion of cultural sensitivity training.
• Prior wildfire experience and construction/renovation experience an asset.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Financial Responsibilities:

• This position will be responsible for managing budgeted expenditure as outlined in the RDKS procurement policy.

Work Environment:

• This position is based in the RDKS main office in Terrace, BC.
• This role involves both office work and field deployment to rural and remote communities throughout the Regional District.
• May be required to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends during emergency events.

Physical, Mental and Visual Demands

• Requires sustained focus when writing plans, proposals, reports, and formal communications.
• Requires sound judgment and timely decisions in changing, high-pressure situations.
• Requires professional and calm interaction with stakeholders, volunteers, emergency personnel, and members of the public, including people in distress.
• Requires occasional lifting, carrying supplies, climbing stairs, and other light to moderate activity. Emergency deployments may involve longer hours and greater physical demands.

Required Licenses/Certifications
Required upon hire:

• BC Class 5 driver’s license
• Criminal Record Check & Vulnerable Sector Screening

Required within one (1) year of hire:

• Incident Command System 100
• Introduction to Emergency Operations Centres
• Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Training
• Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Train the TrainerFireSmart BC Farm & Ranch Training
• FireSmart BC Landscaping Course