This exciting role is an opportunity to provide branch direction and leadership in emergency management

Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) is the lead coordinating agency in the provincial government for all emergency management activities. EMCR works directly with local governments, Indigenous Nations, provincial ministries and agencies, federal departments, other jurisdictions, industry and volunteers in hazard mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

The Search and Rescue (SAR) Specialist is the provincial expert in land and inland water search and rescue and wilderness risk/hazard management, and is directly responsible for all policy, technical, and operational/readiness aspects of the British Columbia Search and Rescue Program. The position provides advice and recommendations to local and regional search and rescue programs regarding provincial safety and technical standards, and the development of operational programs and training standards.

Job Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Degree in emergency management, natural resources, recreation and leisure, or a related field AND
• A minimum of four (4) years of related experience*.
• An equivalent combination of education and training may be considered.
  
• *Related experience must include all the following:
  • Experience in wilderness, urban search and rescue or emergency medical services.
  • Experience in dealing with natural hazards, risk assessment and emergency response.
  • Experience developing operational requirements and delivery of training programs to a wide range of partners.
  • Experience managing budgets.

Preference may be given to candidates with one (1) or more of the following:

• Previous participation with emergency activation and/or deployment.
• Canadian Avalanche Association Level 1 & 2 training courses and/or Registration with the Canadian Avalanche Association.
• Instructional techniques training.
• Experience providing direction/leadership to others.
• Justice Institute of BC Rope, Ground SAR, or SAR management certification and/or training.

Applicants must be willing and able to:

• Work on-call and work extended hours during emergency activations.
• Participate in operational deployments throughout the province.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Philip.Folkersen@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:
Amendment (July 23): Posting close date extended to August 1.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work from home a few days a week subject to an approved Telework Agreement.
Flexible work options may not be available during emergency operations response periods.
This position can be based in any of the following Ministry of Emergency Management & Climate Readiness offices: Kamloops, Nelson, Prince George, Saanichton, Smithers, Surrey, or Victoria.
This is a temporary opportunity until July 2, 2026. This temporary opportunity may be extended or become permanent.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to applicants that self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, status or non-status, Métis, or Inuit) seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. For guidance on applying and interviewing, please contact IndigenousApplicants@gov.bc.ca or 778-405-3452.

With over 200 different occupations available in 280 communities across the province, we offer exciting opportunities for your career. Come be a part of the BC Public Service, a Top 100 Employer that embraces diversity, health and career growth. For more information, please see What We Offer.

How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES - A resume is required as part of your application, however, it may not be used for initial shortlisting purposes.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a comprehensive questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Include all relevant information about your educational accomplishments and employment history including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and how you obtained your relevant experience. The questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes to complete.

Helpful tips, videos and more regarding the application process can be found on the Your Job Application page of MyHR. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, e-mail BCPSA.Hiring.Centre@gov.bc.ca, before the stated closing time, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Additional Information:
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.

Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on the Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies as outlined in the attached Job Profile located at the bottom of the posting.

Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Standard Time on the closing date of the competition.