Manager, Emergency Program

Regional District Of Central Okanagan - 6 Jobs
Kelowna, BC
Posted yesterday
Job Details:
Full-time
Management

Do you have a background in emergency/disaster management, including experience in an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) leadership role, and a degree in emergency management? If so, we want you as part of our Emergency Management Team!

As the successful candidate reporting to the Director of Protective Services, you will manage and oversee the Regional District of Central Okanagan Emergency Program. This position implements the policies and directives as determined by the region's Emergency Management Organization to ensure that the regional Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is in a state of operational readiness and delivers on the mandates outlined by the Province of British Columbia.

In your role, you will:

  1. Under the direction of the Director, Protective Services, implement the regional requirements of the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA).
  • Implement and maintain regional aspects of the EDMA and provide advice on the Act and Regulations to internal and external partners.
  • Liaise with local governments to ensure alignment with local responsibilities and the regional program.
  • Liaise with Provincial and National emergency organizations to stay current on Emergency Management Legislation and best practices.
  • Collaborate with other emergency management professionals and organizations to continuously improve and innovate, ensuring that the emergency program is prepared to meet the needs arising from a changing climate, external threats, and legislative environment.
  1. Support the operational readiness of the Regional Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
  • Determine training needs and organize regional staff training for the EOC.
  • Plan and deliver scenario-based activities/tabletop exercises as required to ensure EOC operational readiness.
  • Evaluate and leverage technology to enhance and improve emergency operations; ensure all current equipment and technology is operationally ready and adequate for activation.
  • Coordinate and develop EOC activation protocols including staffing during an activation.
  • Champion innovative Indigenous engagement and reconciliation practices.
  1. Provide leadership in an operational capacity during EOC Activations.
  • Ensure oversight and coordination of Emergency Support Services (ESS), including supervision of program activities and volunteers.
  • Act in role assigned by the EOC Director, generally as the Liaison Officer.
  • Communicate with EOC Director on needs for the centre during activations.
  • Communicate with various partners as directed by the EOC Director including media interviews and reporting to senior staff from local and provincial governments.
  1. Provide leadership, develop reports, work plans and budgets for the program.
  • Support employees in a mentorship capacity, supporting skill development, expanding perspectives, offering feedback, and providing access to tools and contacts.
  • Provide coaching to staff in the EOC to ensure effective operations in alignment with Emergency Operations best practices.
  • Provide an annual report outlining training, activations and activities of the EOC and EM program.
  • Develop an annual work plan and draft budget outlining current and future proposed costs for the program.
  • Lead the post event after action review process ensuring that the Regional Program is continuously innovating and improving operations.
  • Work with Regional partners to apply for and manage grants for the program in accordance with the RDCO grant management framework.

You will be a great match for this role if you have a degree in Emergency Management, or a related discipline, as well as a minimum of 5 years of experience directly related to emergency/disaster management. Our ideal experience including EOC leadership roles, working with volunteer workforces, managing budgets, maintaining fiscal accountability and coordinating multi-agency emergency responses. You will also have completed Incident Command System training to a minimum of ICS-200 (ICS-300 or ICS-400 preferred) and have a valid BC drivers license. Strong communication skills and the ability to be a strategic and influential thinker are essential for this position, as well as direct knowledge of the Emergency and Disaster Management Act.

This is an exempt position that has a salary range of $114,850 - $127,600 - $140,350. It is the RDCO's philosophy to pay in the middle of the range for a fully qualified applicant. The standard working hours for this position are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, however work outside of regular hours is expected and anticipated. Regular requirement to be on-call after hours during emergency seasons.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan offers a variety of perks from competitive compensation, dental, health and vision benefits, paid vacation, pension plan, training and development, opportunities for advancement, work-life balance, on-site parking, and the opportunity to contribute and make a change within the community.

View the full job description and apply at rdco.com/jobs by Monday, August 4th, 2025.

About the Regional District of Central Okanagan

We acknowledge our presence on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land) of the syilx / Okanagan people who have resided here since time immemorial. The RDCO recognizes, honours, and respects the syilx/ Okanagan lands upon which we live, work, and play.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan is made up of a dedicated team of people who care about the community we serve. We offer a competitive compensation package that includes benefits, Municipal Pension Plan and professional development. We are located in one of the most desirable places to live in BC, in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. The appeal of Okanagan Lake and the natural beauty of the surroundings continue to draw people to the valley. Our lifestyle is second to none especially for those who live to enjoy the outdoors.

Share This Job: