Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) Lead

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Disaster Risk Reduction in the Strategy and Systems Support Branch of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, the HIRA Lead supports the Manager, Disaster Risk Reduction in the creation, implementation, coordination and continuous improvement of the Government of Alberta's Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) program. The HIRA Lead provides expert advice in program planning, research, hazard, risk and vulnerability analysis, enterprise risk management, and emergency management, with the overarching goal of strengthening the Government of Alberta's disaster risk identification, risk assessment, and disaster risk management capacity. 

Responsibilities Include:

• Disaster Risk Reduction:  Provide advise on the proper identification of disaster risk, development of risk treatment strategies, and implementation and evaluation of those strategies
• Project management: Ensuring diligent project management methodology is applied to all HIRA program initiatives with regular progress reporting and regular briefings with Manager DRR and SSS Leadership
• Lead the research and analysis of hazards in Alberta to inform the HIRA process
• Stakeholder Management: Ensure strong working relationships are sustained to enable the implementation and sustenance of the HIRA program

May be required to work in the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre or on field assignment as needed during emergencies in order to coordinate provincial emergency response efforts and/or support/advise/assist government ministries, municipalities, First Nations and/or other organizations.  In these circumstances, the position may require working extended and irregular hours and/or shifts with minimal or no notice, particularly during emergencies and exercise.

Please click on this LINK to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

Build Collaborative Environments: Facilitates open communication and leverages team skill.  Leverages skills and knowledge of others.  Genuinely values and learns from others.

Systems Thinking: Considers inter-relationships and emerging trends to attain goals.  Seeks insight on implications of different options.  Analyzes long-term outcomes, focus on goals and values.  Identifies unintended consequences.

Creative Problem Solving: Focuses on continuous improvement and increasing breadth of insight.  Asks questions to understand a problem.  Looks for new ways to improve results and activities.  Explores different work methods and what made projects successful, shares learning.  Collects breadth of data and perspectives to make choices.

Agility: Works in a changing environment and takes initiative to change. Takes opportunities to improve work processes.  Anticipates and adjusts behaviour to change.  Remains optimistic, calm, and composed in stressful situations.  Seeks advice and support to change appropriately.  Works creatively within guidelines.

Develop Self and Others: Seeks out learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities.  Reflects on performance and identifies development opportunities.   Takes initiative to stay current.  Shares with the team even when not asked.  Actively coaches and mentors’ direct reports.  

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf

Qualifications

Required:  University degree in Emergency Management, Disaster Science, Public Administration, Political Science, Risk Management, GIS or related, PLUS 4 years related experience or equivalent as described.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 1 year of education for 1 year of experience, or 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

For Example: 

• Related 1 year certificate PLUS a minimum 7 years of experience
• Related 2 year diploma PLUS a minimum 6 years of experience
• Related minimum 8 years of experience Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 

The successful candidate MUST also have: 

• Knowledge of disaster research principles and practice.
• Experience conducting hazard identification and risk assessments 
• Strong understanding of risk assessment methodologies (e.g. ISO 31000 on Risk Management and Canadian Standards Association CSA Q850-97), enterprise risk management, and developing risk treatment options.
• Extensive knowledge of project management principles and practices. 
• Knowledge of relevant ministry policies, developments, trends, external agreements, and legislation (Emergency Management Act, Government Emergency Management Regulation, Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation, Disaster Recovery Regulation, and the Alberta Emergency Plan). 

Assets: 

• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) principles and applications in disaster research and hazard ientification
• Professional designation in Risk and/or Emergency Management 
• Certification in change management 
• Certification in project management

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Term of Employment: Permanent Full Time

Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week - Ability to work extended and irregular hours and/or shifts with minimal or no notice, particularly during emergencies and exercise.

Location: Edmonton

Final candidates may be required to undergo a security screening.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement
• Leadership and mentorship programs