Manager, Search and Rescue

Role Responsibilities

Search and Rescue (SAR) refers to coordinated emergency response services that locate, assist, and recover people who are lost, missing, injured, or in distress, often in remote, wilderness or otherwise difficult-to-access areas. In Alberta, most SAR activity is led by the Police of Jurisdiction.

The Manager, Search and Rescue provides strategic and operational leadership for Alberta’s Provincial Search and Rescue Program, ensuring effective program delivery, policy development, and alignment with provincial priorities and legislation. Reporting to the Director, Emergency Management, the role leads research, analysis, and recommendations on complex SAR issues, including funding, governance, and system improvements, while advising senior leadership on emerging risks and coordination needs across the province.

The role builds and maintains strong relationships with municipalities, law enforcement, volunteer SAR organizations, and provincial and federal partners to enhance collaboration and service delivery. It oversees grant programs, develops accountability frameworks, and works with partners to identify gaps and implement sustainable solutions. The Manager also prepares briefings, presentations, and communications materials, and represents Alberta at federal-provincial-territorial tables to influence policy and advance funding opportunities.

In addition, the position supports the broader Emergency Management portfolio through business continuity planning, emergency preparedness, and departmental response efforts. As part of the Emergency Management team, the Manager provides surge capacity during activations and supervises specialized staff, fostering capability, knowledge transfer, and continuous improvement to strengthen Alberta’s emergency management system.

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.

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

•    Build Collaborative Environments: Builds strong, trust-based relationships and effectively navigates diverse stakeholder perspectives to achieve shared outcomes.
•    Agility: Adapts quickly to changing priorities and leads work effectively in a dynamic, evolving environment.
•    Drive for Results: Delivers outcomes by prioritizing effectively, solving complex problems, and removing barriers to success.
•    Develop Networks: Establishes and leverages strategic partnerships across sectors to strengthen collaboration and program delivery.

Qualifications

A University degree in a related field such as Public Policy, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement or a related discipline combined with 4 years of related experience in law enforcement in Alberta, emergency management, stakeholder relations, or policy development.

Related experience or education may be considered on a one-for-one basis as described below:

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.

The following will be considered assets:

•    Experience working in search and rescue, emergency management, or public safety environments. 
•    Strong understanding of multi-jurisdictional coordination involving municipalities, law enforcement, and volunteer organizations.
•    Proven ability to build and maintain effective partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups.
•    Demonstrated strength in policy analysis, program development, and strategic thinking. 
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing senior leadership.
•    Experience managing complex projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

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

•    One (1) 2-year temporary position is available
•    This position works 36.25 hours of work per week, 8:15am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday
•    Work location is at the John E Brownlee Building at 10365 97 Street in Edmonton
•    This position must be worked full-time in office

Applicants must include a cover letter that indicates how their work experience aligns with the scope of this competition.

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.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
•    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.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.