Area Information Coordinator

Role Responsibilities

We encourage you to apply to be considered for a part on a dynamic team at the Government of Alberta as an Area Information Coordinator, where you will play a crucial role in wildfire management, emergency communications, and community engagement. Reporting to the Forest Area Manager, this position offers a unique opportunity to lead strategic initiatives, build partnerships and contribute to the safety and wellbeing of Albertans and their environment.

Key Responsibilities:
•    Lead division-wide initiatives encompassing wildfire, forest management, youth programs, social media, and more to influence behavior change in Albertans for emergency preparedness.
•    Provide emergency and crisis communications leadership and direction on incidents and within communities under crisis.
•    Build relationships, strategies and conduct planning with a structured tool set; often starting with needs assessments to determine the appropriate approach for each stakeholder group.
•    Be aware of, understand and have concern for wildfire-related topics within ecosystem management.
•    Develop communication plans and strategies to integrate and support landscape management planning initiatives like wildfire management plans.
•    Manage program budget and plans with reportable performance measures and deliverables. The position is accountable for delivery of a yearly budget plan, contingency planning and ongoing financial management.
•    Lead provincial task teams on provincial behaviour change or crisis communication initiatives. The Area Information Coordinator, on a rotational basis, will also act as a provincial wildfire information officer, being available 24/7 during wildfire season for immediate comment on behalf of the Alberta Government. 
•    Train internal staff on techniques to change behaviours of Albertans as well as professional communication during and after crisis events.
•    Lead the planning, execution, and management of national-level corporate events like the FireSmart Community Series and the Wildland Fire Canada Conference as well as design and organize multi-jurisdictional mock disasters and exercises.

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead strategic communication efforts in wildfire management and emergency preparedness. If you are passionate about making a difference, building partnerships, and ensuring the safety of communities and the environment, we encourage you to apply.

Please click this link to view the job description.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirement:
•    A degree or diploma in journalism, communications, public relations or a related natural resource education, as well as two years of progressively responsible experience.
•    Directly related experience and or education may be considered on basis of one year of education for one year of experience or vice versa.

Assets: 
•    A wide breath of knowledge of department (and GoA), our policies, emerging environmental issues and concepts are also required; this also enables development and design of materials and curriculum for Albertans
•    The ability to develop, implement and deliver high level engagement processes including world cafes, focus groups, surveys, literature reviews, etc. 
•    Skills in planning multi-faceted behaviour change models while simultaneously implementing and reviewing projects already in place. 
•    Knowledge of strategic tools and relationships models needed to manage media in high pressure situations. 
•    Knowledge of key messaging – including the ability to take highly technical or complex issues and make them clear and concise to be accessible to a wide variety of stakeholders.
 

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

This is a temporary full-time salaried role for up to six months with the standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday. The incumbent may be requested to work overtime, evening and weekends due to the emergency nature of wildfires.

Travel within the area and throughout the province will be required as part of your responsibilities to coordinate with Ministry staff and colleagues, other government departments, clients, and other external stakeholders. 

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. 

Candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment as a part of the interview process.

Application Information:

•    In your application, please a include cover letter detailing your interest and role-related experience. 
•    In your resume include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time or full time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three, 8-hour shifts/week).
•    Three (3) work-related references are required for those selected for an interview.

What the GoA has to offer:

•    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.
•    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.