Regional Community FireSmart Coordinator

Reporting to the Fire Chief, the Regional Community FireSmart Coordinator is responsible for leading, facilitating, and delivering FireSmart initiatives across program partner communities within the Slave Lake and Lac La Biche Forest areas, Town of Slave Lake and MD of Lesser Slave River. Based out of the Lesser Slave Regional Fire Service Station 1, this position serves as a strategic and collaborative resource to local project partners and community stakeholders throughout the contract term.

Please note that this is an 18 month full-time contract-based position.

Specific Accountabilities

- Coordinate and deliver Regional Community FireSmart Programs within the Slave Lake and Lac La Biche Forest areas, acting as the primary point of contact across participating municipalities, including the Town of Slave Lake, MD of Lesser Slave River including but not limited to the communities of Smith, Flatbush, Mitsue, Poplar Lane, Marten Beach, Broken Paddle, Moose Portage, Lawerance Lake and Fawcett Lake.

- Identify, apply for, and manage FireSmart-related grant opportunities; oversee the implementation of funded FireSmart activities on private and municipal lands.

- Develop and distribute internal and public-facing communications that promote FireSmart education and engagement.

- Lead and execute initiatives funded through the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA); ensure timely completion of all deliverables outlined in FRIAA Grant Agreements.

- Organize and participate in community outreach events across the MD of Lesser Slave River and the Town of Slave Lake to promote FireSmart and wildfire preparedness.

- Coordinate, conduct, and review FireSmart Advanced Home Assessments across the region. Facilitate the recruitment and training of Lesser Slave Regional Fire Service members and oversee their management to strengthen the capacity for home assessment delivery throughout the region.

- Carry out wildfire hazard and risk assessments for neighbourhoods, rural subdivisions, and hamlets, including development of site-specific recommendations.

- Coordinate development of and/or updates to Community Wildfire Preparedness Guides for partner communities within the MD of Lesser Slave River and the Town of Slave Lake.

- Monitor and update preparedness plans as conditions and priorities evolve.

- Annually review and recommend updates to mutual aid agreements and municipal Emergency Response Plans in collaboration with fire services and emergency management teams.

- Evaluate and support enhancements to regional wildfire response capacity through collaboration with emergency responders and fire department

- Organize and take a lead role in multi-agency wildfire cross-training exercises.

- Review and advise partner municipalities on integrating wildfire resilience measures into local bylaws, policies, and planning frameworks.

- Support planning and development teams in applying FireSmart principles to community design, construction, and renovation projects that reduce wildfire risk.

- Develop and oversee a five-year community vegetation maintenance schedule to mitigate wildfire fuel sources in priority areas.

- Manage external contracts for vegetation management.

- Support fuel reduction projects with technical guidance and community coordination.

- Promote and adhere to workplace safety policies and operational protocols of the MD of Lesser Slave River, the Town of Slave Lake and partner jurisdictions.

- Participate in required training sessions and regional emergency management exercises.

- Maintain awareness of and comply with municipal policies, procedures, provincial regulations, and FireSmart program standards relevant to the position.

- Foster and maintain collaborative relationships with regional partners, stakeholders, and community organizations to advance wildfire resilience, align mitigation efforts, and promote shared ownership of FireSmart initiatives across the MD of Lesser Slave River and the Town of Slave Lake.

- Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Education & Certifications

- Minimum of 2 years of related experience - Required

- Certification as an Advanced FireSmart Home Assessor and Local FireSmart Representative, or ability to obtain

Abilities & Experience

- Proven understanding and application of FireSmart principles and wildfire mitigation strategies - Required

- Background in public safety education, emergency management, vegetation management, or land-use planning - Required

- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation delivery - Required

- Effective interpersonal abilities and professionalism in working with elected officials, municipal staff, emergency services, provincial agencies, and the general public - Required

- Proficiency with office productivity software (Excel, word, etc.), mapping systems, project management tools, social media platforms, and database systems – Required

Salary Range: Starting at $44.72 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.

Please submit your application to recruitment@mdlsr.ca referencing Competition No. FSC-2025 in the subject line. This competition will remain open until a suitable candidates are hired.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

- Location Slave Lake & Lac La Biche Forest Areas

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