Emergency Planning and Operations Specialist
Permanent Full-time (35 hours per week)Are you naturally collaborative, service-oriented and community-focused? Do you want to make a difference in your community and be part of an organization that has a direct impact on the quality of life of residents in the Comox Valley? At the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, equitable and diverse workplace which is representative of the community we serve.
Our core values-collaboration, service, accountability and sustainability help guide us in everything we do. If you share our commitment and values, please consider applying with us.
In addition to the Comox Valley being an attractive geographic location to live and play, rich in rural agriculture, vibrant urban development, meandering coastline and dramatic mountains, working at the CVRD provides work/life balance through flexible work options, competitive salary and wages, employer-paid benefits package, and municipal pension plan. At the CVRD we value continual learning and growth and support employees’ development through technical, professional, and leadership training.
Working with the CVRD is a plus for everyone. To learn more, visit our website at
www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/about/careers/work-cvrdWe are accepting applications for a permanent full-time Emergency Planning and Operations specialist to join the Comox Valley Emergency Management (CVEM) team. Comox Valley Emergency Management is a multi-jurisdictional partnership serving K’ómoks First Nation, the Town of Comox, the City of Courtenay, the Village of Cumberland, and the Comox Valley Regional District. Reporting to the Manager of CVEM, the Emergency Planning and Operations Specialist is the primary operational and planning resource within the service, responsible for supporting emergency readiness, operational coordination, regional planning initiatives, training and exercises, and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) preparedness.
We are looking for a collaborative and solutions-focused emergency management professional who thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about community resilience, public safety, and regional partnerships. The successful candidate will work closely with internal departments, partner municipalities, Indigenous Governing Bodies, emergency services and agency partners, professional volunteers, and key interested parties to support and effective emergency management services across the Comox Valley.
Reporting to the Manager of CV Emergency Management, the primary responsibilities of this role include:
- Leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of regional emergency plans, procedures, operational guidelines, and preparedness initiatives;
- Supporting Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) readiness, activations, training, and exercises, including serving in leadership roles such as EOC Director or Liaison Officer when required;
- Coordinating emergency management systems, communications platforms, equipment, and operational resources to ensure regional readiness and interoperability;
- Directing staff, contractors, volunteers, and external personnel, including assigning work, supporting training and development, monitoring performance, and promoting a safe and collaborative work environment;
- Administering the CVEM Duty Roster and Duty Officer program to support 24/7 operational readiness and emergency response capability;
- Supporting business continuity planning and continuity of operations for the CVEM service and Regional EOC;
- Managing assigned budgets, grants, contracts, operational expenditures, and reporting requirements within delegated authority;
- Facilitating regional emergency planning committees and fostering collaborative relationships with local governments, Indigenous partners, emergency response agencies, volunteers, and community organizations;
- Supporting volunteer and partnership programs through policy development, training coordination, risk management, and alignment with provincial standards and organizational policies;
- Providing technical expertise, policy guidance, and recommendations related to emergency management legislation, operational standards, and emerging trends; and
- Preparing reports, presentations, briefing materials, and recommendations for senior leadership, boards, councils, and partner agencies.
Our ideal candidate is:- Collaborative and adaptable emergency management professional who demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
- Experienced in emergency management, business continuity, or public safety operations, preferably within a local government with an understanding interdepartmental, cross-sector cooperation collaboration, with three to five years of progressive experience including supervisory responsibilities;
- Educated at the post-secondary level with a degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a related field;
- Proven experience in Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) functions, Incident Command System (ICS) principles, and relevant emergency management legislation, frameworks, and standards;
- Skilled in project and operational management, including budgeting, procurement, contract administration, and grant management;
- A strong communicator with demonstrated facilitation, presentation, report writing, and stakeholder engagement skills;
- A relationship builder who works respectfully and effectively Indigenous Governing Bodies with local governments, , emergency response agencies, volunteers, and community partners;
- Able to make sound decisions under pressure while managing competing priorities in dynamic environments;
- Committed to equity-informed and culturally respectful practices, including meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities and equity-denied populations;
- Experienced in coaching, supervising, and supporting staff and volunteers;
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat, and emergency management technology systems; and
- Able to travel throughout the region and work occasional evenings, weekends, extended hours, and emergency deployments as required.
A valid BC Class 5 driver’s license is required for this role. Successful candidates will be required to consent to a Canadian Criminal Record Check.
This is an Exempt position with a current salary range of $87,079 - $103,406.
To review the complete job description and to apply go to
www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/jobs.
The closing date for this position is
May 22, 2026 at 3:00 pm. Applications for available positions with the CVRD must be received prior to the indicated closing date and time. We appreciate all applications; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If your application is shortlisted, you will be contacted in a timely manner to arrange an interview. Virtual or in-person interviews are available.
Comox Valley Emergency Management (CVEM) is a regional service administered by the Comox Valley Regional District in partnership with the City of Courtenay, Village of Cumberland, Town of Comox and K’ómoks First Nation to provide emergency management services and support to the region.The CVRD respectfully acknowledges the land on which it operates is on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land. The CVRD is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment. We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.Job Description
