Job Description

Job Number

:

53761

Join Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) in a cutting-edge role at the intersection of public safety and advanced technology. We are seeking a strategic and innovative leader to serve as the Emergency Response Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) Coordinator. This temporary full-time position offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape a new program that enhances how we protect our city.


As the RPAS Coordinator, you will ensure our drone program is effective, compliant, and always innovating. You will lead the entire program, focusing on safety, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with inter-agency community partners. This role involves integrating advanced technology like "Drone as a First Responder" (DFR) , AI integration , and Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) operations. You will manage the program's full lifecycle, from research and development, logistics, and training to data governance and asset maintenance , all while enhancing public safety.

What will you do?

Lead and coordinate the EFRS RPAS program, including staff supervision, to ensure readiness and continuous innovation Strategically develop and scale "Drone as a First Responder" (DFR) capabilities, integrating advanced automation and command systems Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with inter-agency collaborators, including Edmonton Police Service, Park Rangers, and regional fire services Direct the development, submission, and management of Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOCs) for advanced missions (DFR, BVLOS) Ensure all operations strictly comply with Transport Canada, NAV CANADA, and municipal aviation requirements Provide expert technical, logistical, and regulatory support to Fire Operations during emergency incidents, ensuring drone use aligns with fireground tactics and crew safety Identify, evaluate, and pilot emerging drone technologies, AI models, and sensors through structured field trials Establish and manage robust data governance policies for evidence retention, chain of custody, and secure storage of aerial footage, ensuring compliance with privacy legislation Develop and manage a comprehensive maintenance, logistics, and training program, including the certification of RPAS pilots and visual observers within Fire Operations Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

:Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Aviation, Engineering, Emergency Management, Data Science, or a related discipline Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic program management, complex technology innovation, aviation operations leadership, or an emergency services context Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, policy development, advanced research and development (R&D), and performance measurement Proven expertise in regulatory governance and compliance, particularly with Transport Canada RPAS regulations and Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOCs) Experience leading multi-collaborator projects, managing fiscal accountabilities (like budget proposals and grant acquisition), and driving continuous improvement Experience with advanced analytics, data intelligence, or machine learning, especially related to imagery or geospatial data Demonstrated flight experience with RPAS under an Advanced Operations Certificate

Assets:

Experience in emergency response environments (fire, EMS, police, or emergency management) Hands-on RPAS/drone operations or program development in a professional or public safety setting Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent program management certification Additional certifications in GIS/remote sensing, data analytics, or AI/machine learning Public safety aviation-related training or professional development Incident Command System (ICS) 100-400 certification or higher Possession of current Standard First Aid, CPR-C and AED certifications

Skills required for success:

Strong understanding of Canadian Aviation Regulations , emergency management principles, Incident Command System (ICS), and fireground tactics Specialized knowledge in aviation, RPAS technology, data systems , AI analytics, and privacy legislation (FOIP) Ability to independently solve complex problems in a rapidly changing technological and regulatory environment Substantial creative and original thinking to develop new operational methodologies, design R&D initiatives , and translate complex technical data into actionable strategies Proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, senior leadership, and external partners in a multi-agency environment Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm) Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion

Conditions of Employment:

Compliance with the City of Edmonton's safety standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as wearing steel-toe boots, gloves, goggles, sunscreen and coveralls Hire is dependent on a Criminal Records Check (CRC) that is satisfactory to the City of Edmonton, and there may be a cost associated with this requirement Candidates are required to hold a valid Alberta Class 5 driver's licence (or provincial equivalent) or higher. Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's permit is a requirement of this position Applicants may be tested

Work Environment:

Due to the nature of this work, this position is not eligible for a hybrid work arrangement The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement, and the incumbent will be notified in advance Shift work requirements -potentially on call This role works in both indoor and outdoor settings Exposure to environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, inclement weather, dust, noise, light variation, vibrations, chemicals, and exposure to mechanical and electrical hazards may occur This role requires working in confined spaces and/or at heights This role requires maintaining awkward or constrained physical positions for prolonged periods This role requires completion of repetitive and strenuous tasks such as [standing, walking, kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, lifting items, pushing, pulling, reaching, using feet/hand controls] requiring physical stamina and resilience This role may require engagement and interaction with diverse people from various backgrounds with different needs, expectations and emotional states

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact

employment@edmonton.ca

.

Learn more about our benefits

https://bit.ly/COEbenefits

1 temporary full-time position for up to 11 months

Hours of Work:

40 hours per week

Salary Range:

$49.690 - $63.408 (Hourly)

Recruitment Consultant:

PC/SB

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.

Classification Title

:

Strategic Planning Analyst III

Posting Date

:

Nov 12, 2025

Closing Date

:

Nov. 26, 2025 11:59:00 PM (MST)

Number of Openings (up to)

:

1 - Temporary Full-time

Union

:

CSU 52

Department

:

Fire Rescue Services

Work Location(s)

:

Various Locations Edmonton (City Wide)