Job Description

Job PostingHalifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for (1) one permanent position of Planner II (Wildfire Mitigation) with Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE)Reporting to the Wildfire Mitigation Program Manager, the Planner II (Wildfire Mitigation) is responsible for providing fire and emergency service subject matter expertise in risk assessment, hazard vulnerability and fire mitigation planning in urban developments.Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality\'s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic applicationDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Work closely with municipal planning staff to review the design and management, within wildland urban interface areas to determine effective response routes (in coordination with local law enforcement), provision of water for firefighting and determine the required number of egress routes from a community.
• Recommend and establish mechanisms to identify potential response and evacuation improvements for areas at a higher risk of wildland fires before they occur
• Review urban development submissions for firefighting water supply sources.
• Review the distance between the zones designed for residential and public buildings and the zones designed for industrial facilities and special purpose facilities
• In conjunction with municipal planning and development staff, review the road network construction, including (but not limited to) the width of roads that would enable access to fire fighting vehicles to each facility and enough space for firefighting crews to maneuver
• Advise all aspects of emergency management, including risk assessment and hazard vulnerability, throughout all phases of residential and industrial planning
• Provide input into the municipal urban planning strategy to improve the urban infrastructure for emergency evacuation routes
• Review municipal fire risk profiles in specific high-risk locations for wildland urban fires utilizing their knowledge of the characteristics of the wildland fire hazard and the level and types of vulnerabilities in each location
• Review and provide input into appropriate land-use and development in wildland urban interface locations
• Review and provide input into municipal plans for the wildland urban interface locations, concerning proposed building locations and building design
• Review and provide input on urban planning within the wildland urban interface regions with the objective to reduce the risk of wildland fires and the impact on all structures within this area.
• Focus on strategic urban planning, relating to emergency response requirements, for HRFE to achieve its response targets in all wildland urban interface locations and work with municipal planners in managing residential growth patterns in the wildland urban interface regions
• Collaborate with municipal planning staff to review and approve residential development and land use and promote development occurring in locations not deemed as being a high risk for wildland fires
• Collaborate with municipal planning staff to review urban development via growth corridors and plans, as well as regional expansion plans within the wildfire urban interface locations
• Prepares and may support the preparation of detailed reports and recommendations and presents on HRFE proposals to Boards, Committees and Council.
• Review and provide feedback for municipal parks, biodiversity areas (wildlife habitats), farming and rural zones, vegetation protection areas and limited-growth areas, considering wildland fire risk
• Review urban plans and provide recommendations in managing vegetation growth and vegetation treatment in order to reduce wildfire exposure and impacts on communities
• Review and provide wildfire prevention strategies for critical infrastructures, such as senior housing, specialized care housing, medical facilities, schools, and childcare facilities located in areas at a higher risk to wildfires
• May perform other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience:

• Post-Secondary education accreditation in an accredited planning program and three (3) years of professional planning experience

OR

• Post-Secondary education from related program (such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban, Human or Economic Geography, and Geographic/Spatial Information Systems) and five (5) years of professional planning experience.
• Licensed Professional Planner (LPP) or equivalent Provincial or International designation is considered an asset.
• Experience working in a municipal government environment is considered an asset.
• A master\'s degree in one of these disciplines would be an asset
• ICS Level 100 would be an asset
• NFPA Level 1 Firefighter would be an asset
• Candidates must have a valid class 5 driver\'s license or equivalent

Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of wildland fire behavior.
• Knowledge of Canadian FireSmart Program, Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP).
• Knowledge of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)
• Knowledge of Home Ignition Zone (HIZ), Wildfire Risk Reduction and Responding to the Interface principles.
• Knowledge of applicable wildfire federal, provincial, municipal rules, regulations, codes, and guidelines.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in delivering presentations and training.
• Ability to analyze relevant data, problem-solve, and develop sound theses.
• Ability to understand and explain fire science and wildfire management trends, processes, and procedures.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security checkPlease note - Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledgeCOMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Communication, Customer Service, Organization & Planning, Teamwork & Cooperation, Valuing Diversity, Decision Making, Organizational Awareness Value & Ethics, Conflict Management, Networking/Relationship BuildingWORK STATUS: Permanent, full-timeHOURS OF WORK: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week, however work outside these hours may be required.SALARY: NSGEU 222- Level 9 - $41.26 per HourWORK LOCATION: 40 Alderney Drive -3rd FloorCLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59pm on August 18, 2024Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contactedThis is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidatesDuring the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) and who require accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Recruiter when invited to the assessment process

Halifax