Wildfire Mitigation Program Manager

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent, full-time position of Wildfire Mitigation Program Manager in Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency.

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 application.

Reporting to the Assistant Chief - Community Risk Reduction, Logistics & Infrastructure, the Wildfire Mitigation Program Manager is responsible for creating program(s) to build wildfire risk resilience through proactive planning, analytics, technology, operational excellence, and strategic partnerships. The Program Manager consults regularly through the chain of command with chiefs and other staff providing guidance and advice on wildfire mitigation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads wildfire mitigation activities for Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) by developing and establishing program goals, objectives, and strategies.
• Acts as a change agent; monitors and evaluates program effectiveness; develops and implements strategies for continuous improvement.
• Serves as a wildfire mitigation expert and provides authoritative knowledge, analysis, advice, and recommendations that ensure effective risk management and mitigation.
• Creates, maintains, and communicates HRFE's Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
• Coordinates and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders in interactions involving wildfire risk trends, common issues and best practices, and the development of effective mitigation strategies.
• Leads department strategic projects and initiatives under the Wildfire Mitigation Plan.
• Develops cross-divisional project teams across all the organization's functional areas.
• Identifies and maintains wildfire risk metrics and key performance metrics for each initiative. Demonstrates and quantifies the reduction of risk due to the programs put in place.
• Directs, coordinates, and implements wildfire education programs and training to support CWPP.
• Engages community involvement to implement Wildland Fire Management Strategies under community risk reduction programs.
• Directs the development of presentations and educational materials for community wildfire safety including coordinating with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysts to develop area risk models.
• Implements joint efforts for wildfire mitigation education with internal and external partners, agencies, and community resources.
• Conducts assessment and development of wildland fire prevention strategies based on documented fire causes.
• Assists in development and implementation of wildfire safety and evacuation plans and communication strategies for communities using knowledge of Fire Resilient Landscapes (FRL) practices and standards.
• Participates in wildfire prevention.
• Reviews, interprets, and educates on wildfire-related policies, codes, regulations, ordinances, plans, and proposals for compliance.
• Prepares and may support the preparation of detailed reports and recommendations and presents on HRFE proposals to Boards, Committees and Council
• Establishes and maintains controls and reporting to manage and monitor budget, scope, quality, schedule, and risks across the portfolio of wildfire mitigation projects; maintains overall program completion that is on time and within budget.
• May perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Post-Secondary Education in Natural Resources, Forestry, Ecology or a related field.

• Minimum of three years of experience in wildfire mitigation (or equivalent) programs.

• S591 Wildfire Behavior Specialist or equivalent

• Valid NS Class 5 Driver's License or equivalent

• S403 Public Information Officer (Wildfires), or equivalent

• ICS Levels 100, 200, 300, or equivalent

• ICS 400 is considered an asset.

• Wildland Urban Interface Trainer is considered an asset.

• Wildfire Strike Team Leader is considered an asset.

• Wildfire Investigator is considered an asset.

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 handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in both written and verbal communications.
• Skill in delivering presentations and training.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees, citizens, public safety agencies, and community organizations.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to develop strategic direction and program implementation collaboratively with various stakeholder/community groups.
• Ability to resolve complex problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgement.
• Ability to manage multiple programs, projects, and tasks.
• Ability to analyze relevant data, problem-solve, and develop sound theses.
• Ability to handle conflict and hostile and uncertain situations.
• Ability to coordinate complex projects in a changing management environment.
• Ability to lead cross-functional and departmental project teams.
• Ability to understand and explain fire science and wildfire management trends, processes, and procedures.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must clearly demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note - Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer's discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Valuing Diversity, Analytical Thinking, Communications, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Organizational Awareness, Managing Change, Networking / Relationship Building, Organizing & Planning, Visioning, Strategic Thinking & Innovation, Values & Ethics

WORK STATUS: Permanent Full-Time

HOURS OF WORK: Monday - Friday for 35-hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available.

SALARY: $90,466 - $117,079. Salary will be determined based on relevant experience and qualifications related to the specified pay band and job. Placement above the midpoint of the pay band is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications, such as those with exceptional experience, specialized skills, or demonstrated achievements relevant to the role. This ensures fair and consistent compensation practices across the organization.

WORK LOCATION: 40 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth Nova Scotia, B2Y 2N5. Work location may change based on operational requirements.

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 9, 2026.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

(position # 78639955)