Senior Emergency Management Specialist

Halton Region is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value, welcome and respect the unique perspectives and contributions of all individuals. We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples (First Nation, Métis, Inuit), Black and racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Accommodations are available at any point upon request for candidates participating in the selection process.

You make a positive difference in people’s lives because you provide high quality customer centered services. You operate within a highly ethical environment and will be accountable for going the extra mile, listening to your customers, creatively meeting needs and always being respectful to those you serve.  As a result, you will be part of a qualified and strategic team recognized widely for caring, excellence, integrity, inclusiveness and flexibility.

As an employer of choice, Halton Region recognizes the many benefits of hybrid work arrangements, including flexibility and improved work-life balance for our employees. This position is eligible for the Hybrid Work Program, with a minimum requirement of three (3) days per week onsite.

Posting ID: 5247
Department: Social & Community Services
Division: Human Services Planning & Program Support
Pay Range: $97,061 - $121,326
Job Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
Work Location: Halton Regional Centre - 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville
Employee Group: MMSG

Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy. 
Posting Date: July 2, 2026
Application Deadline: July 15, 2026

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to fill subsequent vacancies of the same position within the next 18 months.  

If you’re enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with Halton Region but don’t meet every qualification listed, we still encourage you to apply! This position may be eligible for an underfill opportunity for candidates who do not meet every qualification. We’re always on the lookout for exceptional talent to join our team! 

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Human Services Planning and Program Support, the Senior Emergency Management Specialist will play a key role in the planning and delivery of the Emergency Social Services Program ensuring Halton Region is prepared to coordinate timely, effective, and legislatively compliant supports to Halton residents affected by emergencies. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Leads the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Emergency Social Services Response Plan and related program resources to ensure operational readiness in alignment with the Halton Region Emergency Management Program, legislation, and recognized best practices.
• Provides expert operational coordination and decision support during emergency social services activations, advising on response strategies, service prioritization, and deployment.
• Supports Regional leadership and staff in coordinating emergency social services to meet the essential needs of people in Halton affected by emergencies such as fires, floods, explosions, and severe weather.
• Exercises independent professional judgment to assess evolving situations, identify response options, and recommend actions within legislative and program frameworks; escalates high-risk or complex issues as needed.
• Develops and implements after-action reports and improvement strategies to enhance service delivery and resource efficiency.
• Has a working knowledge of business continuity planning principles to support and implement Social and Community Services business continuity planning to minimize disruptions to critical services.
• Provides data-driven recommendations and best practices guidance to the Department’s Management Team on emergency social services and business continuity planning.
• Leads readiness initiatives including planning and delivering training, exercises, and evaluations to maintain operational readiness.

Duties and Responsibilities Continued

• Supports on call staff through training and guidance on emergency social services coordination and communication when notified residents in Halton have been affected by an emergency.
• Ensures compliance with applicable legislation, Regional by laws, and corporate policies while integrating sector best practices and identifying continuous improvement opportunities resulting from exercises and response activations.
• Collaborates with local municipalities, non-governmental organizations, and internal Regional partners to ensure coordinated delivery of emergency social services before, during, and after emergencies. This includes coordinating testing of procedures and protocols through planned training, workshops and exercises.
• Participates in an after-hours standby rotation on a regular basis.

Skills & Qualifications

Essential

• Post-secondary education in Emergency/Disaster Management or related discipline.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of public sector experience in emergency social services, emergency management. and business continuity planning, public safety administration or a related field. 
• Certification as a Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) by Emergency Management Ontario.
• Incident Management System 100, 200, 300 Certification.
• Highly effective communication, collaboration and coordination skills are required to interact effectively with internal and external response parties.
• Knowledge and application of related legislation such as Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

Preferred

• Knowledge of Emergency Social Services and Regional and/or Municipal emergency operations.
• Business Continuity Planning Certificate, an asset.
• Experience in adult education and facilitation.

Working/ Employment Conditions

Working Conditions

• The position requires participation in the after-hours standby rotation on a regular basis.
• The incumbent will be required to fulfill roles and responsibilities outlined in the Emergency Social Services Plan. Additional hours and shift work may be required to fulfill these functions.
• Travel will be required; incumbent must supply their own transportation.

Employment Conditions

• The incumbent must have a valid driver's license.

• The incumbent must provide (within the past six (6) months), an original and acceptable Vulnerable Sector Check by their first day of employment

Important information about your application:

• In accordance with requirements in Ontario Regulation 191/11 – Integrated Accessibility Standards and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Halton Region will accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition representative of the nature of the accommodation(s) you require.  
• Please submit your application online. We will accommodate individual needs for applicants with disabilities and others who are not able to apply online. If you experience any issues with submitting your application, please contact HR Access at Show phone number.   
• Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date specified on the posting.
• We encourage applications from all qualified individuals; however, only those under consideration will be contacted.
• Personal information collected through the job application process will only be used for the purpose of determining qualifications for employment.
• If selected for an interview, you will be contacted by email and/or phone. Please ensure the contact information provided on your resume is up to date and that you check your email and voicemail regularly.

Halton Region serves more than 650,000 residents throughout Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville. We are committed to delivering high quality programs and services that make Halton a great place to live and work. We engage great people who contribute to meaningful work that makes a positive difference in our community. At Halton, you are encouraged to grow and succeed in your career and are recognized for your accomplishments and contributions. As an employee, you will be part of a progressive, service focused and award winning employer with a diverse and inclusive work environment.