Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

This shift-based position in the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) monitors, assesses and maintains situational awareness regarding actual or evolving threats that have the potential to impact Ontario or the potential to require a response from Ontario (e.g, international incident). Upon identification of threats, incidents or requests for assistance, the position responds in accordance with training, procedures and checklists. This includes drafting briefing materials and seeking external information with a minimum of supervision to inform situational awareness of senior and elected officials or the public (e.g., public alerts broadcast on television, radio and over cellular networks).

Duties / Responsibilities :

Responsibilities:
1. This position monitors and responds to evolving situations inside and outside of Ontario to identify potential or actual threats which may impact public safety, the environment, the economy or the continuity of government operations and for which a provincial response, coordination or support role may be necessary.
2. During significant or emergency events or exercises, this position may be assigned to functional teams within the PEOC in accordance with Ontario's Incident Management System (IMS) and current PEOC procedures.
3. The position will communicate with PEOC partners and stakeholders (including municipalities, unincorporated areas, First Nations, provincial ministries, agencies, critical infrastructure sectors, federal departments, adjacent provinces and states, nuclear facilities, non-government organizations (NGOs), associations, other emergency management organizations, and the public) for the purposes of developing and maintaining situational awareness and informing response procedures.
4. This position is responsible for timely and accurate identification of threats, initiating response procedures, developing initial response plans, efficient reporting and creation of various information products for senior management and elected officials.
5. This position is responsible for drafting and issuing public alerting messages to broadcasters and via cellular carriers.

Duties include:
1. Monitoring social media, news, email, phone and communications with stakeholders to identify threats,
2. Conduct risk assessment and analysis to determine potential impacts associated with identified threats;
3. Providing emergency management advice to stakeholders and partners, based on relevant legislation, plans, policies and procedures;
4. Identifying, in accordance with procedures and training, situations that could impact to public safety, the environment, the economy or continuity of government services and operations;
5. Taking appropriate action in accordance with current plans, policies and operating procedures in the triage, prioritization, analysis and disposition of all incoming information to the PEOC;
6. Maintaining situational awareness and a common operating picture for PEOC partners and stakeholders;
7. Answering inquiries from stakeholders;
8. Conducting timely, relevant and accurate notifications to senior officials;
9. Developing requests for information to assist with the assessment of the current situation and information gathering;
10. Developing and presenting written and verbal reports, briefings, recommendations, and situational awareness products to provide decision makers, partners and stakeholders with current, accurate information;
11. Developing and presenting basic maps and charts in support of reports and presentations;
12. Initiating public alerting and warning systems in a timely manner to provide early warning and emergency related information and guidance;
13. Drafting, reviewing, and/or maintaining operational checklists, processes, procedures and/or equipment;
14. Participating in the development and conduct of drills and exercises to test plans and procedures;
15. Participating in or leading professional development sessions for peers, partners and stakeholders (e.g., technical briefings, lunch and learn sessions, etc.);
16. Contributing to after action review processes involving PEOC staff, internal and external stakeholders;
17. Compiling, analyzing and assessing incident data for critical incident information, statistical and reporting purposes for use by provincial, municipal, First Nations, federal and other stakeholders; and,
18. Participating in and/or contributing to special projects under the direction of the Program Manager or Operations Officers.

Staffing and Licensing :

1. Shift work is required to ensure 24/7 operational coverage of the PEOC and will include weekends and statutory holidays. During emergency events and exercises, shifts may be planned on short notice and there may be requirements to work extended and irregular hours and/or shifts with minimal or no notice.
2. On-call duty may be required.
3. A uniform may be required.
4. Provincial background checks and security clearance are required.
5. A valid Ontario driver's licence is required to re-locate quickly to alternate service delivery sites - including the movement of equipment.
6. Must be capable of completing the training required to be awarded an Amateur Radio Operator certificate in order to operate the PEOC emergency radio station.
7. Must complete and adhere to mandatory Ontario government training, policies and procedures.
8. Protective equipment may be required in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, regulations and the employer's occupational health and safety policies.

Knowledge :

1. Knowledge of Ontario's emergency management legislation, regulations, standards, guidelines, etc. Knowledge of provincial and federal EM related programs which support municipal, First Nation and provincial emergency management such as disaster relief funding programs;
2. Knowledge of provincial programs, capabilities and deployment protocols;
3. Knowledge of capabilities and coordination protocols of non-government organizations (NGO) in order to effectively communicate and integrate response activities;
4. Knowledge of Amateur Radio Emergency Communications;
5. Knowledge of divisional and branch strategic and operational business plans related to EM including goals, objectives, directions, priorities;
6. Knowledge of provincial emergency plans (e.g. Provincial Emergency Response Plan, Provincial Nuclear Emergency Response Plan, Provincial Terrorism Consequence Management Plan), policies, procedures, standards, best practices;
7. Knowledge of municipal structures, administrative processes and authorities to identify required response needs and implications to provide timely advice, assistance and recommendations;
8. Knowledge of First Nations culture, law and administrative processes.

Skills :

1. Superior verbal and written communications and interpersonal skills in order to provide frontline client /customer service, maintain effective working relationships, prepare logs/reports/correspondence, write emergency alert text, develop and present situational awareness products (reports, slide decks, etc.), develop and deliver basic training materials, and to effectively communicate with staff and stakeholders.
2. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn/use other specialized software, including emergency/incident management solutions, GIS applications (e.g., Google Earth) and ability to quickly locate and utilize online information.
3. Ability to operate/use equipment such as radios, satellite telecommunications and field deployment kit/gear.
4. Demonstrated cultural sensitivity, political awareness and acuity, tact and diplomacy in order to effectively liaise and communicate with a wide range of internal staff and external partners and stakeholders at various levels.
5. Analytical skills to recognize developing situations/threats and identify gaps in procedures, and anticipate future needs and possible impacts.
6. Ability to manage stress and multiple priorities, including potentially disturbing or traumatic information which may result in increased stress and/or feelings of discomfort. This position must be prepared to identify the requirement to conduct debriefings, engage the Employee Assistance Program, peer support, and other available stress and counselling supports in order to maintain a healthy work environment.

Freedom of Action :

1. The position requires a degree of independent work with minimal supervision and work is conducted within the framework of established legislation, plans, policies, procedures and guidelines. Sound judgement is required in situations which do not conform to established procedures or policies and which require flexibility in resolution or recommendations of courses of action, based on emergency management and PEOC procedural subject matter expertise.
2. This position is often the first point of contact for senior municipal, first nation, federal, provincial or state officials during emergency events. Incumbents are expected to demonstrate discretion, political acuity and cultural sensitivity in providing initial advice and assistance in accordance with legislation, plans, policies, procedures, guidelines and direction.
3. This positon requires flexibility and adaptability to verify and coordinate information across a vast number of stakeholders at municipal, First Nation, federal, provincial and state levels.
4. This position exercises independence and judgement through prioritizing concurrent tasks and evolving situations within the guidance provided within plans, policies and procedures and, where necessary, by direction from the senior operations staff, Program Manager, Operations or the Duty Operations Chief.
5. This position will be required to work independently to conduct analysis and create reports and information products.
6. This position will work closely with other senior members of the operations team on time sensitive projects, tasks.
7. The position exercises judgement in emergency situations, by making time-sensitive decisions and taking immediate actions based on policies and procedures, and when necessary, will seek further direction from the program manager or Duty Operations Chief.
8. The position exercises judgement in determining when to refer matters to senior staff, the Program Manager, Operations or Duty Operations Chief.
9. This position ensures proper handling of data and information in accordance with information management policies.
10. This position is accountable for the accuracy and quality of information, support and service provided to partners, stakeholders and the public.
11. Judgement is required to assess and make recommendations related to event-related information, during conduct of post-event analysis and creation of statistical products to support event files and reports or when conducting procedural reviews.
12. Failure to provide timely information or engage partners and stakeholders could negatively impact response and could harm organizational and governmental credibility.
13. Ineffective or inappropriate communications could result in political consequences or unnecessary financial implications and affect organizational and governmental credibility.
14. This position consults senior operations staff, the Program Manager, Operations or Duty Operations Chief for prioritization of tasks, to provide regular status updates, and to advise regarding actual or potential conflicts or political or financial issues.
15. Work is monitored by the Program Manager, Operations to ensure compliance with policies and procedures and for accuracy of information being shared with partners and stakeholders.
16. Managers retain the rights to assign additional duties as required.