Manager, Search and Rescue
About The Position
The Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services (PSES) has significant oversight and involvement in public security and emergency services through its various divisions and operations. The department is responsible for the administration of law enforcement, correctional services, policing and police oversight and public safety. The Ministry supports crime prevention and restorative justice programs, as well as programs and services to support victims of crime including those affected by domestic violence and human trafficking. The Ministry also coordinates large scale emergency and disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery programs and initiatives. Search and Rescue (SAR) refers to coordinated emergency response services that locate, assist, and recover people who are lost, missing, injured, or in distress, often in remote, wilderness or otherwise difficult-to-access areas. In Alberta, most SAR activity is led by the Police of Jurisdiction. The Manager, Search and Rescue provides strategic and operational leadership for Alberta’s Provincial Search and Rescue Program, ensuring effective program delivery, policy development, and alignment with provincial priorities and legislation. Reporting to the Director, Emergency Management, the role leads research, analysis, and recommendations on complex SAR issues, including funding, governance, and system improvements, while advising senior leadership on emerging risks and coordination needs across the province. The role builds and maintains strong relationships with municipalities, law enforcement, volunteer SAR organizations, and provincial and federal partners to enhance collaboration and service delivery. It oversees grant programs, develops accountability frameworks, and works with partners to identify gaps and implement sustainable solutions. The Manager also prepares briefings, presentations, and communications materials, and represents Alberta at federal-provincial-territorial tables to influence policy and advance funding opportunities. In addition, the position supports the broader Emergency Management portfolio through business continuity planning, emergency preparedness, and departmental response efforts. As part of the Emergency Management team, the Manager provides surge capacity during activations and supervises specialized staff, fostering capability, knowledge transfer, and continuous improvement to strengthen Alberta’s emergency management system.
Requirements
- A University degree in a related field such as Public Policy, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement or a related discipline combined with 4 years of related experience in law enforcement in Alberta, emergency management, stakeholder relations, or policy development.
- Related experience or education may be considered on a one-for-one basis.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working in search and rescue, emergency management, or public safety environments.
- Strong understanding of multi-jurisdictional coordination involving municipalities, law enforcement, and volunteer organizations.
- Proven ability to build and maintain effective partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Demonstrated strength in policy analysis, program development, and strategic thinking.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing senior leadership.
- Experience managing complex projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
- Provides strategic and operational leadership for Alberta’s Provincial Search and Rescue Program.
- Ensures effective program delivery, policy development, and alignment with provincial priorities and legislation.
- Leads research, analysis, and recommendations on complex SAR issues, including funding, governance, and system improvements.
- Advises senior leadership on emerging risks and coordination needs across the province.
- Builds and maintains strong relationships with municipalities, law enforcement, volunteer SAR organizations, and provincial and federal partners.
- Oversees grant programs and develops accountability frameworks.
- Works with partners to identify gaps and implement sustainable solutions.
- Prepares briefings, presentations, and communications materials.
- Represents Alberta at federal-provincial-territorial tables.
- Supports the broader Emergency Management portfolio through business continuity planning, emergency preparedness, and departmental response efforts.
- Provides surge capacity during activations and supervises specialized staff.
- Fosters capability, knowledge transfer, and continuous improvement to strengthen Alberta’s emergency management system.
Benefits
- Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
- Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP)
- Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
- Professional learning and development
- Leadership and mentorship programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
