Fire Smart Program Coordinator

Position: Fire Smart Program Coordinator                                 

Location: Remotely

Employment Term: One (1) year position (possibility of renewal)

Salary: To be determined based on qualifications and experience

Closing Date: November 24, 2026

About the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq

The Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM) is a Tribal Council representing five Mi’kmaq First Nation communities in Unama’ki (Cape Breton), Nova Scotia: Potlotek, We’koqma’q, Wagmatcook, Membertou, and Eskasoni.

UNSM works collaboratively with its member communities to support community development, strengthen capacity, promote self-determination, and advance initiatives that improve the health, safety, and well-being of Mi’kmaq people.

The Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq is seeking a motivated, knowledgeable, and community-oriented individual to fill the position of Fire Smart Program Coordinator within its Emergency Management Program.

Position Overview

The Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM) is seeking a Fire Smart Program Coordinator to support the development, coordination, and implementation of wildfire resilience and mitigation initiatives across its five-member First Nation communities.

Reporting to the Emergency Management Program, the Fire Smart Program Coordinator will work closely with Community Emergency Management Coordinators, First Nation leadership, public works and housing departments, residents, technical consultants, forestry professionals, and government and community partners to strengthen wildfire preparedness and reduce wildfire risks.

The successful candidate will coordinate and support Fire Smart programming, community wildfire risk assessments, Fire Smart Home Assessments, public education and awareness initiatives, and the identification and implementation of wildfire fuel mitigation projects.

The position will also support the development and updating of community wildfire preparedness and evacuation plans, coordinate Fire Smart training opportunities, and assist in building long-term wildfire resilience and emergency management capacity within UNSM communities.

The successful candidate will be a strong communicator and collaborator with an interest in emergency management, wildfire prevention, environmental protection, community safety, and practical risk reduction.

Overview of Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support Fire Smart programming and wildfire resilience initiatives across the five UNSM member communities.
• Work collaboratively with Community Emergency Management Coordinators (CEMCs) to identify wildfire hazards, community vulnerabilities, and mitigation priorities.
• Support the development, review, and updating of Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans and wildfire preparedness and evacuation plans.
• Coordinate and conduct Fire Smart Home Assessments and provide residents with practical recommendations to reduce wildfire risks to their homes and properties.
• Assist communities in identifying, prioritizing, and implementing wildfire fuel management and vegetation mitigation projects.
• Support Fire Smart initiatives involving vegetation management, emergency access routes, defensible space, and protection of critical infrastructure.
• Coordinate and deliver Fire Smart education, awareness, and training opportunities for community members, staff, leadership, and emergency response personnel.
• Develop and distribute public education materials, including Fire Smart notices, seasonal wildfire prevention messaging, and community awareness resources.
• Work with housing, public works, facilities, and other community departments to promote Fire Smart principles in community planning, maintenance, and development.
• Assist with organizing Fire Smart community events, workshops, demonstrations, and information sessions.
• Build and maintain partnerships with provincial and federal departments, Natural Resources Canada, forestry professionals, Fire Smart Canada, technical consultants, and other emergency management partners.
• Assist with identifying funding opportunities, preparing project proposals, and supporting funding applications related to wildfire resilience and mitigation.
• Maintain project records, track program activities, document completed assessments and prepare progress reports and performance measurements.
• Participate in emergency management meetings, wildfire preparedness exercises, and relevant professional development opportunities.
• Perform other related duties as required to support UNSM's Emergency Management Program.

Position Requirements

• Experience working with First Nation communities is considered a strong asset.
• Knowledge or experience in wildfire prevention, emergency management, environmental protection, forestry, or community safety.
• Familiarity with Fire Smart principles, wildfire mitigation practices, and community wildfire risk reduction is considered an asset.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and project coordination skills.
• Experience developing and delivering public education, community engagement, workshops, or training activities.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining positive working relationships with community leadership, staff, residents, and external partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, project documentation, and educational materials.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to travel regularly between the five UNSM member communities and work in various outdoor and field environments.
• A diploma, certificate, or degree in Emergency Management, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Natural Resources, Occupational Health and Safety, Project Management, or a related field is considered an asset. Equivalent education and experience will also be considered.
• A valid driver's licence and reliable transportation are required.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to accommodate community events, training, and project activities.
• Must be willing to travel

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Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume outlining their qualifications, relevant experience, and interest in the position.

The Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq is committed to building a skilled and culturally respectful workforce and encourages qualified Mi’kmaq candidates to apply.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

What We Offer

UNSM offers health and dental benefits, a group pension plan, and summer Flex Fridays.

Please note that the duties outlined in this job description are not exhaustive, and other duties may be required.

Cultural Safety and Respectful Engagement

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to culturally safe, respectful, and inclusive practices that reflect Mi’kmaq values, perspectives, and ways of knowing. They will foster positive relationships, communicate respectfully, and contribute to a workplace environment grounded in cultural humility, reconciliation, and continuous learning.

Disclaimer

The Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq reserves the right to refuse any or all applications at any stage of the hiring process. Applications received after the closing deadline will not be accepted. UNSM also reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or revise employment opportunities at any time.