Eds Specialist

Description:

The Salvation Army, a globally recognized charitable organization serving communities for over 130 years, is seeking a skilled Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Specialist to support the planning and delivery of its Emergency Disaster Services program within the assigned catchment area. This role involves preparing, coordinating, and delivering mass feeding programs during disaster situations, while also providing emotional and spiritual care to those affected.

Key responsibilities include assisting in the provision of 24/7 emergency services, organizing and delivering training courses, preparing nutritious meals for up to 500 people from mobile field kitchens (Community Response Units), ensuring food safety compliance, maintaining readiness of EDS vehicles and equipment, and providing operational leadership during deployments. The EDS Specialist will also manage inventories, supervise volunteers during responses, contribute to response strategies, and maintain detailed reports and statistics.

The role demands flexibility, as deployments may last a minimum of 14 days in challenging environments with limited amenities. Candidates must be prepared for long hours, high-pressure situations, and operating in both administrative and frontline disaster response settings.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a three-year post-secondary program in disaster/emergency management or related field (Undergraduate degree an asset)

• Completion or ability to complete required National Disaster Training Program courses within 12 months

• First Aid/CPR certification (Food Safety Certificate required per provincial regulations; Red Seal Certification an asset)

• Minimum 3 years of related experience, including 2 years in frontline emergency or disaster services

• Experience in large-scale food preparation for up to 500 people

• Proven emergency management skills (prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery)

• Strong networking skills for volunteer coordination

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)

Skills and Capabilities:

• Ability to work in stressful, fast-paced environments

• Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills

• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional ethics

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Attention to detail and capacity to work independently and collaboratively