Jobs of the Future: Planning for disaster

As the Earth continues to evolve in light of our changing climate, and with a pandemic only slightly in our rearview, communities will need an increasing number of emergency management and preparation specialists in the future.

Disasters and health emergencies can strike quickly and without warning. According to the Red Cross, communities with up-to-date, comprehensive emergency plans can manage crises better and recover more quickly. Not only that, but the cost of these emergencies can cripple cities, and a preparedness manager can ensure that the cost is not borne for too long. 

And it’s important work, as disasters come in all shapes and sizes. For instance, fires that burn apartment units can sometimes leave dozens homeless in a heartbeat. This was the case when the Red Cross responded to a fire in downtown Sudbury in 2023. 

In situations like this, disaster preparedness specialists are able to triage the situation, and secure community members into safe places as quickly as possible, reducing the trauma felt, and certainly, the cost to the community. 

This work can be done in the field, helping others in times of need, but also, planning to be prepared is a large part of the work. It’s about studying best practices, making recommendations, and even creating training scenarios for those on the front lines, according to a career opening at Porter Airlines in Toronto. 

Of course, if the thrill of action or the desire to assist people in crisis is what drives you, on-the-scene co-ordinators are an essential aspect of any emergency preparedness plan. 

It’s also important to ensure that these plans are specific, and specific even to areas that are remote, and would pose much different challenges than more urban areas. This according to a job posting for a health-based emergency manager in Thunder Bay.  

These jobs could give the opportunity to help in those areas, to see all the parts of the country, and to know that you are helping each community you work in. 

There are many dangers facing the communities of Canada, and certainly, we have seen a few over the last few years. From forest fires to health crises, a disaster preparedness manager could be an in-demand job of the future. 

Jobs of the Future is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.