Bernard Schmitte
Edmonton,Alberta
Summary
Versatile Executive Director and Senior Manager focused on promoting mission and increasing effectiveness of key programs. Passionate about managing and overseeing implementation of departments daily operations. Quick and firm decision-maker possessing effective communication and organizational skills. Recognized for successfully developing program work plans, financial accountability and strategic planning.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director - Retired
Government Of Alberta, Forestry and Parks
01.2021 - Current
- Executive management; Program coordination and delivery of wildfire management for the province of Alberta
- Finance and administration of provincial wildfire budget
- Human resource management of permanent and seasonal employees
- Policy development
- Forged strong relationships with provincial Ministries, stakeholders and partners
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity
- Fostered a safe work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover
Forest Area Manager
Forestry and Parks, Fort McMurray Forest Area
01.2011 - 01.2021
- Provide leadership and manage performance of professional, technical and administrative support staff
- Ensure strong alignment with Ministry strategic plan
- Establish and maintain relationships with Indigenous groups, key stakeholders and partners to ensure effective and efficient delivery of departmental programs
- Plan and manage program budget expenditures to ensure effective and efficient achievement of established priorities
- Provide for a safe and productive work environment.
Wildfire Prevention Officer
Sustainable Resource Development, Clearwater Area, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Provide leadership within the wildfire prevention program through the setting of priorities, allocation of resources
- Develop an annual wildfire prevention plan which encompass the three key pillars of prevention: Education, Enforcement and Engineering
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
Wildfire Operations Officer
Sustainable Resource Development, Peace Upper Hay Area, High Level, Alberta
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Provide leadership and direction to Area staff in the efficient and effective execution of wildfire management priorities to ensure provincial objectives and business goals achieved
- Provide leadership and participate in provincial wildfire assessments and reviews at the type 1 incident management level
- Initiate and monitor consistent application of legislation, policy, standard operating procedures and business practices
- Represent the departmental interests in dealing with local and provincial wildfire issues.
Forest Protection Technician - Wildfire Operations
Sustainable Resource Development, Clearwater Wildfire Management Area, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Plan and coordinate the operational delivery of pre-suppression and suppression resources with the Forest Area
- Provide leadership and guidance to permanent and seasonal wildfire staff to ensure sufficient resources are trained and fire ready each wildfire season
- Make time constrained decisions while acting as Forest Area Duty Officer; Lead and participate in Incident Management teams
- Maintained a safe work environment by strictly adhering to established safety protocols and guidelines.
Forest Protection Technician - Wildfire Operations
Sustainable Resource Development, Waterways Wildfire Management Area, Fort Chipewyan, Alberta
01.1998 - 01.2002
- Provide leadership and support to the community of Fort Chipewyan through the operational delivery of Wildfire Management program
- Design and implement Fire Smart strategies to reduce the risk of wildfire to the communities of Fort Chipewyan, Fitzgerald and Fort Smith, NWT
Forest Officer
Alberta Forest Service, High Level, Grande Prairie
01.1992 - 01.1998
- General Forest Officer duties including, firefighting, recreation management, timber harvest inspections, land management approvals and inspections, general administrative duties.
Harvesting Inspector
British Columbia Forest Service, Port McNeill District, Port McNeill, British Columbia
01.1991 - 01.1992
- Prepared reports detailing findings of timber inspections, and investigations
- Ensured compliance with government regulations through meticulous attention to detail during inspections.
Resource Technician
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Sioux Lookout District
01.1985 - 01.1991
- Forest Management duties including road design and layout, cut block layout, reforestation and surveys
- Provided expert guidance on resource allocation, contributing to the allocation of timber rights.
Education
Technology and Applied Science: Forestry -
Sault College of Applied Arts And Technology
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario04.1988
High School Diploma -
Northwestern Secondary School
Stratford, Ontario06.1983
Skills
- 3 years Executive Management
- 10 years Senior Management, leadership, supervision and program administration
- 20 years field delivery
- Indigenous and community engagement
- Stakeholder and client engagement, negotiation and collaboration
- Program Management
- Strategic Planning
- Forest Management administration
- Wildland Fire Management
- Type 1 incident management, national and international deployment
Relatedexperienceandtraining
- Alberta Association of Forest Management Professional
- Canadian Institute of Forestry
- International Association of Wildland Fire Management
- Manager Competency Development
- Senior and Executive Management Development
Timeline
Executive Director - Retired
Government Of Alberta, Forestry and Parks
01.2021 - Current
Forest Area Manager
Forestry and Parks, Fort McMurray Forest Area
01.2011 - 01.2021
Wildfire Prevention Officer
Sustainable Resource Development, Clearwater Area, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
01.2007 - 01.2011
Wildfire Operations Officer
Sustainable Resource Development, Peace Upper Hay Area, High Level, Alberta
01.2005 - 01.2007
Forest Protection Technician - Wildfire Operations
Sustainable Resource Development, Clearwater Wildfire Management Area, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
01.2002 - 01.2005
Forest Protection Technician - Wildfire Operations
Sustainable Resource Development, Waterways Wildfire Management Area, Fort Chipewyan, Alberta
01.1998 - 01.2002
Forest Officer
Alberta Forest Service, High Level, Grande Prairie
01.1992 - 01.1998
Harvesting Inspector
British Columbia Forest Service, Port McNeill District, Port McNeill, British Columbia
01.1991 - 01.1992
Resource Technician
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Sioux Lookout District
01.1985 - 01.1991
Technology and Applied Science: Forestry -
Sault College of Applied Arts And Technology
High School Diploma -
Northwestern Secondary School
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