Clinton Parker
703 Brighton Place, Qualicum Beach,BC
Summary
Elevating the BC Wildfire Service's operational efficiency, I spearheaded initiatives that significantly enhanced team collaboration and problem-solving capabilities. My tenure at the Coastal Fire Centre is marked by strategic leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement, exemplified by mentoring emerging leaders and implementing data-driven strategies, blending hard skills like process optimization with soft skills in communication and team management.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fire Centre Manager, Coastal Fire Centre
Province of British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service
Parksville, BC
04.2019 - Current
- Provided senior management level leadership in a dynamic fire management and business planning environment, while maintaining a political aptitude and foresight on emerging issues.
- Lead a diverse team of senior staff in delivering provincial mandates related wildfire and natural hazard emergency management while ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Achieved provincial goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Lead the development and implementation of regional level business and financial management planning, established regional priorities, performance measures, and performance management.
- Coordinated regional integration across ministry and broader government in the delivery of joint hazard coordination, wildfire risk reduction, post wildfire natural hazard assessment, landscape rehabilitation and recovery.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- lead complex employee relations files including workplace investigations, medical and disability cases and grievances.
Deputy Fire Centre Manager, Coastal Fire Centre
Province of British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service
Parksville, BC
04.2018 - 04.2019
- Co-management co-lead of a large and complex Fire Centre in British Columbia
- Directly supervised and performance managed six STOR-24 Wildfire Officers and an asset management team
- Responsible for over 200 full time and seasonal government employees in the Fire Centre organizational model, in addition to contractors, and seasonal statutory hires
- Planed and lead internal team meetings
- Coordinated and facilitated external engagement on regional initiatives including forest industry engagement and Indigenous partnering opportunities
- Led complex employee relations files including workplace investigations, medical and disability cases, and grievances
- Acted as employer co-chair of Fire Centre Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee
- Authored statutory decisions on legislative cost recovery and contravention files for the Ministry on Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development; leading formal hearings related to decisions
Senior Wildfire Officer, Prevention
Province of British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service
Parksville, BC
02.2015 - 04.2018
- Lead Regional wildfire prevention section, directly supervised six subordinate staff
- Developed and provided oversite for the regional wildfire prevention plan
- Provided oversite for the regional wildfire risk reduction and cultural & prescribed fire programs
- Fire Centre compliance lead, ensure wildfire origin & cause investigations where completed, primary liaison with enforcement agencies
- Wildfire claims, costs recovery and post wildfire rehabilitation lead
- Led the development of Wildfire Act Prohibition and Restriction Orders
Wildfire Officer
Province of British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service
Campbell River, BC
08.2007 - 02.2015
- Primary wildfire representative for a large diverse fire zone
- Directly supervised six subordinate staff, indirectly responsible for 15 additional staff including fire crews
- Developed and implemented local wildfire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery plans for the fire zone
- Responsible for facility and vehicle maintenance and improvements for two fire bases and 20 vehicles/apparatus
- Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
- Coordinated operations with other emergency service groups.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making techniques to implement strategic plan and measure progress towards goals
- Acted in Incident Command System roles commensurate with my certification
Wildfire Technician
Province of British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service
Castlegar, BC
08.2005 - 08.2007
- Developed and implemented the Zone Wildfire Prevention and Response Plans
- Conducted fire hazard hazard assessments and mitigation strategies with local forest industry stakeholders
- Supervised two 20 person sustained action and five Initial Attack Fire Crews
- Developed and maintain the Zone wildfire suppression equipment inventory for two fire bases
- Developed and maintained the vehicle and wildfire apparatus plan for two fire bases
- Acted in Incident Command System positions commensurate with my certification
- Led the Fire Centre Regional Wildfire Coordination Centre Operations Officer community of practice
Wildfire Assistant
Province of British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service
Campbell River, BC
03.1995 - 08.2005
- Led recruitment of all Initial Attack Firefighting staff within the Fire Zone
- Directly supervised five Initial Attack Fire Crews
- Implement zone internal and external training plan
- Maintained zone fire equipment caches and inventory
- Developed zone pre-organization of contracted service providers
- Maintained the Mid Coast Fire Base
- Acted in Incident Command positions commensurate with my certification
Initial Attack Crew Leader
Province of British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service
Qualicum Beach And Campbell River, BC
05.1993 - 03.1995
- Directly supervised two Initial Attack crew members
- Conducted wildfire training sessions for internal staff and external partners
- Maintained crew firefighting equipments, vehicles and apparatus as assigned
- Responded to wildfire incidents, completed initial assessments, determined values, assessed risks, developed and implement suppression strategy and tactics
- Completed project wildfire risk reduction and public information projects as assigned
- promoted a healthy, inclusive, safework environment
- Discussed daily work requirements with crew and assigned skills-based tasks to enable completion of work.
- Trained employees in time management and proper ways to complete job duties.
Wildland Firefighter
Kusawa Contracting Limited
Nanaimo, BC
05.1988 - 03.1993
- Operated pumping engine to direct water pressure in hose and nozzle for most efficient operation.
- Acted quickly to contain hazardous chemicals likely to catch fire, leak, or spill.
- Bolstered crew cohesion through strong communication skills, fostering a supportive team environment.
- Assisted with regular maintenance of firefighting equipment.
- Effectively supported fire suppression by setting up and maintaining water supply lines.
- Assisted in prevention of fires through public education programs.
- Patrolled burnt areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that could flare or rekindle.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
- Assisted in the development of new firefighters by providing guidance and mentorship as a seasoned wildland firefighter.
- Improved crew safety through diligent hazard assessment and risk management during incidents.
- Upheld high standards of professionalism while interacting with the public during prescribed burns or emergency situations.
- Cut and cleared brush and dug trenches to create fire lines using axes, chainsaws or shovels.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
Education
High School Diploma -
Nanaimo District Secondary School
Nanaimo, BC06-1988
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Strategic Planning
- Cross-Functional Teamwork
- Verbal and written communication
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- Type 2 Incident Commander
- Type 2 Operations Sections Chief
- Type 2 Logistics Sections Chief
- Type 2 Air Operations Branch Director
- Provincial Wildfire Control Officer
- Regional Wildfire Control Officer
- Type 2 Zone Wildfire Control Officer
Timeline
Fire Centre Manager, Coastal Fire Centre
Province of British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service
04.2019 - Current
Deputy Fire Centre Manager, Coastal Fire Centre
Province of British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service
04.2018 - 04.2019
Senior Wildfire Officer, Prevention
Province of British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service
02.2015 - 04.2018
Wildfire Officer
Province of British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service
08.2007 - 02.2015
Wildfire Technician
Province of British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service
08.2005 - 08.2007
Wildfire Assistant
Province of British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service
03.1995 - 08.2005
Initial Attack Crew Leader
Province of British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service
05.1993 - 03.1995
Wildland Firefighter
Kusawa Contracting Limited
05.1988 - 03.1993
High School Diploma -
Nanaimo District Secondary School