About Us

The Department of Emergency Management is responsible for leading disaster and emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery activities on behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia. The objective of the Department is to ensure that Nova Scotians are safe, prepared and resilient in the face of disasters and emergencies. The Department leads the coordination and co-operation of partners and resources during provincial level critical incidents, supports municipal and other partners in regional level and local events, administers the province’s 911 service, maintains critical communications infrastructure and supports operations of our regional emergency management centres. The Department also works to ensure critical government services continue to function during and after critical events.

The Regional Operations and Infrastructure Branch

The Regional Operations and Infrastructure Branch enhances the safety and resilience of our Province by:

• Strengthening critical communications infrastructure through the establishment and oversight of the Public Safety Field Communications Agency. The Agency’s mission is to create a Centre of Excellence in the delivery of public safety communications, dispatch, and related technologies across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada
• Establishing and maintaining Regional Emergency Operations Centres (REOCs) in 6 regions in Nova Scotia. The REOCs provide leadership in building regional emergency operations networks; ensuring collaborative efforts around emergency planning, training and exercising and developing regional plans for equipment and stores to support emergency response
• Coordinating response to regional emergencies
• Strengthening local and regional emergency preparedness through outreach and education to Nova Scotians at community events, schools, organizations, and through information sessions
• Fostering strong collaboration, communication, and emergency management planning with regional partners, including the development and coordination of regional Nova Scotia Guard networks
• Providing information to the Provincial Coordination Centre and the 24/7 Watch Desk staff to ensure real-time situational awareness, coordination, and support during emergencies and actioning critical information received from the Provincial Coordination Centre in the regions

About Our Opportunity

We are seeking a Regional Operations Lead to join our dynamic team in the Regional Operations and Infrastructure Division. Reporting directly to the Director, Regional Operations and Infrastructure, the Operations Lead will play a pivotal role in overseeing the coordination, support, and management of province-wide emergency management initiatives.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the alignment of regional operations across six diverse regions, driving innovative practices, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, and managing significant programs such as Incident Management Teams (IMT) and Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR).

Primary Accountabilities

• Support the effective delivery of regional programs and services, ensuring consistency and alignment with divisional goals. Design and implement operational policies that enhance productivity, accountability, and efficiency across regions.
• Oversee the operational management of the IMT program, including training, certification, qualifications tracking, and resource management. Coordinate team deployments and maintain the necessary equipment for operational readiness.
• Monitor divisional activities, track performance against KPIs, and produce detailed reports for senior leadership. Propose corrective actions when needed to ensure program effectiveness.
• Provide leadership and support during REOC activations and other emergency operations, ensuring smooth coordination of resources, logistics, and reporting.
• Support relationships with key regional stakeholders, including municipal partners, community organizations, and internal teams, ensuring a unified approach to emergency management.
• Lead and oversee critical divisional projects, including procurement, equipment management, IT-related projects, fleet management, and large-scale conferences or events.
• Identify training needs, track staff certifications, and ensure compliance with occupational health and safety requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will exhibit a commitment to high-quality service delivery, focusing on meeting client needs, and aligning operations with strategic objectives. The ideal candidate will have a background in emergency management, operations, and program delivery, along with excellent leadership and project management. Proven experience in leadership, program delivery, and emergency management is essential.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelors degree in emergency management, public safety, business administration, or a related field and at least five years of relevant experience in emergency management, program management, or operations coordination.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will also be considered.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively

Assets:

• Familiarity with Nova Scotia's "Trunked Mobile Radio" system for seamless communication and coordination during emergencies.
• Training in the Incident Command System (ICS), preferably with Incident Management Team (IMT) certification.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale programs, collaborating with regional or municipal stakeholders, and providing expert advice on operational policies.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• Completion of a related diploma and seven (7) years related experience
• Completion of a related Master’s degree and at least three (3) years related experience
• At least nine (9) years of total related experience

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application. 

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

• Normally 35 hours per week. Generally during Monday-Friday business hours, but some evenings/weekends regularly required for stakeholder meetings and events.
• This position requires occasional extended hours during emergencies and standby rotation participation.
• The role involves travel throughout Nova Scotia, and occasional out-of-province travel may be required.

Additional Information

• Must have a valid unrestricted class 5 driver’s license and be able to obtain an enhanced reliability security clearance.

What We Offer

• Career development opportunities, including access to training, career guidance, and resources.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment with opportunities for growth.
• Competitive salary and benefits, including health, dental, and life insurance, pension plan, and vacation.