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Exercise and Interoperability Officer (Program Admin Officer 3)

Province of Nova Scotia

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia

Exercise and Interoperability Officer (Program Admin Officer 3)

Province of Nova Scotia

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia
 
Salary: $2,556.10 - $3,107.16 Bi-Weekly
 

 

 

Competition # : 46446 

Department: Emergency Management

Location: DARTMOUTH

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG 

Closing Date: ​10-Jul-25 ​ (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

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 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

The Interoperability Exercise Officer is responsible to design, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate communications interoperability exercises between agencies using the Trunked Mobile Radio network. Whereas the PSFC’s training program focuses on classroom and online technical training in the use of radio and basic operating policies, the exercise program will complement the training by taking classroom learnings of individual agencies and applying them effectively in multi-agency real-world and tabletop exercise scenarios, focusing specifically on the connections and interoperability between agencies (i.e. how they work effectively together) during critical events.

 

This resource will proactively plan exercises and engage various agencies to develop the overall skill and proficiency level of first responders in Nova Scotia to be successful in using the radio and interoperability technology available to them. It will evaluate the success of program offerings and seek opportunities to have the greatest impact across the province.

 

It is expected, by virtue of this resource creating connections and acting as a liaison and relationship builder between agencies, that the role will also support networking and operational interoperability initiatives on behalf of the Province, which will go beyond communications interoperability.

Primary Accountabilities

  • Using expert knowledge of public safety agencies, exercise design, and radio system technology, the specialist will design, plan, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate real-time, in-person exercises for public safety agencies across Nova Scotia, at all three levels of government, focusing on radio communications interoperability between agencies.
  • Design and promote proactive exercise plans throughout each year, using knowledge of agencies and their operations to identify personnel and geographic areas most in need of such exercises.
  • Collaborate with the training and exercising division/regional operations of the department to identify opportunities for communication injects throughout the annual exercise planning cycle.
  • Assist with the development of internal exercises for the Mobile Communications Support team and support staff.
  • Design and prepare customized exercise materials, including injects, simulations, print and video materials, to support delivery of exercises based on the unique radio equipment and programming of each participating agency, and their procedures for interoperability.
  • Evaluate the success of exercises, and provide feedback to agency representatives, and PSFC leadership
  • Act as a conduit and relationship builder between agencies
  • Support Client Relations activities within PSFC by meeting with agencies and discussing their overall needs with respect to radio communications
  • As needed, provide support to the Department’s mobile communications program, which provides on-site communications support to emergencies and planned events.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will exhibit a commitment to high-quality service delivery. Knowledge in public safety communications technologies and operations are essential.

 

The successful candidate will have a university degree in a related field (Business/Commerce, Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Public Administration, or Emergency Management) plus five years of relevant experience in a related public safety/emergency management environment.

 

Candidates must:

  • Be client focused, taking pride in client service, and demonstrating skill in working with diverse stakeholders
  • Have experience developing and/or delivering training or technical exercises to diverse audiences
  • Be very familiar with public safety communications technologies such as mobile radio and associated technologies
  • Have experience working in or closely with a public safety/emergency management agency
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and provide clear, concise briefings and advice.
  • Be trained in the Incident Command System to at least ICS level 300

 

Assets include:

  • Formal certification or training in adult education
  • Marine, Aeronautical, or Amateur Radio Licenses
  • Communication Unit Leader (COM-L) training
  • Completion of a CEVO course for emergency vehicle operation
  • Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) or equivalent

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:

 

  • Nine years of directly related experience.

 

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

 

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.

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

  • Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day
  • Will serve as part of a 24/7/365 on-call rotation.
  • Frequent requirements to work overtime on a 24/7 basis, in locations across the province, to support training, travel, and emergencies/events
  • May work evenings/weekends on occasion to meet stakeholder needs
  • Will travel frequently throughout their designated region, and occasionally throughout the province

Additional Information

  • Must have a valid unrestricted class 5 license
  • Must be able to obtain an enhanced reliability level security clearance

What We Offer

  • Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
  • Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
  • Countless career paths
  • Department specific flexible working schedules

 

Pay Grade:  PR 13  

Salary Range:  $2,556.10 - $3,107.16 Bi-Weekly

 

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve.  The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.  If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application. 

 

Accommodation Statement:

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.

 

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

 

 

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued. 

 

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information. 

 

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

 

We are committed to hiring military and Veteran spouses and encourage you to identify your connection with the MSEN when reaching out to us or applying to any of our open roles.

 

Have questions or want to learn more about us? We would love to hear from you!

 

Email: competitions@novascotia.ca

 

About Province of Nova Scotia

The Province of Nova Scotia is a major employer providing a diverse range of opportunities across the province.

Working for the Province of Nova Scotia offers several attractive benefits that appeal to both new graduates and experienced professionals:

 

1. Work-Life Balance: We foster a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work arrangements, generous vacation policies, and family-friendly practices, allowing employees to enjoy both their careers and personal lives.

 

2. Competitive Benefits: Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, dental, and vision coverage, along with a solid pension plan.

 

3. Career Growth & Development: Continuous learning and professional development is encouraged. There are opportunities for training, mentorship, and career advancement, making it an excellent choice for those looking to grow their skills and move up within the organization.

 

4. Inclusive & Supportive Work Environment: With a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the workplace we strive to create an environment that welcomes and supports employees of all backgrounds, promoting equity and accessibility.

 

5. High Quality of Life: Nova Scotia is known for its natural beauty, coastal lifestyle, and strong sense of community. Working for the province allows individuals to live in a region with affordable housing, low commute times, and access to outdoor activities, while contributing to the public good.

 

6. Focus on Innovation & Sustainability: Nova Scotia is at the forefront of developing sustainable industries, particularly in areas like clean energy, oceans technology, and environmental stewardship. Employees can work on forward-thinking projects that make a difference in both the local and global community.

 

 

From field to the office, we offer diverse and unique career paths:

 

Administration and Support Services:

  • Administrative Assistants

  • Customer Service Representatives

Law and Justice:

  • Legal Assistants

  • Corrections Officers

  • Lawyers, and Crown Attorneys

Health and Social Services:

  • Social Workers

  • Child, Youth, And Family Support Workers

  • Care Coordinators

Information Technology:

  • IT Specialists

  • Cybersecurity Analysts

  • GIS Analysts

Environmental:

  • Environmental Scientists

  • Conservation Officers

Finance and Economics:

  • Financial Analysts

  • Economists

  • Accountants

Education:

  • Policy Analysts

  • Program Coordinators

Skilled Trades and Labour:

  • Equipment Operators

  • Park Attendants

  • Maintenance Workers

  • Mechanics, Electricians, Plumbers and more