Competition # : 48352
Department: Emergency Management
Location: SHUBENACADIE
Type of Employment: Relief
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 21-Apr-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
The Shubenacadie Radio Communications Centre (SRCC) provides public safety and public works dispatch and call notification services to hundreds of organizations at all levels of Government in Nova Scotia. We are a division of the Nova Scotia Department of Emergency Management; Nova Scotia’s lead agency for emergency planning, response, and recovery, working closely with municipalities to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
Shubenacadie Radio Communications Centre provides 24/7 dispatch, call notification, critical activity monitoring, emergency notifications, answering services, secure alarming, and remote infrastructure management (telecommunications tower sites) to support many first response services such as the Emergency Management Organization (EMO), conservation enforcement, volunteer fire services, search & rescue, and other organizations.
As a Dispatch Operator (Radio Operator), you are at the centre of emergency response coordination in Nova Scotia.
You will receive, assess, and prioritize incoming requests; coordinate multi-agency responses; and ensure accurate, timely communication among partners. Every decision you make contributes to public safety outcomes.
This role is best suited for individuals who:
You will be working in a fast-paced, high-consequence setting where your ability to think critically and act decisively matters every day.
The ideal candidate will have an interest in public safety and be willing to learn the vital role of a dispatch operator. We welcome candidates with a combination of five (5) years of paid and volunteer experience, education, or training in communications centres, customer service, first-responder agencies, the military, or other relevant environments.
As a dispatch operator, you must be collaborative and comfortable working in a team-based environment. Dispatch operators must remain calm and make decisions under pressure while supporting the public or clients in time-sensitive or high-stakes situations. They are often required to triage and manage multiple events with minimal supervision. The dispatch operator needs to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, and be comfortable working with technology, including computers, radios, and other programs as required.
Assets include:
We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, interview(s), and reference checks.
We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.
Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
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
This role is based in a 24/7 emergency communications centre that supports public safety operations. It is a fast-paced environment with multiple simultaneous audio and visual inputs, including constant radio, telephone, and computer system monitoring. Clear verbal communication, excellent hearing, and very good or corrected vision are required to support safe and accurate operations.
Shifts are 12 hours and rotate between days and nights, typically:
The work includes consistent headset use, ongoing computer work, and fine hand and finger movements. Operators may sit or stand at their discretion and will occasionally move within the workspace to access equipment such as printers or terminals. Occasional reaching, bending, or light lifting may be required to manage equipment or workstations.
Because this role directly supports emergency response and frontline services, incumbents may be exposed to high-pressure situations, including interactions with distressed members of the public and information related to serious incidents involving injury, loss of life, or property damage. The ability to maintain concentration, manage competing demands, and work within fixed timelines is essential. Confidentiality is vital.
Travel may be required periodically to attend meetings. Overtime and call-backs may occur depending on operational needs.
Accessibility note: The current facility is not wheelchair accessible.
A relief employee is an employee who is not regularly scheduled by the Employer, but who works relief assignments on an as-needed basis as operational requirements demand. As such, a relief employee does not have guaranteed hours of work. Please note that when competing for vacancies, a successful Temporary, Term or Permanent Relief Employee who is currently employed with the Province will maintain their bargaining unit status, seniority and benefit level at the new workplace.
Pay Grade: TE 17 Hourly
Salary Range: $28.11 - $33.01 Hourly
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.
A relief employee is an employee who is not regularly scheduled by the Employer, but who works relief assignments on an as-needed basis as operational requirements demand. As such, a relief employee does not have guaranteed hours of work. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.
Please note: when competing for vacancies, a successful Temporary, Term or Permanent Relief Employee who is currently employed with the Province will maintain their bargaining unit status, seniority and benefit level at the new workplace.
Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:
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
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