911 Planning & Interoperability Lead (Program Admin Officer 4)

About Us

The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) 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 Incident Management and 911 Branch is dedicated to ensuring the safety and resilience of our Province by:

• Managing and modernizing the emergency 911 system, including the move to Next Generation 911.
• Rapidly coordinating emergency response through planning and collaboration across government departments and with critical infrastructure partners
• Setting standards in the provincial emergency management program for training and exercising
• Effectively managing incidents to minimize impact and restore normalcy as quickly as possible 
• Ensuring integrated emergency responses through the Provincial Coordination Centre

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Manager, 911 Strategy and Planning, the 911 Planning and Interoperability Lead will help guide two major provincial programs for the Incident Management (IM) and 911 Branch.

You’ll contribute to the modernization of the Next Generation 911 system and help to strengthen integrated emergency coordination by working with senior colleagues to ensure operational processes and procedures are current, accessible, and adhere to industry standards and best practices.

You’ll analyze existing processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and help shape the policies, procedures and tools needed for evolving service delivery. Clear, documented processes and procedures will ensure common understanding, which helps support IMD and 911 operations, and clarifies intergovernmental relationships.  The position will also supervise two full-time employees.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role, you will help bring structure, evaluate current capabilities, refine workflows and integrated communication processes that allow for rapid and coordinated responses during emergencies, and anticipate what’s coming next.

You will also:

• Support planning, evaluation of project activities tied to system modernization.
• Develop program tools to assist with evaluation and planning, identify gaps and opportunities, and suggest improvements to existing processes, systems and procedures.
• Develop recommendations and deliver a plan in collaboration with senior colleagues.
• Review policies, procedures and program practices, and ensure new and updated processes and procedures are documented, communicated, reviewed, and tied back to program objectives and evaluation.

• Work closely with internal teams, municipal partners, and external agencies
• Help ensure consistent understanding of roles, expectations and operational changes across partners.
• Prepare materials, presentations and recommendations to support informed decision making.
• Function as an additional team member during large-scale PCC activations.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, and you have at least 6 years of relevant experience in program administration, working in a technology-centric environment with multiple stakeholders, or emergency management.

You have:

• Strong analytical abilities, including reviewing current practices, recognizing gaps and designing policies, procedures and workflows for new or evolving environments.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Innovative and anticipatory approach to improving service
• Ability to work effectively with stakeholders across government, municipalities, and partner organizations.
• Understanding of emergency operational processes, standards and best practices relevant to program delivery and emergency coordination.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, evaluate program performance and contribute to continuous improvement.

While not required, the following are considered assets:

• Experience working in emergency management or public safety coordination
• Familiarity with 911 call handling solutions or Next Generation 911 technology
• Experience working on a large-scale project to modernize a program.

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:

• Completion of a related master’s degree and four (4) years of experience.
• Competition of a related diploma and eight (8) years of experience.
• Ten (10) years of 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

This role is in a fast-paced decision-making environment. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. You may be required to travel to worksite locations, and as such, a valid driver’s license and ability to travel is required.

In an emergency/disaster situation, you are obligated to work and must be available to report to the Provincial Coordination Centre (PCC) to help emergency coordination. These situations can include stressful periods (physical, emotional, and mental pressure) and during large scale emergencies the PCC will be open 24/7 and you will be required to be available to work after hours on rotating shifts.

This position requires the incumbent to take appropriate training related to support PCC operations in times of an emergency.

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