911 Technology Specialist (Computer Services Officer 3)

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 Incident Management and 911 Branch is dedicated to ensuring the safety and resilience of our Province by:

• Rapidly coordinating provincial response and critical infrastructure partner resources
• 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
• Managing and modernizing the emergency 911 system including the move to Next Generation 911 

About Our Opportunity

The 911 Technology Specialist is responsible for managing the effective provincial operation and maintenance of all information technology infrastructure associated with the delivery of the province's 911 emergency services system.

In this role, you will be responsible for contract oversight with respect to technology hardware and software operations and maintenance provided by outside vendors. Additionally, you will provide advice to other team members and the DEM management team on all information technology issues.

This position provides you with an opportunity to work closely with technology vendors and various telecommunications carriers to lead programs and proactively manage the risk of technology failure, and provide high-level guidance and direction in the resolution of troubles relating to 911 operations.

Primary Accountabilities

The majority of your work will include liaising with contracted vendors, the 911 network providers, and 911 center management to ensure that the 911 technology is operating to design/ performance standards and that all repairs or troubles are reported, tracked, and attended to in accordance with provincial operational standards, contracts or service agreements. You can also expect to:

• Participate in the delivery and implementation of standards, policies, and procedures to meet current and future 911 service delivery requirements.
• Attend working groups and steering committees within the 911 industry at the Provincial, National, and International levels,
• Provide project management and advisory support to information technology projects.
• Research and review external telecommunications technologies and work to help integrate technologies safely and seamlessly into 911 operations,
• Provide support, advice, and direction to DEM/911 staff with respect to non-routine technology and telecommunications issues.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have completed a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology and have three (3) years of related experience, or have graduated from a recognized  Information Technology Program with three (3) years and 6 months of related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be acceptable.

It is highly desirable if you have training or experience relating to 911 technology and/or operations.

It is essential that you:

• have highly developed communications skills (both written and verbal) to liaise with outside vendors and telecommunications providers, and maintain an effective communication link between outside parties and DEM when troubleshooting highly technical technology issues.
• are knowledgeable and have working experience in multiple computer technology environments, including networking and telecommunications,
• have the ability to design and troubleshoot highly technical systems with no measurable allowance for failure using the latest technology

Working knowledge of Provincial and Departmental standards and procedures on information technology as it relates to 911 and DEM operations is considered an asset. The ability to develop standards and specifications for hardware and software to meet current and future requirements will also be considered an asset.

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. 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. This role does entail a high volume of work, which may require longer than normal working hours and overtime. You may be required to travel to worksite locations.

In an emergency/disaster situation, you are obligated to work and will be called upon to return to work with little or no notice. These situations usually include stressful conditions (physical, emotional, and mental pressure) in the Provincial Coordination Centre (PCC) for unknown periods of time.  During emergencies, you will be required to be available to report to work 24/7/365.

Additional Information

This position requires a Federal Security clearance to the level of "Secret" and requires the incumbent to take appropriate training related to supporting an Emergency Operations Centre during times of emergencies.

You must have a valid Canadian driver’s license.

What We Offer

• Free on-site parking at our Dartmouth office
• Countless career paths and career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your journey.
• An engaging workplace where our employees are valued, respected, and connected
• Forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Department-specific flexible working schedules