Provincial Coordination Center Manager, Emergency Management

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 Provincial Coordination Centre (PCC) Manager is a critical leadership role within the Department of Emergency Management. Reporting to senior leadership, this position provides strategic and operational leadership for the Provincial Coordination Centre and leads a team of professionals responsible for emergency management planning, coordination, and operational readiness.

In this role, you will guide the development and delivery of plans, strategies, and operational frameworks that support emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. You will foster a high-performing team culture, ensure alignment with departmental and overall government priorities, and build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

Primary Accountabilities

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of professionals responsible for emergency management planning, coordination, and operations
• Develop and/or deliver strategic and operational plans aligned with departmental objectives and overall government priorities
• Monitor team performance to ensure priorities, objectives, and service standards are met
• Mitigate organizational and operational risks by interpreting and applying policies, legislation, new initiatives, and revisions for staff, partners, and stakeholders
• Provide expert advice and leadership using a broad knowledge of emergency management policies, programs, and legislation
• Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal partners, external agencies, municipalities, and other levels of government
• Ensure mechanisms are in place to monitor, report, and address operational issues, emerging risks, and policy gaps
• Manage aspects of internal and external communications related to emergency management operations, with guidance from senior leadership
• Support continuous improvement by identifying gaps, recommending solutions, and implementing approved changes
• Represent the Department on committees, working groups, and during emergency activations as required

Qualifications and Experience

You have several years of progressive experience in emergency management, public safety, or another related field. In addition, you have:

• Demonstrated supervisory and management experience, including leading and developing professional teams
• Experience developing, implementing, or delivering programs, plans, or strategies
• Strong knowledge of policy interpretation, legislation, and intergovernmental collaboration
• Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills

Assets include:

• Experience developing and delivering training programs
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a related discipline
• Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) designation
• Experience working in a provincial, municipal, or emergency operations centre environment
• Experience managing internal and external communications in a complex organization

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

Your typical work week is 35 hours a week with 7-hour days; however, you will be immersed in a high volume of work that may demand longer-than-usual hours and occasional overtime. The PCC is a high-stress and time-critical environment and operates 24/7. Due to the multiple spheres of action and scope of responsibilities that this position requires, there is significant mental pressure, requiring resilience.

You must be available to participate in the on-call Duty Officer stand-by rotation and available to support the response and recovery of emergency events as required in the Provincial Coordination Centre.

This position will be based at the NSDEM headquarters in Dartmouth.

Additional Information

This position requires a valid Driver's License and immediate access to a licensed, safety-inspected, and operational motor vehicle.

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