Provincial Operations Manager

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 Provincial Operations Manager is the sole province-wide operational resource within Regional Operations, operating outside of any individual region. This is a senior professional role focused on strategic coordination, innovation, and operational leadership across the entire province.

You will support the Director, Regional Operations and Infrastructure in delivering key programs and initiatives that require a provincial lens those that cross regional boundaries, involve executive-level partnerships, and ensure consistency and alignment across all six regions.

This role sits at the intersection of operations, policy, partnerships, and emergency response. You will lead complex projects, foster executive relationships with government and critical infrastructure partners, monitor regional performance, and serve as a key operational authority during emergency activations.

Your impact will be seen in stronger provincial coordination, more consistent emergency management practices, and improved readiness across Nova Scotia.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role, you can expect to:

• Lead and manage strategic provincial programs and initiatives, including the Regional Operations Response Plan, Incident Management Team (IMT) Program, interprovincial mutual aid planning, and technology initiatives such as drone operations
• Serve as the primary province-wide liaison between the Provincial Coordination Centre (PCC) and Regional Operations
• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with partner agencies, government departments, NGOs, first responders, and critical infrastructure providers
• Coordinate provincial emergency management planning and ensure alignment between regional and departmental priorities
• Provide senior-level advisory support to the Director on operational matters, policy development, and system improvements
• Lead the department’s involvement in specialized emergency response programs delivered in partnership with municipal, provincial, and federal agencies.
• Support program governance, funding oversight, training standards, operational policies and procedures, inter-agency agreements, and continuous improvement of response capabilities across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.
• Monitor and evaluate program performance across six regions, using key performance indicators to drive consistency and improvement
• Lead after-action reviews following major emergencies and track implementation of recommendations
• Develop and deliver standardized communications and public engagement materials in collaboration with Communications
• Coordinate budgets, forecasts, financial reporting, and procurement for province-wide programs
• Act as a key operational leader during REOC or PCC activations and serve as operational lead in the Director’s absence, when required

Qualifications and Experience

You have progressively responsible experience in emergency management, public safety, operational leadership, or a related field, with demonstrated ability to operate in complex, high-stakes environments.

Other qualifications of yours include:

• Strong experience leading complex programs or projects across multiple stakeholders or jurisdictions
• Proven ability to build executive-level relationships and influence without direct authority
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Advanced communication skills, including briefing senior leaders and coordinating partner engagement
• Demonstrated experience in policy development, operational planning, or systems improvement
• High level of independent judgment, initiative, and ability to manage competing priorities

The following would be considered assets:

• Incident Management Team (IMT) experience or certification
• Emergency operations centre (EOC) leadership experience
• Intergovernmental or interprovincial coordination experience
• Change management or organizational transformation experience
• Experience working with first responders, critical infrastructure, or search and rescue organizations
• French language proficiency

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: Written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interviews, 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 with 7-hour days. This role involves:

• Frequent psychological pressures, including competing deadlines and high-consequence decision-making
• Extended hours and standby rotations during emergencies
• Occasional travel throughout the province
• Regular engagement with senior officials, partners, and emergency response agencies
• A hybrid office environment with some site visits as required

Additional Information

A valid driver’s licence and the ability to travel within Nova Scotia are required.

Offer of employment is conditional upon completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.

What We Offer

• Career Development with access to learning, leadership programs, and professional growth opportunities
• Engaging workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and connected
• Meaningful work with direct impact on public safety and community resilience
• Diverse career paths across the Nova Scotia Public Service