Manager, Nova Scotia Guard

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, 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. 

The Planning and Preparedness Branch enhances preparedness, reduces vulnerabilities, and ensures a coordinated response to critical incidents and emergencies by:

• Standing up and deploying the Nova Scotia Guard
• Reviewing comprehensive emergency management programs by the province and municipalities and ensuring they are robust
• Conducting thorough risk assessments and advising on mitigation strategies 
• Administering the Disaster Financial Assistance program to ensure recovery takes place as quickly as possible
• Leading strategic policy, including the management of federal and regional agreements and management of legislation, regulations, policies, establishing standards and preparedness initiatives
• Supporting effective risk management and business continuity for the Province, municipalities, and critical infrastructure partners
• Managing the resiliency office

About Our Opportunity

The Manager, Nova Scotia Guard, plays a central role in shaping and driving the success of one of the province’s most vital volunteer programs within the Department of Emergency Management. This leadership position is focused on planning and executing provincial strategies that support the recruitment, development, and management of the Nova Scotia Guard.

You will be at the forefront of coordinating and deploying volunteers before, during, and after emergency events, ensuring the Guard is prepared to respond effectively when needed. As the Manager, you will build relationships with communities and organizations across the province, driving awareness of the Nova Scotia Guard and increasing volunteer participation. You will work collaboratively within the department and across government to support both short-term and long-term efforts that align with departmental and provincial priorities. By fostering a strategic and proactive approach to volunteer management, you will ensure Nova Scotians have the support they need during times of crisis.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Manager you will lead the planning, recruitment, and management of the Nova Scotia Guard, ensuring alignment with government policies and departmental priorities. Your responsibilities include:

• Leading and mentoring your team to achieve objectives, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders to address operational issues.
• Developing strategies for volunteer recruitment and management, including continuous improvement of recognition and quality standards.
• Identifying and implementing process improvements for volunteer systems and resolving complex issues at the senior level.
• Representing the Department in committees, responding to Ministerial requests, and preparing media materials.
• Overseeing internal and external communications with guidance from senior leadership.
• Building relationships with municipalities, service partners, and volunteers, representing the Department at relevant meetings and conferences.
• Managing budgets, overseeing financial control, and negotiating contracts with service providers.
• Ensuring effective resource management, setting performance targets, promoting diversity, and adhering to HR practices and procurement guidelines.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a strong background in volunteer management, emergency management, and several years of leadership experience. You also have:

• The ability to build and motivate a high-performing team
• Ability to foster relationships with municipalities, community organizations, and professional groups.
• Expertise in consulting, facilitation, and the development and delivery of community and organizational presentations.
• Experience creating well-written, professional documents, reports, and presentations, with advanced communication and issues management skills.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and experience working with diverse communities
• Confidence in solving operational issues and providing counsel in situations where no prescribed procedure exists.
• Proven ability to develop and implement marketing and communications plans that effectively promote and recruit for the Nova Scotia Guard.
• Expertise in interpreting and aligning programs, policies, and procedures with departmental strategies and objectives.
• Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to express ideas clearly, request actions, and formulate plans or policies related to the Nova Scotia Guard.

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 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 breadth and depth of responsibilities associated with this role means you will be navigating multiple spheres of action, each with its own set of challenges, and your ability to stay focused, adaptable, and resilient in the face of pressure will be crucial to your success.

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.  

Additional Information

• You may be required to report for extended hours at the Provincial Coordination Center (PCC) in Dartmouth in the event of provincial emergencies.
• You must have a valid driver’s license and immediate access to a reliable 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
• Department specific flexible working schedules