Regional Emergency Operations Program Manager (Multiple Opportunities)

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

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

We are seeking six (6) Regional Emergency Operations Program Managers.

Reporting to the Director of Regional Operations and Infrastructure, the Regional Emergency Operations Program Manager provides leadership in emergency management and is accountable for the successful delivery of policies and programs within their region. The role involves overseeing the implementation of the Emergency Management Act, the Emergency Preparedness and NS Guard Act, and associated regulations.

Serving as a liaison between municipalities, regional partners, and the Province, the Manager develops and maintains partnerships with municipal, private sector, critical infrastructure, and first responder partners within their region, ensures effective communication and coordination across all levels of emergency management, and oversees regional emergency planning, response, and recovery from incidents and disasters in which the Province plays a role. Ultimately, they promote and foster a culture of preparedness and resilience in their area.

The position requires independent decision-making within the Regional Emergency Operations Centers (REOCs) and ensures municipalities comply with regulatory requirements while offering management and administrative guidance to Nova Scotia's municipalities.

The six (6) primary working locations available include Liverpool, Kentville, Bible Hill, Antigonish, Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM).

Primary Accountabilities

• Lead and manage the delivery of emergency management programs and activities across the region.
• Ensure each municipality and REMO develops and maintains a comprehensive, effective, and coordinated all-hazards emergency management program.
• Support municipalities and REMOs in identifying, assessing, and mitigating regional hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities (HRV).
• Drive the development of a regional culture of preparedness by supporting program activities.
• Promote the NS Guard program regionally and oversee the local management and deployment of NS Guard members during emergencies.
• Assess regional training and exercise needs, providing strategic guidance and recommendations for improvement.
• Ensure municipalities comply with the development and implementation of effective emergency management programs and plans.
• Lead the activation of incident management teams and the REOC during emergencies or critical incidents.
• Serve as a primary consultant and advisor to government partners, NGOs, and the private sector on emergency management matters.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of emergency responses, training, and activities within the region.
• Oversee budgeting processes for emergency operations, ensuring efficient resource utilization and the maintenance of regional fleet, equipment, technology, and facilities.
• Manage human and financial resources by setting performance targets, fostering a diverse and healthy workplace, and demonstrating leadership in staff development.
• In the event of an emergency, the Regional Emergency Operations Program Manager will lead the REOC, support regional activation of Regional Emergency Management Organizations (REMOs), and direct incident operations. This includes managing 10-15 staff members on a 24/7 basis and providing senior-level communications and briefings during an emergency.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will exhibit a commitment to high-quality service delivery, focusing on meeting client needs, and aligning operations with strategic objectives. The candidate must be adept at making critical decisions under pressure, managing high-stress situations, and building strong relationships to achieve organizational goals. Proven experience in leadership, program delivery, and emergency management is essential.

• A diploma in emergency management, public safety, or a related field, with several years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and provide clear, concise briefings and advice.
• Proven experience in incident management, with the ability to lead and coordinate large-scale emergency operations.
• Prior experience in managing teams and collaborating with municipalities, volunteer groups, and non-governmental organizations.
• Extensive experience in public safety and/or emergency management, with a deep understanding of operational procedures and crisis response.
• Practical proven experience in emergency management planning, including the development and execution of emergency response plans.
• Demonstrated ability in resource management during emergencies, ensuring the effective allocation and deployment of assets.

The following qualifications or experience would be considered assets:

• Familiarity with Nova Scotia's "Trunked Mobile Radio" system for seamless communication and coordination during emergencies.
• Training in the Incident Command System (ICS), preferably with Incident Management Team (IMT) certification.
• Expertise in budget management and procurement processes, ensuring efficient and cost-effective emergency operations.

The successful candidate will possess strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills, enabling them to effectively manage complex, multi-stakeholder emergency situations and contribute to the continued success of regional emergency management programs. 

LEADS

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

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:

• 10 years of directly relevant experience in emergency management. 

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

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day, however, this position will frequently be required to work outside of normal business hours to meet stakeholder needs.
• Participates in a 24/7/365 standby rotation with other regional staff across the province.
• May be required to work overtime on occasion, especially during emergencies and disasters.
• Frequent travel within the region, and occasional travel to other areas of the province will be required.
• Occasional out of province travel may be required.  

Additional Information

• This posting will be used to fill six (6) positions
• The incumbent must live in their assigned region to oversee operations effectively. Within 100 km from the Regional Emergency Operations Centres located in Sydney, Antigonish, Bible Hill, Enfield, Kentville, and Liverpool.
• Must have a valid unrestricted class 5 license
• Must be able to obtain an enhanced reliability of security clearance

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