Radio Operator (Dispatch Operator) (Relief Roster)

About Us

The Shubenacadie Radio Communications Centre (SRCC) provides public safety and public works dispatch and call notification services to hundreds of organizations at all levels of Government in Nova Scotia. We are a division of the Nova Scotia Department of Emergency Management; Nova Scotia’s lead agency for emergency planning, response, and recovery, working closely with municipalities to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

Shubenacadie Radio Communications Centre provides 24/7 dispatch, call notification, critical activity monitoring, emergency notifications, answering services, secure alarming, and remote infrastructure management (telecommunications tower sites) to support many first response services such as the Emergency Management Organization (EMO), conservation enforcement, volunteer fire services, search & rescue, and other organizations.

About Our Opportunity

As a Dispatch Operator (Radio Operator), you are at the centre of emergency response coordination in Nova Scotia.

You will receive, assess, and prioritize incoming requests; coordinate multi-agency responses; and ensure accurate, timely communication among partners. Every decision you make contributes to public safety outcomes.

This role is best suited for individuals who:

• Stay calm and focused under pressure
• Can process multiple streams of information at once
• Exercise sound judgment in time-sensitive situations
• Thrive in structured, high-accountability environments

You will be working in a fast-paced, high-consequence setting where your ability to think critically and act decisively matters every day.

Primary Accountabilities

• Receive and triage calls from the public, partner agencies, and other communication centres
• Determine jurisdiction and coordinate appropriate responses using established protocols
• Dispatch and monitor multi-agency operations, including emergency services, public works, and enforcement partners
• Support high-risk and time-sensitive activities (e.g., officer safety monitoring, prisoner transports, escalations)
• Issue provincial emergency alerts by validating requests and ensuring accuracy of information
• Operate and troubleshoot multiple systems, including radio consoles, the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, mapping tools, alarm systems, and databases
• Dispatch Ground Search and Rescue teams and support provincial resource coordination, including aviation tracking
• Monitor communications infrastructure and coordinate response to outages or access issues
• Collaborate with provincial, municipal and federal partners during major incidents and support surge operations as needed
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will have an interest in public safety and be willing to learn the vital role of a dispatch operator. We welcome candidates with a combination of five (5) years of paid and volunteer experience, education, or training in communications centres, customer service, first-responder agencies, the military, or other relevant environments.

As a dispatch operator, you must be collaborative and comfortable working in a team-based environment. Dispatch operators must remain calm and make decisions under pressure while supporting the public or clients in time-sensitive or high-stakes situations. They are often required to triage and manage multiple events with minimal supervision.  The dispatch operator needs to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, and be comfortable working with technology, including computers, radios, and other programs as required.

Assets include:

• Post-secondary education in Emergency Management, Public Safety, Justice, Fire Services, or Telecommunications
• Public safety dispatch or call-taking (police, fire, EMS, 911/PSAP)
• Security or alarm monitoring with real-time incident response
• Volunteer roles such as Fire Services, Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR), EMO, Red Cross, or other related organizations
• Certifications such as Public Safety Telecommunicator/Dispatcher, Incident Command System, or Radio Operator certification.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, 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. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.

• This may include significant volunteer experience in emergency response or communications roles.

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 based in a 24/7 emergency communications centre that supports public safety operations. It is a fast-paced environment with multiple simultaneous audio and visual inputs, including constant radio, telephone, and computer system monitoring. Clear verbal communication, excellent hearing, and very good or corrected vision are required to support safe and accurate operations.

Shifts are 12 hours and rotate between days and nights, typically:

• 07:30 to 19:30
• 19:30 to 07:30

The work includes consistent headset use, ongoing computer work, and fine hand and finger movements. Operators may sit or stand at their discretion and will occasionally move within the workspace to access equipment such as printers or terminals. Occasional reaching, bending, or light lifting may be required to manage equipment or workstations.

Because this role directly supports emergency response and frontline services, incumbents may be exposed to high-pressure situations, including interactions with distressed members of the public and information related to serious incidents involving injury, loss of life, or property damage. The ability to maintain concentration, manage competing demands, and work within fixed timelines is essential. Confidentiality is vital.

Travel may be required periodically to attend meetings. Overtime and call-backs may occur depending on operational needs.

Accessibility note: The current facility is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional Information

A relief employee is an employee who is not regularly scheduled by the Employer, but who works relief assignments on an as-needed basis as operational requirements demand. As such, a relief employee does not have guaranteed hours of work. Please note that when competing for vacancies, a successful Temporary, Term or Permanent Relief Employee who is currently employed with the Province will maintain their bargaining unit status, seniority and benefit level at the new workplace.

What We Offer

• Free on-site parking
• 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