Regional Outreach Officer (Program Admin Officer 3)

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 a Regional Outreach Officer to join our team in the Regional Operations and Infrastructure Division. Reporting to the Regional Emergency Operations Program Manager, the Outreach Officer will focus on enhancing public awareness, engagement, and preparedness for emergencies within the assigned region.

The successful candidates will play a key role in developing and implementing outreach strategies to increase participation in the Nova Scotia Guard, foster a culture of preparedness, and build strategic relationships with community organizations, municipalities, and regional partners. You will research and create innovative outreach programs and materials to effectively engage communities, raise awareness about emergency preparedness, and ensure that specific regional needs are addressed.

Primary Accountabilities

• Lead the development and implementation of outreach and engagement strategies in the assigned region and other regions across the province.
• Research best practices in public outreach and emergency management messaging and create innovative campaigns to promote the Nova Scotia Guard and increase community resilience.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with municipalities, community organizations, non-government organizations, and other regional partners.
• Develop and deliver educational content and community programs that increase awareness about emergency preparedness and disaster recovery.
• Coordinate and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and public events to encourage active participation in the Nova Scotia Guard.
• Tailor outreach programs to meet the specific needs of diverse communities, including vulnerable populations.
• Provide advice and expertise on effective outreach methods to influence community behavior and improve preparedness.
• Oversee the regional management and deployment of the Nova Scotia Guard, ensuring members are trained, engaged, and ready for deployment during emergencies.
• Track and evaluate the effectiveness of outreach programs and make recommendations for improvements based on data and best practices.
• Support the Regional Emergency Operations Program Manager during emergencies and REOC activations by coordinating resources, managing logistics, and providing situation reports.

Qualifications and Experience

• The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to emergency management, community engagement, and program delivery.
• A Bachelors degree in emergency management, public safety, marketing, public communications, community engagement, or a related field, with at least five (5) years’ related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience in developing and delivering outreach programs, public education campaigns, marketing or communications materials, or community engagement activities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including municipalities, non-government organizations, and diverse community groups.
• Ability to develop and manage educational content, presentations, and training materials for diverse audiences.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations and understanding their unique challenges
• Proven ability to evaluate program effectiveness and make data-driven decisions to improve outreach efforts.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.

The following qualifications or experience would be considered assets:

• Experience in emergency management planning and response, particularly in a regional or municipal context.
• Familiarity with the Nova Scotia Guard program or similar volunteer networks.
• Training in the Incident Command System (ICS), preferably with Incident Management Team (IMT) certification.
• Knowledge of emergency preparedness, disaster recovery, and the role of the Nova Scotia Guard in supporting regional emergency management efforts.

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, but are not limited to:

• Completion of a related diploma and seven (7) years related experience
• Completion of a related Master’s degree and at least three (3) years related experience
• At least nine (9) years of total related experience

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

• The incumbent must live in their assigned region to oversee operations effectively. Within 100km from the Regional Emergency Operations Centres located in Antigonish.
• Must have a valid unrestricted class 5 license
• Must have access to a reliable vehicle
• 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

Pay Grade: PR 13 Salary Range: $2,;- $3,;Bi-Weekly