Manager, Training and Exercising Coordination

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:

• 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
• Setting standards in the provincial emergency management program for training and exercising
• 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

Reporting to the Director, Planning, Training and Exercising, the Manager of Training and Exercising Coordination provides strategic leadership in planning and coordinating annual training and exercise activities for internal and external partners. This role offers an opportunity to build strong partnerships, align resources, and deliver high-quality learning and exercise initiatives that strengthen emergency preparedness across Nova Scotia.

As a key member of the team, you will help advance a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to emergencies and contribute directly to safer, more prepared and resilient communities throughout the province.

Primary Accountabilities

• Coordinate internal and external training, exercise, and professional development initiatives by aligning schedules, audiences, resources, and delivery supports.
• Build and maintain working relationships with internal DEM branches, municipal partners, provincial and federal agencies, community organizations, training providers, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate training, exercise, and event planning by confirming timelines, roles, responsibilities, deliverables, logistics, communication requirements, and approvals.
• Plan and coordinate key DEM events, including agendas, logistics, materials, participant information, facilitation supports, and follow-up activities.
• Arrange logistical support for training sessions, exercises, workshops, meetings, and learning events. This includes venues, registration, accessibility requirements, materials, equipment, technology, and participant coordination.
• Identify risks, barriers, dependencies, and resource constraints that could affect planned activities, and support practical mitigation strategies before delivery.
• Source and coordinate instructors, venues, materials, tools, external courses, training providers, and other resources needed for approved training and exercise activities.
• Coordinate funding requirements, training grants, procurement needs, and resource requests that support planned learning and exercise opportunities.
• Maintain and publish annual public training, exercise, and event calendars to support awareness, scheduling, registration, and participation.
• Coordinate technology readiness for learning and exercise activities, including virtual platforms, registration tools, presentation equipment, collaboration tools, and learning management system access.
• Develop and implement programs and the associated policies and procedures.
• Manage relationships with internal clients and stakeholders, including senior management.
• Support the responsible management of human and financial resources, including monitoring expenditures and following procurement requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a related university degree combined with several years of coordination experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

You also have:

• Experience developing and implementing programs and their associated policies and procedures.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment along with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with partners, senior management, and other stakeholders.
• A valid Nova Scotia driver’s licence and access to a licensed, operational motor vehicle.

The following would be considered assets:

• A degree in business administration or education.
• Certification in emergency management
• Experience with learner management systems

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 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 entails a high volume of work that may require longer-than-normal working hours and overtime. You will have responsibility across multiple areas of activity, with significant mental demands requiring resilience. You may have extended periods working at a computer.

Travel to remote worksites and travel during inclement weather is required. You may have to load vehicles and carry and set up equipment in different locations.

Additional Information

The worksite location is flexible and may be located in any of the Emergency Management offices. The office locations are: Sydney, Antigonish, Truro, Halifax/ Dartmouth, Kentville and Liverpool.  Your worksite location will be determined at the offer negotiation stage. 

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