Registered Pharmacy Technician - Automation Support Lead

Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health; Kentville; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova Scotia Health is seeking a Registered Pharmacy Technician to support the day-to-day operations of automated dispensing systems at Valley Regional Hospital. The role covers system monitoring, access control, maintenance coordination, inventory optimization and reporting within the Western Zone pharmacy automation program.

The successful candidate will coordinate training for staff, participate in audits, and work with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, efficient medication distribution

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Pharmacy Technician Program.
• Licensure and registration in Nova Scotia as a Pharmacy Technician (NSPR) required.
• Experience in hospital pharmacy settings is an asset.
• Knowledge of sterile technique and chemotherapy precautions is an asset.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operations of automated dispensing systems.
• Coordinate setup, installations, and expansions of automation hardware/software.
• Perform inspections and coordinate repairs or upgrades.
• Review inventory and manage PAR levels for drug units.
• Manage user database and generate distribution reports.
• Coordinate audits and training programs for staff.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to address system issues.

Skills

Pharmacy automation

Inventory control

Communication skills

Computer skills

Problem solving

Typing proficiency

Education

Accredited Pharmacy Technician Program

Nova Scotia Pharmacy Technician licensure (NSPR)

Tools

Automated dispensing systems

Pharmacy automation hardware

Clinical information systems

Job description

Req ID: 226838

Location: Western Zone, Valley Regional Hospital

Department: OPWZ PHAR Drug Distribution VRH

Type of Employment: Casual Hourly FT long-assignment (100%) x 1

Union: CUPE Healthcare Position

Posting Closing Date: 25-Sep-26

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Pharmacy Operations Manager, the Registered Pharmacy Technician will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the hospital’s automated pharmacy dispensing systems, including those internal to pharmacy and those used on nursing units and in service areas. The RPhT monitors proper functionality and use of the system, oversees user access control, provides user support, coordinates maintenance activities and troubleshooting, and may perform minor maintenance when required. The RPhT responsible for automation coordinates the installation of new components and supports/facilitates upgrades and expansion of the system. The RPhT will also advise management on system needs and requirements for resource support.

Duties include:

• Assists pharmacists, PPAs, nursing and other staff in the safe, effective, and efficient operation of the automated medication distribution process, including, but not limited to, Automated Dispensing Cabinets, Controlled Substance Vaults, Carousels, Automated Tablet Packagers, and the physician order scanning and clinical information systems.
• Coordinates setup, new builds, installations, and expansions (hardware and software).
• Performs physical inspections, troubleshooting, of equipment and coordinates any necessary repairs or upgrades.
• Regularly reviews inventory of units with drug utilization review and inventory optimization and manages inventory of units, including regular review and adjustment of PAR levels.
• Manages the user database, including addition and removal of user accounts.
• Establishes, reviews, and oversees distribution of required reports.
• Coordinates audits, including those related to med safety standards and proactive diversion activities.
• Develops the training program for Pharmacy staff, both for new staff and re-certification of current staff.
• Collaborates with partners to support the development of the required training for those disciplines. May participate in delivery.
• Participation as a member of the multi-disciplinary team/committees to address system issues, develop and review relevant policy and procedure, and contribute to planning and implementation of system components.

This role will be VRH based but assist in coverage in the WZ-Pharmacy automation.

About You

We would love to hear from you if you have the following:

• Graduate of an accredited Pharmacy Technician Program
• Licensure and registration in Nova Scotia as a Pharmacy Technician (NSPR) required
  • If there are no candidates who meet the above qualification, candidates actively pursuing Pharmacy Technician licensure within the Province of Nova scotia will be considered
  • If there are no candidates who meet the above qualification, PPA's may be considered
• Drug administration by injection technical permit (Pharmacy Technician) an asset
• Experience as a pharmacy technician/PPA, preferably in a hospital, an asset
• Knowledge of sterile technique and special precautions used with chemotherapy are an asset
• Experience in unit dose drug distribution systems, automation technology, decentralized medication dispensing cabinets, an asset
• Knowledge of medical terminology, inventory control and record keeping
• Demonstrated good decision making, problem solving skills, ability to perform mathematical calculations related to medications
• Knowledge of the law and regulations pertaining to the receipt, storage and distribution of prescription and narcotic drugs
• Basic typing skills or computer/keyboard experience; skills in Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, etc., Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred
• Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.

Hours

• Long Assignment full-time position; 75 hours biweekly
• Approximately 15 months

Compensation and Benefits

(Pharmacy Practice Assistants: $25.37 - $30.20)

Successful candidates may be eligible for our benefits package which includes health, dental, travel, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage as well as a defined benefit pension plan.

What You'll Love About Nova Scotia Health

Nova Scotia Health is more than the province's largest provider of health services; we're a team driven by excellence in health, healing and learning. Across hospitals, health centres and community programs, our people deliver innovative, high-quality care that impacts lives across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

From vibrant city life to scenic coastal communities, Nova Scotia offers a lifestyle as rewarding as the work itself. At Nova Scotia Health, you'll find meaningful career opportunities, supportive teams and the work-life balance to enjoy everything our beautiful province has to offer. Join us and discover why so many people are choosing to call Nova Scotia home.

Once You've Applied

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions.

Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve. We encourage all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.