Application Architect (Computer Services Officer 4)

Competition # :   47607

Department :   Cyber Security & Digital Solutions

Location :   HALIFAX

Type of Employment :   Permanent

Union Status :   NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date :   ​01-Jan-26 ​ (Applications are accepted until 11 : 59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At  CSDS , we prioritize people —both within our team and in the communities we serve. Our mission is to redefine how Nova Scotians engage with government by creating accessible, reliable digital solutions centered around user needs.

In today’s tech-driven world, CSDS empowers government departments with essential digital solutions to meet Nova Scotians’ expectations. As a trusted partner across government, we enable departments to fulfill their mandates with secure, user-friendly services. From healthcare and education to public safety, we collaborate to transform how services are designed and delivered.

We don’t just implement technology; we modernize outdated systems and reimagine processes. Our agile, data-driven approach ensures that digital services are both efficient and adaptable to Nova Scotia’s evolving needs.

Joining CSDS means contributing to work that makes a real difference. From providing vital tech support to healthcare professionals to strengthening cybersecurity and developing scalable digital platforms, you’ll play a key role in building a more inclusive, responsive government for Nova Scotians.

Together, we’re setting new standards for digital public service, delivering resilient solutions that meet today’s needs—and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges.

About Our Opportunity

You will join our Application Development and Production Support (ADPS) team, which provides end-to-end application development and production support services to partner departments and agencies across diverse business domains.

As an Application Architect (CSO 4), you will play a key role in designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining complex digital business solutions that align with organizational goals and technology strategy. Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, you will ensure that applications are scalable, secure, reliable, and maintainable.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for a team-oriented professional to take on a leadership role within a dedicated, high-performing team responsible for developing and supporting a wide range of business systems and applications—both custom-built and Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS)—for multiple departments and government agencies.

Primary Accountabilities

• Provide SDLC strategies, technical leadership, and expert advice for corporate IT initiatives and projects. Oversee project planning, effort estimation, solution design, secure code review, change management, deployment, testing, and quality assurance to ensure the final products meet quality and performance standards.
• Design, develop, and implement complex business applications by refining business requirements, defining system architectures, and leading internal and external developers. Provide technical guidance on data modeling and database design and research innovative technical solutions to meet evolving business needs.
• Ensure data security and integrity, resolve critical production issues, and coordinate escalation and communication with stakeholders and senior management during major incidents.
• Manage the backlog of enhancements, usability improvements, and defect fixes. Review, categorize, and prioritize requests in collaboration with business clients, and oversee deployment planning and execution for iterative releases.
• Improve SDLC processes by identifying recurring technical challenges, developing reusable solutions, and maintaining shared code libraries.
• Implement secure development policies and code review practices to ensure compliance with government IT standards such as Threat Risk Analysis and Vulnerability Scanning.
• Evaluate, select, and integrate new technologies, methodologies, and tools to enhance the development environment. Promote efficiency through automation, standardization, and continuous process improvement.
• Mentor and collaborate with team members to strengthen technical capabilities, promote knowledge transfer, and foster cross-training. Stay current with emerging technologies, industry best practices, and new development methodologies.
• Collaborate with project managers to guide development projects through the Architecture Review Board (ARB) and Change Advisory Board (CAB) processes.
• Identify and mitigate technical and security risks in software projects. Oversee Cyber Security Risk Management (CSRM) processes to ensure compliance and maintain robust security standard.

Qualifications and Experience

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.

Assets

Equivalency

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

You will be expected to work in the office approximately two days per week; however, this arrangement may be adjusted as required to meet operational needs. Travel throughout the province may be required periodically. Standard business hours are 08 : 00 to 16 : 30.

Additional Information

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer or will result in the termination of your employment.

What We Offer

Pay Grade :   PR 17

Salary Range :   $3,107.16 - $3,649.33 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement :

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve.  The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.  If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

Accommodation Statement :

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link :

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE : Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to  Competitions@novascotia.ca.