Program assistant Jobs in Kentville, NS

Competition # : 49718

Department: Public Works

Location: NEW MINAS

Zone: 26

Type of Employment: Year Round

Union Status: CUPE - NSPG

Closing Date: 08-Sep-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

Under Article 13 of the Collective Agreement between the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1867, the following opportunity is being posted.

Please quote the competition number and the Zone you are applying for as noted above on your application.

About Us

At the Department of Public Works we are responsible for building and maintaining a sustainable provincial infrastructure for Nova Scotians. From highways and bridges to government buildings and registration of vehicles, safety and quality of life are top of mind. We support Nova Scotia’s 23,000 kilometers of roads and highways, 4,100 bridges, and 9 provincial ferries.

Our Fleet Services Division is pivotal in ensuring Public Work's Fleet is running smoothly; ensuring the safety of our provincial road network.

About Our Opportunity

We will ensure you have the right tools to do the job, and there is nothing more important than your safety. You have a clean workspace, and your ideas and input are valued and considered. Your coveralls and other personal protective equipment (PPE) are provided, as are the larger shared tools available in our fully stocked inventory tool room. We also have an annual footwear and tool reimbursement allowance; as you must bring your own mechanical tools.

Primary Accountabilities

Under the general supervision of the Fleet Service Coordinator, the Mechanic II diagnoses equipment failure, repairs, rebuilds and adjusts a variety of government mobile machinery and equipment used to perform road maintenance activities for both summer and winter operations. You will use specialized tools and equipment located at a government facility designed and equipped for mechanical work, assist with field repairs as required, and other related duties as required to complete equipment repairs, modifications and/or preventative maintenance.

Qualifications and Experience

Some high school and an Inter-Provincial Red Seal Certificate of Qualification in Truck and Transport plus a minimum of five (5) years of diversified mechanical experience.

Upon hire, applicants will be required to successfully complete Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) training as part of their probationary requirements.

A valid Class 5 drivers’ license is a condition of employment, and an acceptable driver abstract must be submitted before employment begins. Air Brake endorsement is an asset.

Knowledge of computer-controlled engine diagnostic technology and competency as well as general knowledge of computers is required. Demonstrated oral and written communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment.

An Inter-Provincial Red Seal Certificate of Qualification in (Heavy Duty) Equipment, Air Conditioning Certification and Air Brake Endorsement would be considered assets. Completion of training and knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, First Aid and WHMIS are further assets to be considered.

You consistently demonstrate initiative in your role; remaining up to date in changes to equipment, methods and technology within the mechanical field. Your exceptional communication skills will assist you when working with staff to help diagnose and resolve equipment issues. You are a self-motivated individual who works both independently with minimal supervision and participates fully as an effective team player. You consistently maintain a professional and courteous disposition and hold a high standard for clients.

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.

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 position is based at the New Minas mechanical branch and does not typically require travel. Occasional travel for training or support at other branches may be required.

Work is performed in a mechanical repair environment occasioned by noise, smoke and gas fumes and at times adverse weather conditions while operating in a field environment. Considerable standing, lifting, carrying and moving about is a requirement of this position.

Additional Information

There is one (1) opportunity in New Minas (Zone 26) covering the New Minas Fleet Services Area including Zones 26, 27, 29, 31, 33 and 35.

These opportunities are for 52-week Year-Round positions – the duties of which are full time and continuous in nature.

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: MECHANIC

Salary Range: $36.58 Hourly

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 CUPE local 1867 employees with a date of seniority. The successful candidate(s) will be expected to perform duties as necessary within their zone. 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. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Current employees may apply to this position through the following link:

If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more 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.