Project Director

Competition # : 49093

Department: Environment and Climate Change

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 23-Jun-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Department of Environment and Climate Change supports a clean and healthy environment for the wellbeing and benefit of Nova Scotians. We lead government’s response to climate change and achieving net-zero by 2050. As a regulator, we help make sure the province has clear, modern laws in place to protect the environment, while supporting safe and responsible economic development.

We also lead work to transition Nova Scotia to a clean economy and we help make sure Nova Scotians have clean, safe drinking water and air, and protected natural areas to enjoy.

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 Aboriginal 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 the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, on your application form, cover letter, or on your resume.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Project Director, perfect for a person who excels at leading complex, cross-cutting initiatives, building strong partnerships, advancing improvement across programs and processes, and leading modernization work that has meaningful organization impact.

About Our Opportunity

We are seeking a strategic and results-oriented Project Director to join our Sustainability and Applied Science Division to provide senior-level leadership for key efficiency, regulatory improvement, and modernization initiatives within Environment and Climate Change. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role is intended to bring focused capacity, clear accountability, and strong project discipline to complex, cross-cutting files that support departmental and government priorities.

As Project Director, you will undertake work that improves how the department delivers programs, approvals, and regulatory services. You will help identify systemic gaps, reduce duplication, improve internal processes, and advance practical solutions that support better service, stronger alignment, and more efficient outcomes.

A key focus of this role will be advancing horizontal initiatives that require coordination across subject matter areas, programs, and partners. This includes bringing together multidisciplinary experts, facilitating solution-oriented approaches, and building strong working relationships across government and with external stakeholders to support innovation and program improvement. This position will also play a key role in regulatory modernization.

The Project Director will provide strategic advice and leadership to senior decision-makers and support broader project and program planning across the department.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a university degree in a related field such as public administration, environmental studies, science, engineering, or another relevant discipline, plus significant related experience leading complex projects, strategic initiatives, or modernization work in a public-sector, regulatory, or similarly complex environment.

You have demonstrated experience leading cross-functional work, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and advancing complex files that involve policy, program, operational, or governance considerations. You are skilled in project leadership, strategic analysis, change management, process improvement, and partnership development.

You are able to assess issues from multiple perspectives, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend practical solutions that align with broader departmental and government priorities.

You are an effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build trust, influence outcomes, and provide sound advice to senior leaders.

You are adaptable, strategic, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

You will also help advance innovation in the department, including the thoughtful use of digital and AI-enabled tools, while supporting horizontal alignment, continuous improvement, and change management. In doing so, you will provide authoritative advice to senior leaders and contribute to policy and program development that supports strategic outcomes and government priorities.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status, 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.
• May be required to work overtime on occasion.
• Some site visits or travel may be required.
  
  

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
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.
  
  

Pay Grade: EC 13

Salary Range: $4,322.15 - $5,402.66 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.

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

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.