Job DescriptionSecretary 2 (ADM06) – Food Safety AdministrationLocation: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Client: Government of Nova Scotia
Employment Type: Contract / Temporary
Position OverviewThe Government of Nova Scotia is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented
Secretary 2 (ADM06) to support the Food Safety Program within the Department of Agriculture. This position plays a critical role in delivering administrative and client service support following the transition of the Food Safety Program from the Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) to the Department of Agriculture.
The successful candidate will provide comprehensive administrative assistance, process permits and documentation, respond to public inquiries, and ensure efficient day-to-day office operations while maintaining a high level of professionalism and customer service.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities- Provide administrative support to the Food Safety Program and related departmental operations.
- Process permits, applications, and associated documentation accurately and efficiently.
- Respond to telephone, email, and in-person inquiries from clients, stakeholders, and the public.
- Prepare, draft, and distribute correspondence, reports, and other administrative documents.
- Schedule appointments, meetings, and coordinate calendars as required.
- Arrange travel accommodations and prepare related documentation.
- Maintain filing systems, records, databases, and confidential information.
- Prepare expense reports and assist with administrative tracking and reporting.
- Handle incoming and outgoing correspondence and ensure timely follow-up.
- Provide exceptional customer service while addressing inquiries related to food safety and environmental health services.
- Support special projects and perform other administrative duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications- Grade XI education supplemented by a one-year commercial or business administration course.
- Minimum three (3) years of administrative or secretarial experience.
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational, multitasking, and time-management abilities.
- Experience managing confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment and initiative in situations where established guidelines may not exist.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Preferred Qualifications- Previous experience working within government, regulatory, public service, or administrative environments.
- Experience providing front-line customer service and handling public inquiries.
- Familiarity with permit processing, records management, and document control processes.
Core Competencies- Customer Service Excellence
- Administrative Coordination
- Communication Skills
- Organizational Effectiveness
- Attention to Detail
- Problem Solving and Judgment
- Confidentiality and Professionalism
- Time Management
- Team Collaboration
RequirementsRequired Skills & Competencies Strong data entry accuracy and attention to detail Excellent organizational and time management skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) Ability to handle repetitive tasks with consistency and accuracy Strong verbal and written communication skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Customer service and interpersonal skills Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information Strong understanding of office administrative procedures Preferred Experience Previous experience working within a government or public-sector environment Experience with database systems, records management, or data migration projects Administrative support experience in a fast-paced office setting Work Arrangement Onsite role located in Halifax/datmouth, Nova Scotia Full-time contract assignment Temporary assignment supporting AMS system transition activities