Job Description

Competition # : 50067

Department: Public Works

Location: NEW GLASGOW

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: ​13-Oct-26 ​ (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Building Services Division of the Department of Public Works is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 2,200 provincial buildings and structures across Nova Scotia. We maintain various buildings including museums, core government buildings, office buildings, correctional centers, and justice centers. Daily, we are responsible for ensuring these buildings are best served, including all matters related to building operations, building systems maintenance, renovations, and new construction.

Who are we Looking For

Are you a problem solver? Do you thrive in a team environment? Are your best days spent in the field making sure buildings and associated equipment are operating safely and appropriately? Working with your hands to get the job done intrigues you?

If you are driven, customer-focused and eager to learn, then this role is for you.

About the Role

Your role is pivotal in supporting the safety and efficiency of our provincial building infrastructure. Your role involves overseeing the daily operation, reporting and maintenance of building infrastructure in various government buildings under the direction of your Supervisor. This responsibility is crucial to ensuring uninterrupted services provided by our government.

You will need to be familiar with the Occupational Safety General Regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Working knowledge of the National Building Code and the National Fire Code will be integral to success in your role as Building Operator.

What You Will Be Doing

As the Building Operator, you will be responsible for:

• Using your various skills and expertise to identify potential problems, determine solutions, and physically complete minor carpentry, mechanical, and electrical repairs and develop solutions to inefficiencies.
• Assisting with enhancing and administering a scheduled preventative maintenance program, while prioritizing work efficiently to minimize disruption to building tenants.
• Ensuring all equipment performs and operates properly and provides a safe, secure, effective, and efficient work environment daily.
• Completing and arranging for completion of buildings assigned PMWO’s & reactive WO’s (if a work order requires a specialized tradesperson or contractor to complete the BO is to assure it gets completed).
• Establishing and maintaining effective communication and coordination with other divisions, project teams, facility clients, other government departments, consultants, and contractors related to expected and unexpected changes in operations.

You will have an opportunity to work on:

• Plumbing infrastructure; (such as heating systems, pumps, condensers, condensate tanks and air separators).
• Mechanical / HVAC equipment (such as boilers, chillers, air handling equipment, pneumatic and electronic controls, diesel/electric generators, cooling towers, sprinkler pumps and air compressors).
• Electrical systems (such as electronic monitoring systems, security systems and computerized fire alarm systems); automated systems (Building automation systems).

Qualifications, Experience & Skills

High School completion and five (5) years of related experience in operating and maintaining commercial or institutional buildings is required.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.

• Familiarity in a computerized environment, including spreadsheet, word processing, and email applications, is essential.
• Experience with a computerized building maintenance management system and familiarity with government procurement policy and tendering procedures are considered an asset.

You demonstrate a sound knowledge of all aspects of building construction and operation, including:

• Architectural, plumbing, electrical, fire suppression and HVAC systems; and
• Reading and interpreting various specifications and drawings.

We will assess all qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Related equivalencies may include, but are not limited to:

• Power Engineer 3rd or 4th Class certificate and four (4) years of related experience
• Building Environmental Systems operator class II and four (4) years of related experience

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

We recognize that everyone brings unique skills and experiences to the table and not everyone "checks all the boxes". We encourage you to apply and tell us why you're the right fit for the job.

Benefits

At the Public Works Department with the Government of Nova Scotia, we are committed to providing a fulfilling work environment with numerous benefits and opportunities:

• Comprehensive Insurance: Gain access to health, dental, and life insurance coverage.
• Pension Plan: Secure your future with our defined benefits pension plan.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Grow professionally through our mentorship programs.
• Disability Support: Receive short- and long-term disability assistance when needed.
• Generous Time Off: Take advantage of all national/civic holidays, and family leave provisions.
• Employee and Family Support: Utilize our Employee and Family Assistance Programs for additional support.
• Career Development: Access a variety of training and development opportunities to further your career.
• Diverse Career Paths: Explore numerous career paths and opportunities across the government.

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 role is based within a correctional facility and requires working in a secure institutional environment, including adherence to facility-specific safety, security, and operational protocols.

This role demands physical strength and dexterity, as well as the ability to work in extreme environmental conditions. Overtime becomes necessary during installations and maintenance that may disrupt building activities by shutting down power supply and other services.

The successful incumbent should be available to respond to emergency calls, when building systems fail or building security is compromised. Will be expected to join a group for an on-call rotation for other PW’s operated buildings in Pictou County.

Additional Information

As travel is a component of this position, you must have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable motor vehicle.

This is a Term employment opportunity with anticipated end date of October 29, 2027. The appointment status Term is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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: MOS 14

Salary Range: $2,158.51 - $2,226.82 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, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons 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.

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.