Job Description

Competition # : 48174

Department: Justice

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

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

About Us

The Department of Justice is responsible for the administration of justice and for promoting access to justice and the safety and security of Nova Scotians through justice-related programs, services and initiatives. A Sheriff is an officer of the court who is referred to as a "peace officer." A Sheriff's work focuses on the safety and security of the judiciary, court staff, the public, and persons in custody. There are local Sheriffs for every county of Nova Scotia. They work with individuals in custody and travel over 2 million kilometers in a year.

Sheriffs are responsible for:

• court security
• transportation of prisoners to and from institutions and all levels of court
• the service of some civil and criminal documents
• the execution of court orders
  
  

About Our Opportunity

As the Manager Sheriff Services (Deputy Chief Sheriff), you are responsible for providing senior leadership, administrative and operational support for the delivery of Sheriff Services programs at all court locations across the province. Sheriff Services provides court security at 13 Justice Centers; prisoner transportation within and to/from the province and civil document services as ordered by the court. Sheriff Services has a staff complement of approximately 230. You will supervise Sheriffs who are located at provincial justice centers as well oversee the functional areas of training, risk management and policy development.

Primary Accountabilities

• Ensuring a 24/7 response to the client base, through leading and mentoring Sheriffs (managers).
• Developing programs, policy and procedures, and implementing change management initiatives
• Ensuring that functions are consistent with standards and legislation, that operational issues are addressed properly, and that services are provided in an efficient and effective and professional manner.
• Developing and fostering key partnerships with Justice stakeholders both internal and external to government.
• Managing human and financial resources, including setting manager performance targets, managing discipline, providing for a healthy and respectful workplace and developing, monitoring and forecasting budget requirements and expenditures.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

Graduation from a police/law enforcement related training program and several years of strategic senior management/leadership experience in a law enforcement or security environment, or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

The following is required:

• Developing and fostering key partnerships with Justice stakeholders both internal and external to government.
• Managing human and financial resources, including setting manager performance targets, managing discipline, providing for a healthy and respectful workplace and developing, monitoring and forecasting budget requirements and expenditures.
• Experience in managing multiple units of work is required.
• A working knowledge of legislation including the Criminal Code, Provincial and Federal Statutes is required.
• Experience in the administration of a (nationally recognized) Use of Force program and an operational application and understanding of weapons systems in a law enforcement environment, including critical incident management is required.
• Experience in the development and implementation of policy and programs is required.
• A valid drivers license is required.
• Experience in change and project management initiatives is required.
• Experience conducting audits and performance reviews in a law enforcement setting is required.
• Experience in managing human resources including matters of discipline (preferably in a unionized environment) budgeting, training and development is required.

The following are assets:

• Experience and knowledge of OHS programs or legislation as it applies to a security and or law enforcement environment is an asset.
• Some experience in civil enforcement related legislation such as The Courts of N.S. Civil Procedure Rules and The Sale of Land Under Execution Act would be an asset.
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR is an asset (will be required upon hire).
  
  

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
• Regular overtime work is required
  
• Responding to late-hour or weekend/holiday calls regarding transport service requirements or officers seeking operational direction is common
• Will work under time pressure and with competing priorities
• Will work in a dynamic, continuously evolving environment
• Travel within the province of Nova Scotia will be required.
  
  

Additional Information

This is a permanent full-time position based in Halifax.

Sheriff Officers carry advanced weapons (CEW, TASERS) therefore you must understand the complexity of a weapons and Use of Force program as you will be responsible for overseeing the application of policy and procedure to ensure that Occupational Health and Safety provisions are met.

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.

As this position is designated as a peace officer, you will be required to participate in and successfully complete elements of the Sheriff Officer Orientation Program which includes the use of force components, therefore successful candidates must be in good physical/medical condition. You will also be required to successfully complete a security clearance to the level expected by affiliated agencies (Secret, Federal Government). Additional successful completion of appropriate background checks are required, these include a criminal record check, employment references, drivers abstract, child abuse registry check, credit and other records checks.

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 12

Salary Range:$3,929.22 - $4,911.52 Bi-Weekly

Note: The salary rates shown are effective April 1, 2026. Should you start in this position before April 1, 2026, your salary will be based on the current rates until April 1.

The salary rates include an economic adjustment that has been approved. These rates are effective April 1, 2025. Implementation in our HR system will occur on March 5, 2026. Until then, the current rates will apply. Employees hired during this period will receive retroactive pay adjustments in accordance with the applicable policies.

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.

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.