Job Description

Competition # : 38923

Department: Agriculture

Location: NAPPAN

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 5/10/2023 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At the Department of Agriculture, our vision is to create a Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food industry that is diversified, market driven and profitable. We work to support the development of competitive, sustainable and profitable agriculture and agri-business industries that contribute to the economic, environmental and social prosperity of Nova Scotia.

About Our Opportunity

As an Agriculture Representative, you will work as part of a larger regional team which is lead by a Senior Agriculture Representative, to provide front line agriculture extension to all clients served by the regional office

Primary Accountabilities

As the successful candidate, your primary accountabilities will be:

• Providing agrology advice, building partnerships, and being involved in knowledge and technology transfer to the clients of the regional office.
• Providing leadership, resource development, workshop delivery and information sessions for rural organizations in the province, including, however not limited to County Federations, Commodity Associations, Exhibitions and Fairs, and Public Trust initiatives.
• Supporting new entrants by providing them with constructive advice and assisting them by making appropriate referrals to Specialists within government and private industry.

You will also assist the clients served by the regional office funding programs administered by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and either be a member of the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists, or be eligible for membership. You have knowledge and experience with extension work. You are an excellent communicator with a talent for building strong and lasting relationships as well as able to work well in a team environment. You enjoy and excel at public speaking and strive for organization within your working environment.

You also possess the following:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to break complex information down into understandable messages;
• An understanding of issues within the Agricultural sector;
• An understanding of extension activities;
• Sound knowledge of generally accepted production practices.
• Knowledge and experience of the beef industry in Nova Scotia and Canada will be considered an asset.

Equivalency

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

Benefits

Based on the employment status and Union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

This position will require some travel within the Eastern Region (Cumberland, Northern Colchester and Northern Pictou Counties.). Travel to Truro may also be required. The position is located in Nappan, Cumberland County.

Additional Information

The successful incumbent will have access to a government vehicle for the purpose of client visits.

This is a Term employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of May 23, 2025. The appointment status (\'term\', \'temporary\' or \'casual\') is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

This competition may be used to fill more than one position.

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.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade: PR 06 - PR 12

Salary Range: $1,915.37 - $2,967.83 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.

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.

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.

Government of Nova Scotia