Job Description

Competition # : 45296Department: AgricultureLocation: Multiple LocationsType of Employment: TermUnion Status: NSGEU - NSPGClosing Date: 05-Mar-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)About UsAt the Department of Agriculture, our vision is to create a Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food industry that is diversified, market-focused 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.Regional Services is a division within the Industry Development Branch of the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture, with offices located across the province. The division provides services and support to farmers, agribusinesses, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions, and collaborates with government partners and external organizations to strengthen initiatives and drive growth.About Our OpportunityThe Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture is looking for a highly motivated and dynamic person to add to its extension team. As an Agriculture Representative you will work as part of a larger regional team led by a Senior Agriculture Representative, to provide front-line agriculture extension to all clients served by the regional office and across the province. Your work will directly contribute to the growth and sustainability of Nova Scotia's agricultural sector, making a tangible difference in the lives of farmers and rural communities.Primary AccountabilitiesAs the successful candidate, your primary accountabilities will be:

• Providing agrology and farm management advice, building partnerships, and facilitating knowledge and technology transfer to clients.
• Supporting new entrants with constructive advice and assisting them by making appropriate referrals to specialists within government and private industry.
• Assisting clients in understanding the funding programs administered by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.
• Developing resources and delivery of agricultural workshops and information sessions in consultation with industry
• Facilitating and/or initiating multi-stakeholder projects and initiatives with clients focused on growing the Nova Scotia economy, strengthening the agricultural industry, and sustaining communities
• Building leadership capacity and coordinating program support and resource development for rural organizations in the province, including, but not limited to, County Federations, Community Pastures, Commodity Associations, Exhibitions and Fairs, and Public Trust initiatives
• Playing a key role in enlisting industry participation and support for new initiatives, strategies, programs and services.
• Playing a key role in supporting and/or delivering government or industry led initiatives, strategies, programs and services.
• Preparing briefing materials and other communications

Qualifications and ExperienceTo 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 are an innovative thinker who excels both independently and in a team environment. You are an excellent communicator, skilled in public speaking, and adept at building strong relationships with stakeholders. You have experience working with highly confidential and sensitive business information and maintain an in-depth knowledge of tools, resources, and services available to clients. You have knowledge and experience with extension work. Additionally, you have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to set objectives and meet deadlines without direct day-to-day supervision.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

EquivalencyApplicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.BenefitsBased on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a , 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: .Working Conditions

• For this position, you must have a valid driver's license
• This position will require some travel within the Western Region (West Hants, Kings, Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby and Annapolis Counties) Travel to Truro or other areas may also be required.
• At times, you may be required to work outside the normal hours of operation.

Additional InformationThis is a Term employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2025. The appointment status (xe2x80x98term, xe2x80x98temporary or xe2x80x98casual) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.The successful incumbent will have access to a government vehicle for the purpose of work-related duties.The work location will be in the Western Region, with the potential to be located in the following offices: Windsor, Lunenburg, Kentville (subject to operational considerations) and will be determined with 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
• Department specific flexible working schedules

Pay Grade: PR 06 - PR 12Salary Range: $1,924.95 - $2,982.67 Bi-WeeklyEmployment 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