Job Description

Competition # : 47689
Department: Public Works
Location: LAHAVE
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: ?19-Jan-26 ? (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
About Us
The Marine Services division of the Department of Public Works maintains and operates the provincial ferries including: Englishtown, Little Narrows, Country Harbor, LaHave River, Tancook Island, and Digby Neck. Our Marine staff help to further connect and expand Nova Scotia's transportation network; all the while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our Ferries. Our provincial ferries operate 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.
If you're looking for an exciting and challenging career, with a daily view of our beautiful Atlantic waters, then we have your perfect opportunity.
About Our Opportunity
As the Captain, you are in complete charge of the Ferry and are responsible for its' safe and efficient operation and navigation. You lead the marine crew in all phases of their work and ensure the ferry's trip schedule is maintained.
Primary Accountabilities
You are responsible for:

• supervising the crew in loading and offloading of vehicles;
• performing routine maintenance;
• maintaining the ferry's log book; and
• cleaning the ferry and equipment.

You are critical in ensuring passenger, staff, and vehicle safety; as such you will inspect equipment and ensure safety regulations, policies, and procedures are observed.
Qualifications and Experience
High school or equivalent, plus a Transport Canada Small Vessel Operators Proficiency Certificate and three (3) years of seafaring experience is required.
You must have your:

• Marine Emergency Duties Domestic Vessel Safety Certificate;
• Seafarer's Marine Medical Certificate; and
• A Marine First Aid Certificate.

As the ideal candidate, you are known for your efficient coordination of work. Consistently, you maintain a professional and courteous disposition and hold a high standard for client and customer service. The ability to communicate both verbally and in writing are key components of this position.
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.
Benefits
Based 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
May be occasioned by diesel fumes from equipment, noise and dust. Outside work is required in varying weather conditions. Shift work is required, including nights and weekends.
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 18
Salary Range: $2,450.70 - $2,528.86 Bi-Weekly
Note: The salary rates shown reflect the new Civil Service Agreement, effective April 1, 2025. Implementation in our HR system will occur on February 5, 2026. Until then, the current rates will apply. Employees hired during this period will receive retroactive pay adjustments in accordance with the new agreement and 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.
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.

Skills Required