Job Description

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent, full-time position of Community Food Specialist in Community Safety.



Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality's core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.



Reporting to the Food Policy Strategist, the Community Food Specialist will support the growth of HRM's capacity for food systems planning, with a focus on the development and sharing of expertise related to community food action, municipal food programming, the connection between food and climate change, and emergency food planning. The Specialist will research and stay up to date on best practices, challenges, emerging issues and opportunities in food system planning. They will lead and support HRM food programs, such as emergency food planning, food resource mapping, maximization of municipal resources for food production and access, and other municipally led priorities in the JustFOOD Action Plan. The Specialist will work collaboratively with municipal staff, the Halifax Food Council, and other food actors to advance community-based action that furthers the JustFOOD Action Plan, and other municipal priorities related to food security and the resilience of our food system.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Acts as a subject matter expert to HRM and community on food systems and food security, community-based food action planning, the connection between food and climate, and emergency food planning. Supports and collaborates on the design, delivery, and evaluation of municipal food programs and initiatives, in advance of the JustFOOD Action Plan, and other food related municipal priorities. Monitors, evaluates, and analyzes climate hazard risks to agriculture and the food system, to inform climate adaptation, mitigation, and emergency responses. Leads the evaluation, collection, and maintenance of the bids and tender process of the Emergency Food Partner program and the fostering of relationships with community food partners. Manages program incomes (i.e. municipal funding, outside grants, etc.), disburses funds, tracks spending, and reports on program budgets. Conducts research on critical food infrastructure, as well as community vulnerabilities and strengths to inform decision making, strategic investments, and efforts to increase community resilience in preparation, response and recovery from events. Analyses and develops policies and programs based on best practices, trends, and emerging issues in food systems planning. Writes and presents reports to senior management, community groups, Regional Council, internal and external boards/agencies. Liaises with municipal staff, the Halifax Food Council, communities, Regional Council, and other partners to bring a food lens to decision-making in advance of the JustFOOD Action Plan and other municipal priorities. Establishes, maintains, and enhances strong cooperative relationships with community partners through timely and open communication and consistent customer service.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

Post-secondary degree in planning, community development, environmental science, or a related program Three (3) years of related experience in social policy, including research and data analysis, report writing, policy and project development and implementation, and program evaluation. Experience in community engagement and development, including coordination, facilitation, and event planning. Sound knowledge of community-based food system work and the inter-relationship between food systems and climate change. Suitable combination of education and experience may be considered.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills for community engagement Strong communication and presentation skills Effective research skills to navigate the complexity of food systems planning, support community-based action, and develop effective policies and knowledge products. Knowledge and proficiency in basic computer operating systems including: MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel), Ability to effectively prioritize when faced with conflicting needs, adapt to respond to urgent issues, and strong time management skills. Strong decision-making skills, based on the information gathering and analyzing needed to understand and address challenges. Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Office products (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word), analyzing data; preparing ad hoc and standard reports and dashboards; and metrics. Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion towards addressing the inequities within our food systems Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Security Clearance Requirements:

Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please Note:

Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates who are selected for testing may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer's discretion.

COMPETENCIES:

Analytical Thinking, Decision Making, Communications, Networking/Relationship Building, Organizing & Planning, Risk Management, Teamwork & Cooperation, Visioning, Strategic Thinking & Innovation, Conflict Management, Organizational Awareness

WORK STATUS:

Permanent, full-time

HOURS OF WORK:

8:30am to 4:30pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available.

SALARY:

NSGEU 222 level 8, $39.63 per hour

WORK LOCATION:

40 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, NS. Work location can be changed according to operational requirements.

CLOSING DATE:

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 31st, 2025.

This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.

Please note:

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview / testing will be contacted.



To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.



During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link; https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/employment/work-halifax-regional-municipality/accommodations-employment



(position # 78640376)