Job Description

Competition # : 41998

Department: Public Works

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: \xe2\x80\x8b18-Mar-24 \xe2\x80\x8b (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Real Estate Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for providing real estate services to government departments, boards, agencies and commissions. This includes but is not limited to government wide property leasing and management, real estate acquisition for major capital and infrastructure needs, the disposal of real estate, road and property investigations, and advisory services for real estate matters.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager of Real Property and under the direction of senior staff, the Real Property Specialist will be responsible for negotiating the purchase and sale of real estate, easements, property and land leases, issuance of real property licenses, real estate agreements and access agreements.

Primary Accountabilities

As a Real Property Specialist you are engaged in real property transactions for DPW and responsible for investigating, appraising and negotiating land purchases in connection with capital projects such as the construction and maintenance of highways or development of school sites etc., the disposal of surplus real property, and assisting with budgeting preparation and control.

The position will require a large proportion of field work inclusive of property and right of way identification, communications with internal and external parties, and onsite and offsite land agent negotiations. You will meet with landowners to assess their concerns and negotiate the terms of land agreements. This may require you to attend evening appointments.

You will conduct negotiations in a timely manner to ensure project deadlines are met and adhere to departmental construction schedules. You will perform property research pertaining to deeds, legal surveys, burdens and benefits. You will review appraisals, provide recommendations for compensation, and prepare agreements and consent forms as necessary.

You will prepare submissions to the Executive Council in relation property transactions and real estate matters.

This position provides you with the opportunity to work with a diverse group of stakeholders including senior government Officials, the public, surveyors, real estate appraisers, law firms and other government departments.

Qualifications and Experience

University degree in Real Estate, Business Administration or Commerce and/or five (5) years of related real estate experience in the areas of acquisition and disposal of real estate, real estate appraisal, or right of way is required. An equivalent combination of training/certification and directly related experience will be considered, with preference to real estate experience, and candidate membership or designations from the Appraisal Institute of Canada, International Right of Way Association, or equivalent.

You have an extensive knowledge of the appraisal process, an understanding of highway engineering and survey plans, and have negotiation skills specifically related to land acquisition and expropriation. You are familiar with the current government regulations and statues such as, but not limited to, the Public Highways Act, Expropriation Act, Surplus Crown Disposal Act, and Nova Scotia Land Surveyor\'s Act.

You possess exceptional organizational and communication skills (verbal and written), with the ability to work collaboratively with Department personnel, other government agencies, property owners, developers, solicitors, and the public. You have well developed planning and organizational skills, coupled with the ability multi-task and adapt in this fast-paced environment with competing priorities and strict deadlines. Consistently, you maintain a professional and courteous disposition and hold a high standard for client and customer service. Your consistency demonstrate initiative in your work while exercising sound judgment and decision making.

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.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Related equivalencies may include, but are not limited to:

• A related master\'s degree and three (3) years of related experience.
• A related 2-year diploma and seven (7) years of related experience.

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 has a combination of office and field work. Field work occurs in adverse weather conditions and normal hazards associated with construction sites and working with or near heavy equipment are present.

You must be able to work under adverse conditions in times of emergency and sometimes overtime may be required.

Additional Information

Travel within the province is a component of this position. As such, you must have a valid driver\'s license and the ability to travel.

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: PR 13

Salary Range: $2,543.38 - $3,091.70 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