Provincial Firearms Officer

Competition # : 47696 

Department: Justice

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG 

Closing Date: 21-Jan-26  (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

The Nova Scotia Provincial Firearms Office is responsible for the administration of the Firearms Act and its regulations and programs in Nova Scotia on behalf of Canada and in accordance with the deliverables of the federal-provincial agreement to administer the federal legislation in Nova Scotia. Our mission is to enhance public safety by reducing risk of harm from misuse of firearms.

You will be designated a firearms officer and inspector by the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) in accordance with the Firearms Act. Under the direction of the Manager, Provincial Firearms Office and the supervision of the Operations' Coordinator (OC) you will be responsible to administer the Firearms Act, its regulations, and Part III of the Criminal Code in Nova Scotia.
You will assess risk to public safety by conducting eligibility and background investigations and/or inspections and make decisions for or against issuing firearms licences, authorizations, or approvals. Where a public safety concern has arisen about the holder of any licence, authorization, or approval you will assess the risk to public safety and make decisions on the continuance or the revoking of the privilege. You may be required to attend court to defend your decision or action.

• Conducting complex investigations to assess the public risk of individuals having access to firearms by researching records and reports, and by interviewing any person who may provide relevant information pertaining to the eligibility of an individual to hold a licence or authorization.
• Making decisions using your skills, knowledge, experience and training with regard to firearms ownership, possession and acquisition and revoking or approving those privileges as appropriate to the circumstances.  
• Conducting thorough inspections of shooting ranges, businesses, premises, or records to ensure regulatory compliance with firearms legislation and to enhance public safety.
• You will provide advice and guidance to clients and respond to enquiries relating to regulatory compliance and adherence to the regulations. 
• Build strong working relationships with the public, licensees, other compliance agencies, police agencies and other levels of government.
• Any other duties assigned as required.
  
  

You have a bachelor's degree in a related field, plus a minimum of 1-year related experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Recent experience (within the past two years) conducting detailed background investigations and risk assessments using personal interviews and research is also required. You must be able to analyze information and make decisions on whether risk exists or not. You must also have proficiency with various computer data storage and retrieval systems.

You also have strong communication skills and can interpret complex legislation for lay persons and demonstrate:

• A high degree of judgment and accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Diplomacy, resourcefulness with a focus on clients.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work with minimum supervision.

You must also be able to secure confidential information; must be able to prioritize and manage a workload focused on public safety; You must understand legal terminology.

The following would be considered assets: Fluency in French: familiarity using topographic maps, compass, GPS and other orienteering tools, recent experience enforcing regulatory compliance.

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.

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

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, 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: Benefits for government employees.

The core hours of work will be 08:30-16:30, some flexibility is permitted by the employer. 

The volume of work is significant and demanding and not predictable. Mental pressure can be considerable; your decisions rely on your assessment of the risk to public safety.

Most of the time is pent in an office setting with long hours in front of a computer screen and on the telephone.  Much of the work requires access to secure networks, protected information, phone and email requirements, etc.

Some of your time will be spent in an office environment but field inspections of outdoor shooting ranges are a regular requirement, involving hiking for extended distances over rough wilderness terrain, in remote areas. An acceptable degree of fitness and mobility is required to complete these tasks.

May be exposed to irate clients, primarily through phone calls and email.

Decision making about firearm licenses and access can cause stress. Major, local events involving firearms can cause stress.

Occasionally required to lift full standard size banker's box.

You can expect to travel and complete site work in this position.

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Halifax, NS.

A valid Nova Scotia driver's License is required. A driver's transcript will be required. This job involves significant travel through a geographic zone. You will be responsible for operation of a fleet vehicle.

A successful candidate must obtain an RCMP Enhanced Reliability Status security clearance before this position can be offered. The security clearance can take anywhere from 8-12 weeks for approval. For this purpose, the successful candidate must provide suitable criminal background checks and two (2) copies of fingerprints at their cost.

If you have not successfully completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course you must successfully complete these courses within six (6) months of your start date.

• 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 10  

Salary Range:  $2, $2,970.48 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, 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

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