Architect 1(A)-(B)-2(A)-(B)

Competition # : 47361 

Department: Public Works

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG 

Closing Date: 16-Nov-25  (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

The Nova Scotia Department of Public Works provides leadership in the construction industry in Nova Scotia, helping deliver construction, renovation and maintenance projects to a varied stock of Government owned buildings. The Building Design Group are a team of architects, engineers and designers who work collaboratively on multi-disciplined projects to achieve the goals and quality requirements of our clients.

Our Building Design Group includes a dedicated team of professional Architects, Project Managers and Engineers that work together with the goal of providing Nova Scotia with a better built environment. If you would like to help manage Infrastructure projects and be part of a Professional team that helps shape and influence policy and practice for better, more sustainable buildings in Nova Scotia, then we have an opportunity for you.

This position will work under the general supervision of a Design Team Lead "Senior Architect" and the manager for the Building Design Group. In your role, you are responsible for hiring consultants and working with our client groups to manage varying projects. You will work in a team environment, coordinating a multi-disciplinary internal team to review and ensure budget, schedule and quality, as well as adherence to NBC, our internal standards, and conformance with Authorities Having Jurisdictions.

You have a university Degree in Architecture. You have an intern architect status from the Nova Scotia Association of Architects (NSAA) and working towards licensure in Canada.

You have strong planning and design skills with respect to building design projects, particularly institutional buildings. You have a general understanding and knowledge of building codes and design standards. You have a general understanding of budgeting and financial planning for your projects. You have knowledge of consultant and construction contracts, the tendering process and construction administration.

You are a self-motivated individual who works well both independently and as an effective and engaged team player. You have professional oral and written communication skills for collaborating with staff, other government agencies, consultants, contractors and the public. You have well developed planning and organizational skills, coupled with the ability to multi-task and adapt in this fast-paced environment with multiple priorities. You maintain a professional and courteous disposition and hold a high standard of communication with stakeholder groups.

Experience or knowledge of various project delivery methods including: design-bid-build, design-build and construction management is considered an asset.

You have experience with or knowledge of the tools used by Consulting Architects today including: AutoCAD and BIM, MSOffice Suite and sustainable building guidelines including LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Passive House and the National Energy Code.

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.

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.

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.

This position will require climbing and working at heights.

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

• 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 08 - PR 15  

Salary Range:  $2, $3,364.90 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. 

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