Senior Architect (Architect )

Competition # : 42551
Department: Public Works
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 24-Apr-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Infrastructure Management team at the Department of Public Works has exciting new opportunities. We have changed the way we do business - bringing in more private sector approaches to managing our 50 office buildings, plus museums, courthouses, and other provincial infrastructure. We are focused on life cycle asset management, innovative design thinking, energy efficiency, accessible buildings, using new digital technologies for asset management, and leading the industry by example. If you want to be part of a forward-thinking, collaborative environment, this may be the right opportunity for you.

About Our Opportunity

We need your architectural experience and leadership abilities to help promote a safe, healthy and inclusive built environment. As the Senior Architect for the Technical Services group located in downtown Halifax, you will lead and collaborate with a group of Engineers and Technologists to support the selection, planning, design and execution of construction, repair or maintenance projects across the province. Here is what is in it for you:

• Work-Life Balance: Maintain a healthy work-life balance with a 35-hour work week.
• Superior Benefits Package: Employers Contributions covering 50 -100% of Basic Life, Health, Travel, Dental
• Investment in Your Future: Take advantage of our defined benefits pension plan for a stable retirement with an employer matched contribution equal to a minimum 8.4% of salary.
• Generous Time Off: Enjoy all national/civic holidays, a minimum 3 weeks of paid vacation, plus consideration for personal and family related medical.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Accommodate your needs with various options including work from home and modified work weeks.
• Employee and Family Support: Access our Employee and Family Assistance Programs for resources and guidance.
• Support in Times of Need: Receive short and long-term disability assistance when required.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Experience the power of collaboration as you engage with various government departments, working towards efficient and effective program execution.
• Lifelong Learning: Continuously expand your knowledge and skills through training and development programs.
• Challenge: Apply your knowledge and experience to the betterment of public service and to the benefit of all Nova Scotians.

Primary Accountabilities

You will work with the Technical Services team to support the Real Estate and Infrastructure Management Branch by providing input to the Capital Planning process, assessing existing infrastructure, participating in the development of scopes for approved projects, providing Design services within the capacity of the team in coordination with all disciplines and providing Design Review services of submittals from external service providers. During the tender, award, execution and close-out phases of the project, you will provide technical support to the project team. Through the course of this work, you will work with our Asset Management, Construction and Project partners to facilitate the development of corporate standards that will support decision making and influence portfolio investment into the future. You will provide support to a variety of clients with varying levels of technical knowledge. A client focussed approach shall be employed with the intent of building strong relationships and trust. This includes the need to manage expectations through open and respectful communication and to fulfill agreed deliverables within established schedules.

Qualifications and Experience

You must have a university degree in Architecture and be a licensed Professional Architect with the Nova Scotia Association of Architects (NSAA) or be eligible to be licenced through an association that has a reciprocity agreement with the NSAA. You must have a minimum of eight (8) years of experience. In addition:

• You are highly respected by those who you work with and are adept at working with others to achieve results;
• You are comfortable with approving and stamping all designs being generated under your Supervision and within the scope of your practice;
• You have significant experience working with skilled Trades People, Construction Supervisors, Engineers, and Design Consultants;
• You are comfortable setting high standards and managing performance in a healthy work environment;
• You thrive in fast-paced conditions and quickly adapt to competing priorities, contentious issues, and challenging deadlines;
• You are highly collaborative and energize your Design Team to strive towards achieving successful project outcomes while exemplifying the Department's values in all aspects of your work.

As the ideal candidate, you have:

• Superior skills in Architectural Design;
• Experience with the development of construction project budgets;
• An exceptional knowledge of the Nova Scotia and Canadian Building Codes as well as typical Architectural design standards and details;
• Advanced experience with supervising Staff using a Collaborative Team Approach;
• A track record of responsibility for end-to-end support of construction projects;
• Strong problem solving competencies; and
• Superior communication skills.

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

This position includes a combination of office and field work. Normal hazards associated with construction sites and working near heavy equipment are present. The position supports projects in all regional of Nova Scotia therefore some travel and associated overtime should be expected. (a valid Driver's License with a clean driving record is required).

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 18
Salary Range: $3,231.58 - $3,800.42 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 [email protected] .