About Us

The Labour Standards Division is responsible for the Labour Standards Code and related regulations, which establish the basic rights and responsibilities of provincially regulated employers and workers in Nova Scotia.  The legislation provides a dispute resolution mechanism and enforcement tools for addressing complaints under the Code and establishes licensing and registration requirements in relation to the recruitment and hiring of foreign workers.

We help people understand and comply with our legislation and provide a fair, accessible and responsive dispute resolution system.

We know our work can be challenging and often deals with people in difficult situations − we strive to create a welcoming, respectful, safe, supportive, and inclusive workplace culture.
 

About Our Opportunity

As a Labour Standards Officer 3, you support the work of the Labour Standards Division by helping people understand and comply with our legislation.  You help parties settle their disputes and you investigate and adjudicate complex complaints and recruiter licence and employer registration applications following applicable policies and procedures.
 

Primary Accountabilities

• Effectively manage a caseload of complex files ensuring service targets are met.
• Facilitate the settlement of disputes between parties using conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Conduct thorough investigations in an impartial, fair and timely manner.
• Make findings of fact and legal findings and issue written reasoned decisions
• Enforce decisions through collection activity when necessary.
• Inspect payroll records to assess compliance with the Labour Standards Code and regulations and work with employers to help them understand and comply with the legislation.
• Deliver presentations on Labour Standards to diverse groups.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role you have a bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of relevant experience.  An acceptable combination of education and experience may be considered.

You bring direct experience interpreting and applying legislation, regulations, and policy.  You have proven conflict resolution skills and experience relevant to conducting complex investigations in a fair, impartial, and timely manner.  You have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills and do excellent written analytical work.  

You have strong communication skills and a proven ability to explain complex information in a way that people can easily understand.  You have experience dealing with frustrated and upset individuals and can deescalate situations by seeking to understand others’ perspectives, showing compassion, and remaining calm and respectful.  You clearly demonstrate an understanding of – and commitment to – equity, diversity, and inclusion.  

You demonstrate strong attention to detail, have excellent organizational and time management skills, and proven experience effectively managing a busy caseload.  You work well both independently and in a team environment, you have good interpersonal skills and can build productive relationships with others. You are flexible and adaptable with your work.

You are proficient using Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and use these tools to help you work more efficiently.

Assets considered for this position:

• While not required, it is an asset if you have a law degree. 
• As well as being fluent in English, you are fluent in another language such as Spanish, Mandarin, Korean or French.

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

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 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.
 

Working Conditions

1.    This position may occasionally be required to travel to do inspections and presentations.
2.    A valid driver’s licence and the ability to travel within the province 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
• Department specific flexible working schedules