About Us

At Service Nova Scotia, we impact every citizen, business and municipality and business in Nova Scotia. Our mandate is to design and deliver programs and services to meet the needs of our clients and the public good through a culture of excellence.  Service Nova Scotia's vision is to be a recognized leader in service and public protection that delivers trusted, accessible, modern programs, and contributes to Nova Scotia as a safe and desirable place to live, work and do business.

About Our Opportunity

Under the general direction of the Manager, King’s Printer/ Postal Services, the Graphic Designer – Signage Specialist is responsible for the development and delivery of individual graphics and design projects for all signage for government departments, as well as print and specialty-related materials for the House of Assembly, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, and other government entities as required. The Graphic Designer – Signage Specialist also manages the process for the creation of new forms and updating of existing forms to meet departments’ needs. This position has a high level of independence to provide creative solutions to departments, and coordinate with suppliers, to communicate information and government branding for signs, forms, publications, and specialty materials such as badges and embroidered products.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Graphic Designer – Signage Specialist, you will be required to have a high level of initiative, innovation, and creativity in using principles of design, within the parameters of government brand standards, to meet established goals and objectives. You will be responsible for ensuring effective and consistent application of the government brand, and adherence to accessibility standards for all sign and print-related projects. You will lead and collaborate with department clients; colleagues within King’s Printer, Procurement, Executive Council Office, and Cyber Security and Digital Solutions; and private-sector suppliers to ensure timely and cost-efficient project delivery. The Graphic Designer – Signage Specialist leads projects from initiation to completion, including client and supplier contact, project definition, research, design concepts, quality review, and approval at key points of each phase of the project.

As the Graphic Designer – Signage Specialist, you will:

• Lead the development, procurement and delivery of signage and design projects for government departments, House of Assembly, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, and other government entities as required.

• Establish and maintain design standards for government forms and branded stationery.

• Conduct client consultation to mutually understand the goals and objectives for all projects; provide advice and leadership to achieve those goals and deliver clear and easily understood written or verbal updates when required.

• Assure deadlines and project standards are met by ensuring specifications meet the project’s scope; prototypes and samples meet client needs and align with government signage/design standards; and confirm product delivery and quality assurance with the client as part of the project management.

• Manage project costing/estimate and budgets.

• Lead and support policy application, process development, and formulation related to signage, forms and design project management, client satisfaction, product development standards, and supplier selection.

Qualifications and Experience

You have High School completion plus 2 years Planning Technician course plus 6 years related experience, including a thorough understanding and knowledge in area of expertise required by this position. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered. The successful candidate will have experience in printing and signage processes and technologies. Demonstrated knowledge of computerized typography, colour and page assembly, electronic imaging, substrates, finishing methods, and cost estimating; knowledge of graphic arts printing preparation procedures, components, and their interrelationship, as well as experience in project management and skills in mathematics, communications, and business writing. You must be able to work in an extremely fast-paced environment with multiple and quick- changing priorities, be meticulously organized and have advanced ability to quickly analyse changing situations to adapt management accordingly.

To be successful in this role, you must posses: • Strong database and computer skills • Proficiency in both Macintosh and PC environments. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Photoshop). • Strong negotiating skills, patience, and innovation in managing projects of varying complexity. • Ability to travel to and navigate clients’ sites to evaluate the signage site(s), determine project needs, and support project implementation. • Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written). • Teamwork attributes, strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Knowledge and experience with the following would be considered assets: • Government organizations and operating practices • Procurement policies and procedures • SAP

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.

Equivalencies include, but are not limited to: • Post-secondary project management training • Post-secondary graduation in business administration, commerce, or graphic design/communications. 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.

Additional Information

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

What We Offer

• Countless career paths.

• 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.

• Department-specific flexible work options.