About Us

The Court Services Division (hereinafter the Division) of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice is dedicated to excellent service and the provision of fair and accessible administration of justice, including court administration and security.

The Division provides administrative support to the following courts: Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (including Family Division), Provincial Court, Family Court, Small Claims Court, Probate Court and Bankruptcy Court.

For more information on the Division, please visit https://novascotia.ca/just/Court_Services/

Successful applicants will be placed in a hiring pool to attend training and fill potential casual relief vacancies in 2025/2026.  

Locations include Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), HRM Transport, Northeast Transport, Bridgewater, Yarmouth, Digby, Kentville, Shubenacadie, Truro, Amherst, Pictou, Antigonish, Port Hawkesbury, and Sydney.  
 

About Our Opportunity

As part of a team, Deputy Sheriff’s (DSs) 1-2 are peace officers responsible for providing comprehensive support to all levels of the court on matters pertaining to court security, the transportation of Persons in Custody (PICs), jury management and court orders. 

As a Deputy Sheriff, you will be accountable for the timely, safe and efficient escort and transportation of PICs to and from correctional institutions, facilities, hospitals, police agencies and elsewhere. You will also be responsible for providing security to all levels of court.

Casual relief Deputy Sheriffs must be available to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.  Casual relief Deputy Sheriffs have no set schedule or guarantee of hours.
 

Primary Accountabilities

• Maintain order and security in the court
• Maintain the proper operation of the cell block
• Ensure that PIC's and/or other detained persons are transported safely
• Ensuring that court orders relating to criminal and civil procedures are complied with, executed and/or served properly.
• Assisting to conduct Sheriff Sales and/or seizing real and personal property.
• Developing risk assessments regarding cases and individuals before the court, PICs being transported, and civil document services.
• Remaining proficient in all required use of force options and other physical skills.
• Creating factual reports and maintaining detailed and accurate records.
• Safekeeping Government vehicles, equipment, and the personal effects of PICs.
• Obtaining DNA and fingerprints as required.
   

Qualifications and Experience

•    Completion of a recognized law enforcement training program or relevant college/university diploma/degree.  
•    High school completion and an equivalent combination of training and experience in a relevant environment (i.e. policing, sheriffs, law enforcement, military, corrections, security, etc.) may be acceptable.

The following are requirements in this position:

• A valid unrestricted driver’s licence
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Computer literacy, including email, word processing, and spreadsheets

The following would be considered assets:

• Training and experience in Use of Force (UOF), Crisis Intervention and De-escalation (CID) and Intermediate and/or Conducted Energy Weapons (CEW's)
• Training in defensive driving and the operation of emergency vehicles
• Understanding of the Criminal Code and/or Federal Statutes
• Knowledge of Courthouse operations
• Experience compiling written reports

As a Deputy Sheriff, you will serve as a role model in the community and to clients. As such, it is essential that you possess integrity, sound observation, decision making and problem-solving skills, and the ability to respond effectively in crisis situations.

Qualifications will be assessed using one or more of the following tools: written examination(s), standardized test(s), oral presentation(s), interview(s), and background/reference check(s).

PLEASE NOTE: Applications and applicants may not be considered or advanced in the process if applications are incomplete, missing information or submitted after communicated deadlines.   
 

Equivalency

Applicants that do not meet the minimum qualifications and experience identified above, may be considered if they meet the minimum equivalencies, that include but are not limited to:

• One year of full-time, directly related, work experience (policing, sheriffs, law enforcement, quasi-law enforcement, military, corrections, security, etc.). 
• Five years of continuous full-time employment (does not need to be in a related field).
   

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

• Relief employees fill gaps in the schedule and replace full time employees when operational requirements demand as determined by the Employer
• While there is no shift work associated with this position, there is potential for travel, overtime and disruptions to personal and family life due to position responsibilities, workload, and other unplanned activities
• Deputy Sheriffs may be required to perform highway driving, including during inclement weather
• Most of the work is contained in a courthouse where the climate is managed – some of this work is in a cell block which can be noisy and disruptive. Some of this work may require standing for periods of time in a court room
• As court issues can be emotionally charged there is the potential for violence/verbal abuse by aggressive persons
• There is potential for elevated risk when required to service court orders (i.e. evictions, property seizures, etc.)
• May be required to apply force while physically subduing PIC's and/or making arrests where back-up may not be readily available
• Must use considerable tact, independent judgment and initiatives during frequent exposure to very emotional and/or potentially volatile situations
• Exposure to emotional and sensitive issues which may create a stressful environment that can be emotionally draining
• High demand for accuracy and attention to detail
   

Additional Information

Candidates that have been screened for the criteria above will progress through additional screening and testing, that may include the following:

•    Successful completion of a fitness testing requiring a level of physical fitness reflective of the position requirements. Preparatory training is recommended.
•    A written test that assesses knowledge, judgment and written communication abilities
•    A Competency-Based Interview (CBI), assessing verbal communication, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, knowledge of safety and security, and teamwork ability.
•    A pre-employment questionnaire (PEW) and PEQ Interview to determine if you have the personal characteristics necessary to succeed in this position.
•    A comprehensive background investigation and reference check(s)
•    Psychological and medical screening.
•    At the completion of each stage, only candidates that are successful will move onto the next stage.

Successful applicants will be placed in a hiring pool to attend training and fill potential casual relief vacancies in 2025/2026.  

Offers of employment will be dependent on the operational needs of the employer.  

Applicants who successfully complete all testing phases and who are placed in a hiring pool but do not receive offers of employment may be moved into a 2026/2027 competition.

Offers of employment will only be made upon the successful completion of all stages of testing, confirmation of credentials and the completion of all applicable background, criminal record, child abuse registry and reference checks, driver’s license and driver’s abstract, fitness testing, CBI, PEQ and PEQ Interview, psychological and medical testing, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer.

•    If you require assistance or have questions about this process, you can reach a member of our Talent Acquisition, Training and Development Team at SheriffRecruitment@novascotia.ca
•    Successful candidates will be required to work varying shifts – including days, evenings and occasionally weekends and holidays. Scheduling and time off are granted based on length of service.
•    Candidates will be required to successfully complete the 8-week paid Sheriff Officer Training Program.
•    Candidates will be required to successfully complete a paid field training program for up to one year.
•    Candidates will be required to successfully complete additional in-service training throughout their appointment.
 

What We Offer

• A favourable work-life balance.  
• Access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training.
• An engaging workplace where our employees feel valued and respected.