Postgraduate Student, Operational and Service Excellence

Province of Nova Scotia

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia

Salary: $26.80 - $31.02 Hourly

Competition # : 49622

Department: Service Nova Scotia

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Co-op

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 03-Sep-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At Service Nova Scotia (SNS), we collaborate with citizens, businesses, and municipalities to provide access to various government programs and services. We support the public sector in delivering programs and services that Nova Scotians rely on.

As a proud public servant, you will work with us to build a stronger province by promoting coordinated action, discipline, and fiscal sustainability. Our focus remains on safe and connected communities, healthy population, quality education, and inclusive economic growth.

About Our Opportunity

In this role, you will join the Operational and Service Excellence (O&SE) team within the department of Service Nova Scotia. The team leads the deployment of O&SE practices across the Province and partners with business areas to identify operational challenges, address pain points, and implement business process improvement initiatives. You will be part of a high-performing, diverse, and inclusive team that is committed to collaboration, continuous improvement, and service excellence. This position is based in person at our downtown Halifax office and offers the opportunity to work both independently and alongside experienced professionals. If you are looking for a challenging, engaging, and rewarding work experience where you can learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully, we encourage you to apply. You will receive training, guidance, and support to help you succeed in the role.

Primary Accountabilities

Some of the primary accountabilities in this role include:

Managing, developing, and identifying improvements to the O&SE SharePoint site.
Supporting the development, rollout, and evaluation of O&SE programs and services.
Assisting with the creation, management, and facilitation of training offerings and simulations for business partners.
Coordinating the implementation of various programs and services.
Guiding business areas and partners through O&SE training, programs, and services.
Collaborating with team members on high-stakes projects.
Creating visual promotional and communication materials.
Using Adobe Creative Suite to apply creativity, imagination, and innovation.
Using Power BI, integrated with Microsoft 365, to present data through visually appealing dashboards.
Exploring Microsoft 365, Power Automate, and AI to continuously improve O&SE deployment and service delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

You must be a postgraduate student currently enrolled in a business, management, technical, or related postgraduate program. The opportunity is approximately eight months in duration, beginning January 4, 2027, and ending September 3, 2027. You must be returning to your academic program in Fall 2027, and your program administrator must approve your candidacy.

You also possess the following:

Experience administering, promoting, and interpreting programs or services.
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work effectively.
Strong verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills.
Experience building and sustaining interpersonal and business relationships.
Strong visual design skills and creative acumen.
Effective time-management and task-prioritization skills when balancing competing needs.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications.
A natural ability to think creatively and innovatively.
Curiosity, initiative, and the ability to learn quickly and explore new possibilities.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

The following will be considered assets:

Exposure to business process improvement principles, such as Lean Six Sigma.
A continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to challenge the status quo constructively.
Experience or exposure to software and tools such as SharePoint, Power Automate, Adobe Creative Suite, Power BI, and AI.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following methods: written examinations, standardized tests, oral presentations, interviews, and reference checks.

Additional Information

This is an in-person, full-time postgraduate student opportunity beginning January 4, 2027, and ending September 3, 2027.

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 for Nova Scotians.

Pay Grade: HOURLY

Salary Range: $26.80 - $31.02 Hourly

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 competitions@novascotia.ca.

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more 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 Competitions@novascotia.ca.

We are committed to hiring military and Veteran spouses and encourage you to identify your connection with the MSEN when reaching out to us or applying to any of our open roles.

Have questions or want to learn more about us? We would love to hear from you!

Email: competitions@novascotia.ca

Whenever possible, reach out to a named contact rather than a general inbox - it helps ensure a quicker, more personalized response. If you hit a bounce-back, let us know at

employment.Emploi@cfmws.com

About Province of Nova Scotia

The Province of Nova Scotia is a major employer providing a diverse range of opportunities across the province.

Working for the Province of Nova Scotia offers several attractive benefits that appeal to both new graduates and experienced professionals:

1. Work-Life Balance: We foster a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work arrangements, generous vacation policies, and family-friendly practices, allowing employees to enjoy both their careers and personal lives.

2. Competitive Benefits: Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, dental, and vision coverage, along with a solid pension plan.

3. Career Growth & Development: Continuous learning and professional development is encouraged. There are opportunities for training, mentorship, and career advancement, making it an excellent choice for those looking to grow their skills and move up within the organization.

4. Inclusive & Supportive Work Environment: With a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the workplace we strive to create an environment that welcomes and supports employees of all backgrounds, promoting equity and accessibility.

5. High Quality of Life: Nova Scotia is known for its natural beauty, coastal lifestyle, and strong sense of community. Working for the province allows individuals to live in a region with affordable housing, low commute times, and access to outdoor activities, while contributing to the public good.

6. Focus on Innovation & Sustainability: Nova Scotia is at the forefront of developing sustainable industries, particularly in areas like clean energy, oceans technology, and environmental stewardship. Employees can work on forward-thinking projects that make a difference in both the local and global community.

From field to the office, we offer diverse and unique career paths:

Administration and Support Services:

Administrative Assistants
Customer Service Representatives

Law and Justice:

Legal Assistants
Corrections Officers
Lawyers, and Crown Attorneys

Health and Social Services:

Social Workers
Child, Youth, And Family Support Workers
Care Coordinators

Information Technology:

IT Specialists
Cybersecurity Analysts
GIS Analysts

Environmental:

Environmental Scientists
Conservation Officers

Finance and Economics:

Financial Analysts
Economists
Accountants

Education:

Policy Analysts
Program Coordinators

Skilled Trades and Labour:

Equipment Operators
Park Attendants
Maintenance Workers
Mechanics, Electricians, Plumbers and more

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