About Us

Public Safety and Security Division is committed to supporting the safety and security of Nova Scotians by collaborating with various stakeholders and communities across the country. We provide a range of programs, supports, and services, which are in accordance with provincial and federal legislation. We are committed to ensuring services are accessible and representative of the communities we serve. 

The Public Safety and Security Division is comprised of the following Units: 

• Policing Strategies and Governance
• Safety and Security Investigations
• Crime Prevention and Indigenous Policing
• Public Safety Audit Function
• Provincial Firearms Program
• Security Programs Office
• Service Dog Program

For more information on the Department of Justice Public Safety and Security Division please visit the following website.
 

About Our Opportunity

As a Government Enforcement Agent (Investigator), with Safety and Security Investigations Unit and under the guidance of the Director – Public Safety and Policing, you are responsible for conducting investigations and providing security measures and advice across government.

As a primary function, you will be responsible for maintaining the safety and security of various groups of staff and officials of the Government of Nova Scotia and provide security services at the Legislative Precinct. 

Additionally, you may conduct investigations and enforcement activities in accordance with the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act and the Maintenance Enforcement Act.

Please note – Government Enforcement Agents are responsible for the safe handling, storage, transportation and maintenance of a firearm, other restricted weapons including O.C. spray and any technological equipment belonging to the Division.
 

Primary Accountabilities

• Provides security services under the direction of the Sergeant-at-Arms in the Legislative Precinct. Provides security advice and support to Members of the Legislative Assembly and senior government officials.
• Conducts security audits as necessary.
• Establish individual and group security plans that are based on an assessment of threat levels.
• Identify risks to the Legislative Precinct and Members of the Legislative Assembly.
• Conducts provincial statute investigations into individuals and properties who are involved in the activities specified in the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act. 
• Compiles and completes detailed confidential reports for unit records, evidentiary purposes, court purposes, dissemination to federal, provincial, and municipal law enforcement agencies, and any other sources the Government Enforcement Agent may use.
• Provides assistance to individuals and groups submitting applications under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, provides evidence to the Courts for applications under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, and may testify in Court for a Community Safety Order. 
• Collaborates with provincial and federal law enforcement agencies, Crown agencies, municipal governments and public support agencies to ensure effective application of the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act program and legislative security sharing of information and development of strong interagency co-operation.
• Conducts Investigations on behalf of the Director of Public Safety and Policing and the Director of the Maintenance Enforcement Program utilizing a variety of investigative techniques including social media, surveillance, and field investigation.
• Briefs the Director of Public Safety and Policing accordingly to ensure the Province is able to meet its goals and objectives within the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act.
   

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this position, you possess a university degree, and/or have successfully completed law enforcement training. Alternatively, you have the education and experience in regulatory enforcement environment.

You must possess several years of relevant enforcement experience (or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience). Additionally, you have several years of experience in conducting investigations.

You have extensive knowledge and practical application of the following:

• Working collaboratively in a team environment,
• Previous experience using a firearm,
• law enforcement principles, practices and techniques, and
• federal and provincial legislation, statutes, regulations and policies related to enforcement.

The following knowledge and training are considered an asset:

• investigative, interview and surveillance techniques, theories and practices, 
• protective services training for dignitaries or public officials
• advanced driving courses 
• de-escalation training and
• experience in court and legal processes and procedures 
• You also possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills demonstrating the ability to establish productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework.  During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information.

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, 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

• In this position you are required to work irregular hours including ad-hoc nights and weekends
• Stressful work environment given extensive exposure to high-risk and/or emotional situations.
• This position is required to use and carry a firearm, when applicable 
• The need to carry equipment up to 20 kilograms during an investigation is required.
• May work alone in confined spaces without breaks and in extreme weather and temperature conditions. There is a requirement to crawl, climb, work at heights over ten feet and carry equipment weighing up to 20 kg.
   

Additional Information

This is a permanent, full-time position based in:
Kentville
Sydney
Halifax (x2)

You must be eligible for a heightened security clearance and authorized to carry a firearm, O.C. spray and extendable baton. You must also possess a valid driver’s license.

You will be required to attend, and successfully complete position specific training including use of force, firearms and surveillance training and will be appointed as a Special Constable pursuant to the Police Act 2006.
 

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.