Secretary 2 - Administrative Support

Job Description – Secretary 2 (ADM06)

Client:   Government of Nova Scotia – Department of Agriculture

Location:   Bedford, Nova Scotia (Onsite)

Duration:   August 17, 2026 – October 26, 2026

Engagement Type:   Competitive-Sourced Contract

Hours:  35 hours/week (7 hours/day, Monday to Friday)

Position Overview

The Government of Nova Scotia, Department of Agriculture, is seeking an experienced   Secretary 2 (ADM06)  to provide administrative support to the Food Safety and Environmental Health programs in the Central Region.

This temporary assignment has been created following the transition of Food Safety responsibilities from the Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) to the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture (NSDA). Administrative services previously provided by ECC have concluded, and temporary support is required while a permanent administrative solution is implemented.

The successful candidate will provide comprehensive administrative and customer service support while ensuring the efficient operation of the office.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting under general supervision, the Secretary 2 will be responsible for:

• Providing administrative support to the Food Safety and Environmental Health teams.
  
• Preparing general correspondence, reports, and various administrative documents.
  
• Composing non-routine correspondence requiring sound judgment and initiative.
  
• Scheduling meetings and appointments for staff.
  
• Coordinating travel arrangements when required.
  
• Preparing expense claims and administrative documentation.
  
• Processing permits and maintaining accurate records.
  
• Managing electronic and paper filing systems.
  
• Responding to telephone inquiries and directing calls appropriately.
  
• Providing professional in-person customer service to clients and stakeholders.
  
• Maintaining confidential records and documentation.
  
• Supporting day-to-day office operations and administrative processes.
  
• Assisting with additional administrative duties as assigned.
  

Requirements

Required Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• Grade XI education.
  
• Completion of a one-year commercial or administrative office program.
  
• Minimum three (3) years of administrative or secretarial experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative with minimal supervision.
  
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
  
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced office environment.
  
• Professional demeanor with the ability to maintain confidentiality.
  

Technical Skills

Candidates should demonstrate proficiency with:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
  
• Email and calendar management
  
• Document preparation and formatting
  
• Electronic records management
  
• Data entry and administrative databases
  
• General office equipment and technology
  

Preferred Experience

Preference may be given to candidates with experience:

• Working within government or public sector environments.
  
• Supporting regulatory or inspection programs.
  
• Processing permits or licenses.
  
• Providing front-line customer service.
  
• Managing administrative operations in a busy office setting.
  

Core Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Excellent organizational skills
  
• Strong communication abilities
  
• Customer service excellence
  
• Initiative and sound judgment
  
• Attention to detail
  
• Professionalism
  
• Reliability and dependability
  
• Teamwork and collaboration
  
• Adaptability and flexibility
  
• Confidentiality and integrity
  

Work Environment

• Onsite position located in   Bedford, Nova Scotia .
  
• Standard government business hours.
  
• Collaborative office supporting Food Safety and Environmental Health operations.
  
• Temporary assignment supporting an important departmental transition initiative.