Mate 1 (Petite Passage)

Competition # : 50072  

Department: Public Works

Location: DIGBY COUNTY

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG  

Closing Date: ​15-Oct-26 ​ (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Marine Services division of the Department of Public Works maintains and operates the provincial ferries including: Englishtown, Little Narrows, Country Harbor, LaHave River, Tancook Islands, and Digby Neck. Our Marine staff help to further connect and expand Nova Scotia’s transportation network; all the while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our Ferries. Our provincial ferries operate 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

If you’re looking for an exciting and challenging opportunity and career growth, with a daily view of our beautiful Atlantic waters, then we have your perfect opportunity.

About Our Opportunity

As the Mate, you represent the Department in a professional and courteous manner while playing a critical role in the operation and safety of the Ferry.

Primary Accountabilities

Our Petite Passage  Ferry is seeking a Mate to join their crew!

In this role, you will represent the Department in a professional and courteous manner while playing a critical role in the operation and safety of the Ferry. You will direct vehicle and passenger traffic and assist with ensuring cleanliness of the ferry. You will be responsible for maintaining and securing fire and safety equipment on the Ferry and assisting the engineer with mechanical duties. In the event of an accident or illness of the Captain, you will assume command of the Ferry.

Qualifications and Experience

High school completion (or equivalent) and one (1) year seafaring experience.

You must have a Marine Emergency Duties Domestic Vessel Safety Certificate, a Seafarer’s Marine Medical Certificate, and a Marine First Aid Certificate.

You are an energetic, courteous individual who is the primary point of contact to the public and exercises sound judgement at all times while ensuring the Ferry meets safety standards and maintains schedules. You are committed to customer service excellence, along with safety guidelines and departmental policies and procedures.

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 check

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of relevant training and experience will be considered. 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.

Working Conditions

The ability to lift 50 pounds, as well as the ability to stand, shovel, walk, climb and sit for extended periods of time is required in this role. You may be in contact with diesel fumes from equipment, noise and dust. Outside work is required in varying weather conditions. Shift work is required, including nights and weekends.

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

Pay Grade:MOS 10  

Salary Range:  $1,942.36 - $1,987.91 Bi-Weekly

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, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons 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 Show email.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued. 

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. 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 Show email.