Secretary 2 - Administrative Support

Job Title: Secretary 2 (ADM06) – Administrative Support (Temporary Contract)

Location:   Bedford, Nova Scotia (On-site)

Client:   Government of Nova Scotia – Department of Agriculture

Contract Type:   Full-Time Temporary Contract

Start Date : August 17, 2026

Working Schedule:  5 Days per Week | 7 Hours per Day (35 Hours/Week)

Engagement Type:   Competitive-Sourced

Position Overview

Upstaff Employment Services Inc. is seeking a highly organized and professional   Secretary 2 (ADM06)  on behalf of the   Government of Nova Scotia, Department of Agriculture . This temporary assignment will provide essential administrative support to the Food Safety and Environmental Health team during an organizational transition.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the efficient operation of administrative services by managing correspondence, processing permits, responding to public inquiries, coordinating schedules, maintaining records, and providing excellent customer service both in person and over the phone.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to departmental staff.
  
• Prepare, proofread, edit, and distribute correspondence, reports, forms, and other documents.
  
• Process Food Safety and Environmental Health permits and related documentation accurately.
  
• Answer telephone calls, emails, and front-desk inquiries in a courteous and professional manner.
  
• Provide information and assistance to members of the public regarding departmental services.
  
• Schedule meetings, appointments, and maintain calendars.
  
• Coordinate travel arrangements and prepare travel documentation when required.
  
• Prepare and process expense claims and administrative forms.
  
• Maintain electronic and paper filing systems while ensuring confidentiality of records.
  
• Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple administrative tasks with minimal supervision.
  
• Assist with data entry, document management, and records maintenance.
  
• Support office operations and perform other related administrative duties as assigned.
  

Requirements

Mandatory Qualifications

• Grade 11 education.
  
• Completion of a one-year commercial, business administration, office administration, or secretarial program.
  
• Minimum   three (3) years of administrative or secretarial experience , or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  
• Experience providing administrative support within a professional office environment.
  
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
  
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative, particularly where established guidelines may not exist.
  
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
  
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
  
• Ability to prioritize multiple competing tasks while meeting deadlines.
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting a provincial or municipal government department.
  
• Experience processing permits, applications, or regulatory documentation.
  
• Experience working in Food Safety, Environmental Health, Agriculture, or other regulatory environments.
  
• Familiarity with records management and administrative procedures in the public sector.
  

Required Skills

• Administrative Coordination
  
• Secretarial Support
  
• Calendar & Schedule Management
  
• Customer Service
  
• Telephone & Front Desk Administration
  
• Permit Processing
  
• Records Management
  
• Document Preparation
  
• Data Entry
  
• Filing & Document Control
  
• Travel Coordination
  
• Expense Report Preparation
  
• Microsoft Word
  
• Microsoft Excel
  
• Microsoft Outlook
  
• Microsoft PowerPoint
  
• Written & Verbal Communication
  
• Time Management
  
• Organizational Skills
  
• Attention to Detail
  
• Problem Solving
  
• Confidentiality & Professionalism
  
• Multitasking
  
• Team Collaboration
  

Soft Skills

• Professionalism
  
• Reliability
  
• Initiative
  
• Adaptability
  
• Strong interpersonal skills
  
• Critical thinking
  
• Accountability
  
• Customer-focused approach
  
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
  
• Strong work ethic
  

Why Join This Opportunity?

• Opportunity to work with the Government of Nova Scotia.
  
• Gain valuable public sector administrative experience.
  
• Collaborative and professional work environment.
  
• Meaningful role supporting Food Safety and Environmental Health services.
  
• Full-time contract with consistent weekday schedule.