Internship (Credit, Administration, and Finance Officer)

About Us

At the Department of Agriculture, our vision is to create a Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food industry that is diversified, market-focused and profitable. We work to support the development of competitive, sustainable and profitable agriculture and agri-business industries that contribute to the economic, environmental and social prosperity of Nova Scotia.

About Our Opportunity

As the Credit, Finance, and Administration Officer, you will join Nova Scotia’s Crown Lending Agencies and help deliver lending programs serving the agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, and forestry sectors. This internship offers a recent graduate broad, practical experience across credit administration, finance and reporting, and general program administration.

You will work alongside experienced lending, finance, and administrative professionals and support the team across a varied range of assignments. As your knowledge develops, you will take on work of increasing complexity and build transferable skills in analysis, communication, organization, technology, project coordination, and client service.

Primary Accountabilities

Within the day-to-day tasks of this role, you will:

• Credit administration: Support the administration of lending applications and accounts, including gathering and organizing information, reviewing documentation, maintaining accurate files and records, preparing correspondence, and assisting with portfolio monitoring and client service.
• Finance and reporting: Assist with financial information, reconciliations, portfolio and performance reporting, internal controls, business planning, and the preparation of materials that support sound financial management and decision-making.
• Research and continuous improvement: Conduct research, analyze information, and help improve business processes, digital tools, reporting practices, and service delivery, including the responsible use of emerging technologies.
• Team and stakeholder support: Work collaboratively with colleagues, clients, government partners, and other stakeholders to provide timely, accurate, and professional service.

Qualifications and Experience

You have graduated within the last three (3) years from a recognized university with a degree or diploma in business administration, commerce, finance, accounting or another related discipline. Related experience in financial services, lending, accounting, administration, research, data analysis, or client service would be considered an asset.

As the successful candidate, you are organized, curious, and comfortable working with financial and administrative information. You have strong analytical, interpersonal, time-management, and written and verbal communication skills.

You pay close attention to detail, manage competing priorities effectively, and exercise sound judgment when handling confidential information.

You are also proficient with common Microsoft Office applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases, and with emerging artificial intelligence technologies available within the Microsoft suite of products.

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

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

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.
• May be required to work overtime on occasion.
• The working conditions require regular phone communication, including interactions with clients who may be difficult or distressed.
• Typically located in a comfortable office environment.
• Much of the time is spent in a comfortable position with frequent opportunity to move about.
• Regularly reads and interprets multiple sources of information, regular requirement to type, read and work on a computer.
• May experience pressure with deadlines and need for accuracy.

Additional Information

This is a one-year internship employment opportunity with an anticipated start date of November 1, 2026, and an anticipated end date of October 31, 2027. The appointment status (Term, Temporary or Casual) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

This role is located in Bible Hill, Nova Scotia and requires the successful candidate to work from the office five days per week. Given the collaborative nature of the work and the fact that most team members are based in Bible Hill, in-person attendance is required to provide the best possible onboarding experience, training opportunities, mentorship, and team support. Flexible work location arrangements, including remote or hybrid work, are not available for this position.

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