Manager, Agriculture Inspection Services

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, healthy, 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

Reporting to the Director, Agriculture Inspection Services, the Manager plays a key role in the Agriculture Operations Branch, accountable for the efficient and effective delivery of the Department's programs in the areas of meat inspection, farm animal welfare, and fur inspection. This work ensures that the priority needs of rural communities are met by improving the management and competitiveness of the province’s agri-food industry.


The Manager plays a pivotal role in leading and applying the use of current scientific principles, operational, regulatory, and program approaches, while being proficient in using change-management techniques with both industry and direct reports. They must keep frontline staff informed, motivated, and engaged. Working collaboratively as a member of the divisional management team, the Manager will contribute to service delivery strategies that meet regulatory/ legislative requirements through a client-centred focus, with demonstrated discretion that compliance activities often involve the use of various actions, tools, and levels of intervention most appropriate for the situation.

Primary Accountabilities

Working closely with their director, inspection staff, and program leads, the incumbent develops and monitors strategies to ensure alignment with provincial policies and programs, while focusing on client service. Effective inspection services and compliance/enforcement initiatives are delivered at a provincial level through a consistent level of coordination and strategic oversight. 
 

Duties include:

• Management of a team of 17 full-time staff located in 2 regional offices (potential for additional regional offices) across Nova Scotia providing service to 19 Abattoirs, 6 Fur Farms and 26 Meat Processors 
• Management of human and financial resources
• Motivation of staff teams to results oriented service across the province.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate should have an undergraduate degree in a related field with several years of progressive experience supervising others and leading teams in a regulatory environment.

The Manager will demonstrate strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills while maintaining and developing delivery of their programs and making sound operational decisions. A demonstrated knowledge of agricultural, meat, farm animal welfare, and/or fur industry issues in Nova Scotia is an asset, along with the ability to forecast and manage budgets. The successful candidate will facilitate resolutions to program challenges and be an effective liaison with multiple organizations. Solid written and verbal communication skills are essential. They will possess strong creative and solution-based problem-solving skills with exceptional time management skills, able to manage priorities with competing deadlines, and able to work independently.  You also have demonstrated experience formulating decisions within the scope of applicable policies and legislation, strategic planning, and conflict resolution.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application

LEADS

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.

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.

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.

Additional Information

Work is primarily based in an office environment with a requirement to travel to worksite locations. The office space’s location (either: Bible Hill/Kentville/Halifax) will depend on the location of the successful candidate and departmental approvals.

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
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus