Investigator (Inspector Specialist 4)

About Us

At the Safety Branch of the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration, the safety of Nova Scotia workers is our #1 priority. Using the Pathways to Compliance as a balanced approach, our staff of over 115 employees strive to work with all workplace parties to make Nova Scotia the safest place to work in Canada. The OHS Division is responsible for compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and working with workplace parties to carry out their respective responsibilities. Investigation of serious workplace events, including fatalities and serious incidents is one aspect of the work within the Pathways to Compliance model. The work of the OHS Investigator helps to achieve compliance through direct enforcement activities but also by supporting and participating in prevention and awareness strategies. The Safety Branch offers a challenging and dynamic environment with an opportunity to positively impact Workplace Safety in Nova Scotia. 
 

About Our Opportunity

Under the direction and supervision of the Manager of Investigations, OHS Division, the Investigator leads, conducts and/or directs complex investigations of workplace fatalities, serious incidents and other legislated components under the various Acts and Regulations that fall within the mandate of the Safety Branch.
 

Primary Accountabilities

The Investigator shall generate comprehensive and detailed reports and effectively communicate the findings for a wide variety of purposes that may include both internal and external stakeholders. This will require excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

The investigator must exhibit critical and detailed analysis and problem-solving skills. 

The incumbent works with considerable independence and is expected to exercise objective judgement to provide recommendations for changes or improvements. 

In addition, through sound decision making based on evaluation and analysis, this position provides advice and recommendations with respect to enforcement activities, including appropriate ‘non-charge’ compliance options.

The Investigator is expected to bring collaboration to their work through strong relationship building and partnership development such as establishing and maintaining close and effective relationships with other enforcement and regulatory agencies. 

The Investigator will also be responsible to transfer knowledge and insights to other staff through training or leading and coordinating a multi-faceted team during an investigation and other opportunities as they may arise.

Investigators have province wide responsibilities even though there is an assigned home office. Extensive travel will be required, often at short notice and may be required to respond to incidents outside of normal working hours based on priorities and work with minimal supervision. Access to a reliable personal vehicle is required (successful applicant must hold a valid driver's license).
 

Qualifications and Experience

Grade XII, plus completion of a regulatory compliance and enforcement training program, or a recognized law enforcement training program. 

Candidates must have a minimum of 6 years relevant work experience in regulatory enforcement/inspection and/or policing.

Demonstrated experience in investigative practices and procedures is essential. 

OHS investigation experience would be considered an asset.

Candidates are required to have a thorough and demonstrated knowledge of evidence management, disclosure requirements, accident, and incident investigation techniques.

Qualified candidates must possess excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

In addition, the candidates must possess the following consistently demonstrated competencies: Team leadership; Partnering and Relationship building; Interpersonal; Influence and Impact; Problem-solving; Critical analysis; Decisiveness.

Proficiency with standard office computer applications (incl. spreadsheets, database & presentation applications) is required.

Preference may be given to qualified candidates holding a CRSP designation or a degree in a related discipline, such as OHS or Occupational Hygiene.
 

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

This competition will be used to fill the current vacancy for the team member based out of either Northern or Eastern Regions. The ‘base’ office will be either New Glasgow or Port Hawkesbury.

The successful candidate will be expected to reside within reasonable travel time of their base office to ensure operational effectiveness for responses to major incidents.

The position has Province wide responsibilities and candidates will be required, from time to time as operational demands require, to deal with matters outside of their base office location.

Interviews will be both technical and competency based, plus a comprehensive scenario exercise designed to assess analytical thinking, attention to detail, and communications skills. 
 

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
• Department specific flexible working schedules