Application Architect (Computer Services Officer 4)

About Us

At CSDS, we prioritize people—both within our team and in the communities we serve. Our mission is to redefine how Nova Scotians engage with government by creating accessible, reliable digital solutions centered around user needs.

In today’s tech-driven world, CSDS empowers government departments with essential digital solutions to meet Nova Scotians’ expectations. As a trusted partner across government, we enable departments to fulfill their mandates with secure, user-friendly services. From healthcare and education to public safety, we collaborate to transform how services are designed and delivered.

We don’t just implement technology; we modernize outdated systems and reimagine processes. Our agile, data-driven approach ensures that digital services are both efficient and adaptable to Nova Scotia’s evolving needs.

Joining CSDS means contributing to work that makes a real difference. From providing vital tech support to healthcare professionals to strengthening cybersecurity and developing scalable digital platforms, you’ll play a key role in building a more inclusive, responsive government for Nova Scotians.

Together, we’re setting new standards for digital public service, delivering resilient solutions that meet today’s needs—and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges.

About Our Opportunity

You will join our Application Development and Production Support (ADPS) team, which provides end-to-end application development and production support services to partner departments and agencies across diverse business domains.

As an Application Architect (CSO 4), you will play a key role in designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining complex digital business solutions that align with organizational goals and technology strategy. Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, you will ensure that applications are scalable, secure, reliable, and maintainable.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for a team-oriented professional to take on a leadership role within a dedicated, high-performing team responsible for developing and supporting a wide range of business systems and applications—both custom-built and Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS)—for multiple departments and government agencies.

Primary Accountabilities

• Provide SDLC strategies, technical leadership, and expert advice for corporate IT initiatives and projects. Oversee project planning, effort estimation, solution design, secure code review, change management, deployment, testing, and quality assurance to ensure the final products meet quality and performance standards.
• Design, develop, and implement complex business applications by refining business requirements, defining system architectures, and leading internal and external developers. Provide technical guidance on data modeling and database design and research innovative technical solutions to meet evolving business needs.
• Ensure data security and integrity, resolve critical production issues, and coordinate escalation and communication with stakeholders and senior management during major incidents.
• Manage the backlog of enhancements, usability improvements, and defect fixes. Review, categorize, and prioritize requests in collaboration with business clients, and oversee deployment planning and execution for iterative releases.
• Improve SDLC processes by identifying recurring technical challenges, developing reusable solutions, and maintaining shared code libraries.
• Implement secure development policies and code review practices to ensure compliance with government IT standards such as Threat Risk Analysis and Vulnerability Scanning.
• Evaluate, select, and integrate new technologies, methodologies, and tools to enhance the development environment. Promote efficiency through automation, standardization, and continuous process improvement.
• Mentor and collaborate with team members to strengthen technical capabilities, promote knowledge transfer, and foster cross-training. Stay current with emerging technologies, industry best practices, and new development methodologies.
• Collaborate with project managers to guide development projects through the Architecture Review Board (ARB) and Change Advisory Board (CAB) processes.
• Identify and mitigate technical and security risks in software projects. Oversee Cyber Security Risk Management (CSRM) processes to ensure compliance and maintain robust security standard.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or related field. 5 years of experience in application development and production support, including 2+ years in a senior development or technical lead role.
• Server-Side Development: Strong proficiency in C#, .NET Core/.NET Framework, and related server-side technologies.
• Front-End & Database Expertise: Skilled in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks such as ASP.NET MVC, Blazor and Angular. Solid experience in database design and management using Microsoft SQL Server and/or Oracle.
• Architecture & Security: Hands-on experience with design patterns (Separation of Concerns, ORM, UI Data Binding) and Single Page Applications (SPAs). Strong understanding of security protocols including Kerberos, SSO, token-based authentication, OpenID, and PKI.
• Infrastructure & Systems: Working knowledge of Windows Server configuration and management, VM/VDI environments, and Proxy/Reverse Proxy/Load Balancer technologies. Experience with system performance tuning and scalability design.
• Agile & Project Management: Proficient in Agile/Scrum methodologies and tools. Strong planning and coordination skills with a proven ability to lead multiple development projects.
• Documentation & Communication: Excellent technical documentation, reporting, and communication skills. Able to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and non-technical stakeholders.
• Analytical & Problem Solving: Strong analytical mindset with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues. Innovative thinker with a focus on efficient and scalable solutions.
• Leadership & Mentoring: Proven experience leading teams, mentoring developers, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Quality & Compliance: Knowledge of quality assurance practices, IT compliance, and security standards.
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to professional growth and staying current with emerging technologies and industry trends.

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.

Assets

• Familiarity with containerization technologies like Docker and experience with orchestration tools such as Kubernetes.
• A strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and relevant security technologies and best practices.
• Adaptability and a keen ability to quickly learn new technologies. These qualities are essential for keeping pace with evolving technology landscapes and contributing innovatively to projects
  
  

Equivalency

• Included, but not limited to graduate from a recognized Information Technology program, plus 5 years and 6 months of related experience.
• An equivalent combination of related training and experience may be accepted in lieu of formal education. Applicants claiming equivalencies must clearly demonstrate them in their application.
• Candidates must possess direct experience in business application development & support, with a minimum of two years in a senior role focusing on application development and production support.
  
  

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

You will be expected to work in the office approximately two days per week; however, this arrangement may be adjusted as required to meet operational needs. Travel throughout the province may be required periodically. Standard business hours are 08:00 to 16:30.

Additional 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 or will result in the termination of your employment.

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.