Co-op Student (Architecture) (Halifax)

About Us

The mission of the Department of Public Works is to deliver quality public building infrastructure for Nova Scotia. Our mandate is to ensure that the institutional infrastructure is constructed in a way that improves the lives of Nova Scotians while furthering the Provincial Government’s goal of acting on climate change.

The Building Project Services (BPS) Division of Public Works is responsible for the design and construction of new and renovated building infrastructure ranging in value from $1,000,000 up to $500,000,000 and encompassing building types such as Schools, Courthouses, Healthcare Facilities, Museums and Art Galleries, Provincial Buildings, Highway operations buildings and more. 

About Our Opportunity

As an Architecture Summer Student, you will gain hands-on experience supporting the design and development of public infrastructure projects. You will have the opportunity to learn from experienced architects, project managers, and technical professionals while contributing to real-world projects.

We will provide you with all required technical and protective equipment, and as a bonus, you get to keep the work boots we provide when your summer work ends. We also offer opportunities to participate in safety training courses. Mileage and meals will be provided for site visits outside of Halifax.

Primary Accountabilities

Reporting to the Design Team Lead or Project Manager within the Infrastructure Group, you will assist in various tasks related to architectural design, documentation, and construction administration, including:

• Assisting the Design Team Lead in the design and design development of new projects.
• Supporting the creation of standard drawings, including those for EFG and new NS Accessibility Code provisions.
• Assisting in the coordination and documentation of Lessons Learned for completed projects.
• Reviewing architectural drawings and specifications to gain familiarity with design requirements.
• Helping prepare tender documents and Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
• Attending project meetings with internal staff, consultants, and contractors.
• Conducting site visits to review existing conditions and assess project needs.
• Supporting project tracking and documentation related to architectural scope.

Qualifications and Experience

You are currently enrolled in a post-secondary program related to Architecture or a similar field and will be returning to school for the fall semester (or the next applicable semester for your program). Travel throughout the province may be required. You demonstrate an interest in building design, construction, and public infrastructure and are a self-starter. You have strong communication skills and are comfortable working both independently and in a team setting.

What you'll need to succeed:
 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stay organized.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking.
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse teams, including engineers, architects, and contractors.
• Interest in sustainable building practices and accessibility standards.
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Professional Skills
 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Experience with Autodesk AutoCAD or Revit.
• Understanding of construction drawings and specifications.
• Familiarity with Nova Scotia Building Code and accessibility provisions is an asset.

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.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.
• Primarily office-based work with opportunities for field visits.
• Some travel to project sites, including active construction zones.
• May require occasional overtime depending on project demands.

Additional Information

The successful candidate(s) will need to submit a copy of their driver’s abstract.

There is one (1) position available in Halifax.

This opportunity will start approximately April 28, 2025, with an end date of August 29, 2025.

If you are passionate about architecture and want to gain valuable experience in public infrastructure design, we encourage you to apply!

This opportunity could potentially be used for a Co-op placement. The successful candidate will be required to discuss with the Co-op office.