Computer Services Officer 4 (Technical Architect)

About Us

At the Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions (CSDS), we prioritize people and are dedicated to driving digital transformation that meets modern expectations. Our mission is to support government departments and partners in their digital transformation journeys, ensuring that digital services are user-centered, efficient, and impactful for all Nova Scotians.

We don’t just implement digital solutions; we navigate the complexities of digital transformation by modernizing outdated systems and ways of working. Our role is to make a real difference by ensuring that our digital services are accessible and user-friendly.

At CSDS, we celebrate diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recognize that the people who use government programs and services come from all walks of life, and it’s essential that we reflect the communities we serve. We are committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives and experiences are valued, and where all talent can thrive. By embracing these values, we deliver better, more accessible, and inclusive public services.

About Our Opportunity

We are seeking a highly skilled Oracle Architect to join our Database Infrastructure Team, Cyber Security & enterprise Risk division. In this role, you will lead the design, support, and continuous improvement of our Oracle infrastructure, ensuring secure, reliable, and high-performing digital services across the enterprise.

You will be a Tier 3 technical lead, resolving complex and critical issues that cannot be addressed by other support tiers. You’ll collaborate closely with clients and internal teams, often acting as the first point of contact on escalated issues and be expected to communicate clearly in non-technical business terms, even when the problems are anything but simple.

As the senior technical architect (Oracle) within a team of specialists, you will also mentor colleagues, model high-performance behaviors, and build trusted relationships across departments and levels of digital literacy. Your leadership will be key to driving consistency, service excellence, and innovation in database infrastructure.

This position requires 24/7 operational support for critical database infrastructure for both Government departments and NS Health sectors. 

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

Primary Accountabilities

• Provide advanced technical support and architectural leadership for enterprise Oracle and MySQL.
• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of Oracle architecture standards, guidelines, reference models, and operational tools.
• Ensure the stability, reliability, security, and performance of systems that support critical applications, including clinical, business productivity, and web-based services.
• Resolve complex technical issues escalated to Tier 3 and provide guidance to other tier support teams.
• Act as a key contact for high-impact client issues, clear communication and accessible language to communicate solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proactively monitor, evaluate, and improve database infrastructure with a focus on continual service improvement.
• Set priorities and oversee the effectiveness of a team of database technical specialists, ensuring service levels and client requirements are consistently met.
• Lead and/or participate in infrastructure modernization initiatives, lead the adoption of Cloud technologies, and cross-government enterprise architecture development. 
• Mentor team members, foster knowledge-sharing, and promote a culture of collaboration and professional growth.
• Stay current on Oracle technologies, industry best practices, and emerging trends, and make recommendations accordingly.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelors Degree in Information Technology + 5 years experience in Oracle database architecture, design, and administration in large-scale enterprise environments; or graduation from a recognized Information Technology Program + 5 years and 6 months related experience; or an equivalent combination may be acceptable.
• Must have experience working with Unix (AIX, Linux) operating systems including shell scripting.
• Proficient in infrastructure environment requirements & planning.
• Demonstrate ability to troubleshoot & resolve complex infrastructure issues under pressure. 
• Proficiency in storage management, database backup & recovery, performance tuning, & database security.
• Demonstrated ability in installation, configuration, & management of oracle software. 
• Expert knowledge of Oracle 12c/19c/21c, RAC, ASM, Data Guard, & RMAN.
• Proficient in troubleshooting & problem solving for Oracle server issues, such as memory, CPU, storage (diskspace).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, & presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects & mentoring technical staff.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities & deliver results in a service-driven environment.
  
  

Assets

• Familiarity with MySQL, PostgreSQL, MSSQL Server, MariaDB, & any relational database management system.
• Experience with Oracle 10g/11g
• Experience using & administering Oracle Cloud Control.
• Experience with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), or other cloud platforms.
• Knowledge or experience in scripting languages (Shell, Python, PowerShell) & infrastructure automation tools.
• Oracle certifications (OCP, OCM).
• Experience in the public sectors or other complex, regulated environments.
  
  

Equivalency

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.

Other Considerations

You will be required to participate in the scheduled on-call rotation for after standard business hours and on weekends. You will be required to work overtime as required which may include evening and weekend, and holiday shifts.

This competition may be used within 4 months to fill similar positions in other areas of Nova Scotia should they become available.

We recognize that everyone brings different skills and experiences to the table.

If you don’t “check all the boxes”, we encourage you to apply anyway and tell us why you’re the right fit for the job. We value diversity of thought and believe that the best teams are those that bring together people with a range of experiences and perspectives.

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