DevSecOps Architect (Computer Services Officer 4)

 

 

Competition # : 47526 

Department: Cyber Security & Digital Solutions

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG 

Closing Date: ​14-Dec-25 ​ (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

 

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We don’t just implement technology; we modernize outdated systems and reimagine processes.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

The Digital Practices & Technology division of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions (CSDS) is a team within government, putting people first. We are called a “digital” service for a reason – because we are helping government work the way that people expect things to work these days.

Our team is large, diverse, and passionate about making a difference in peoples’ lives. We believe in user centered iterative digital service design, and practice internet-era ways of working.  Working at the CSDS means you will be a part of a team whose work makes a difference through designing, continuously improving and delivering the programs and services people need, alongside caring, compassionate, highly skilled people.

Reporting to the Manager, DevSecOps, Cloud, the DevSecOps Architect (Computer Services Officer 4) will provide guidance and specialized support services primarily in our OpenShift/GitLab environment.  You will ensure the availability, deployment, and maintenance of IT assets in those environments. Working independently and as a team member, you will play a key role in operational support as well as project delivery to ensure a high level of service that allows us to meet or exceed the requirements of our users. 

Primary Accountabilities

  • Work with clients to securely onboard new services or products in our OpenShift/GitLab environment.
  • Work with clients to support design of secure OpenShift/GitLab environment products.
  • Monitor and respond to cybersecurity threats in real time.
  • Provide support to OpenShift/GitLab environment clients.
  • When assigned, act as the lead on medium to large-sized operational or project initiatives.
  • Troubleshooting and documenting incidents providing project status and updates to stakeholders.
  • Coaching and mentoring teammates and peers on new technologies and processes.
  • Work with on-premises support teams such as firewall, DNS and networking teams.
  • Designing and maintaining OpenShift/GitLab environment policies.
  • Support operational services and monthly maintenance, including downtime and participation in a rotation of 24/7 on-call coverage.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have a bachelor’s degree in computer science plus a minimum of five (5) years' experience or graduation from a recognized Information Technology program plus five (5) years and six (6) months of experience (or the equivalent combination of training and experience).

Required Skills & Experience

 

  • DevSecOps Expertise
    • Strong understanding of DevSecOps principles and practices, including integrating security into CI/CD workflows.
    • Experience supporting developer platforms rather than writing application code.

 

  • Containerization & Orchestration
    • Deep knowledge of container concepts and lifecycle management.
    • Hands-on experience with Docker or Podman for image creation and management.
    • Solid understanding of Kubernetes fundamentals (pods, deployments, services, volumes, namespaces).
    • Familiarity with OpenShift architecture and administration (projects, routes, builds, config maps, secrets).

 

  • CI/CD & Automation
    • Experience designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines using GitLab.
    • Ability to write and manage GitLab CI configuration files (ci.yml).
    • Knowledge of GitOps workflows and tools (e.g., Argo CD, OpenShift GitOps).
    • Experience implementing automated security scans (SAST, DAST) and compliance checks in pipelines.

 

  • Security & Compliance
    • Proficiency in container image vulnerability scanning and remediation.
    • Managing secrets, RBAC, and audit logging in Kubernetes/OpenShift environments.
    • Familiarity with enterprise security standards and regulatory compliance.

.

  • Monitoring & Observability
    • Experience with monitoring and logging tools (Prometheus, Grafana, Azure Monitor).
    • Familiarity with log aggregation solutions (e.g., Loki).

 

  • Collaboration & Enterprise Experience
    • Strong Git fundamentals and branching strategies.
    • Experience working in large-scale, mission-critical environments (24x7 support).
    • Excellent troubleshooting skills and willingness to dive deep into complex issues.

Assets

The following will be considered assets:

  • Programming & Scripting
    • Ability to read and write scripts in languages like Python, Go, or Bash.
    • Understanding of microservices architecture and modern application frameworks.
  • Cloud & Platform Knowledge 
    • Understanding of Azure fundamentals: resource groups, networking, storage, identity
    • Familiarity with Azure CLI and Azure Portal
    • Deploying and managing applications on Azure Red Hat OpenShift (ARO)
    • Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform or ARM templates
  • Relevant certifications in
    • DevSecOps
    • GitLab
    • Openshift
    • Cyber Security
    • and\or Cloud
  • Experience with infrastructure-as-code
  • Knowledge of open-source principles and technologies
  • Experience with Cloud security policies


Excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills are required, and a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with clients, staff, peers, and management.  Ideally, you will be flexible and adaptable to changing business priorities.  Knowledge of project management methodology and procedures, IT, and security policies, ITIL processes in Government are also assets.

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.

We recognize that everyone brings different skills and experiences to the table and that not everyone “checks all the boxes”. We encourage you to apply anyway! Tell us why you’re the right fit for the job.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of related training and experience may be accepted in place of education requirements. 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.

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.

     

 

Pay Grade:  PR 17  

Salary Range:  $3,107.16 - $3,649.33 Bi-Weekly

 

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve.  The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.  If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application. 

 

Accommodation Statement:

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.

 

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

 

 

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued. 

 

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing 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. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.