Senior Consumer Protection Officer (Program Admin Officer 3)
Competition # : 48291
Department: Service Nova Scotia
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 13-Apr-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
About Us
At Service Nova Scotia, we impact every citizen, business and municipality and business in Nova Scotia. Our mandate is to design and deliver programs and services to meet the needs of our clients and the public good through a culture of excellence. Our vision is to be a recognized leader in service and public protection that delivers trusted, accessible, modern programs, and contributes to Nova Scotia as a safe and desirable place to live, work and do business.
About Our Opportunity
The Program Administration Officer (PAO) reports to the Manager, Business Licensing and Compliance and works with the Registrars and Deputy Registrars for various consumer protection statutes. In conjunction with the Manager, Director, Registrars and Deputy Registrars, the Senior Consumer Protection Officer is responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of a comprehensive province-wide program as mandated by the consumer protection statutes. In addition to participating in inspections, audits and investigations, the incumbent assigns Consumer Protection Officers to undertake inspections, audits and investigations. The PAO provides subject matter expertise on responsibilities and techniques for the statutes administered.
The PAO ensures the quality of the consumer protection program by monitoring the effectiveness of the program and evaluating activities. The incumbent implements business plan initiatives and process changes and recommends changes to legislation, regulations, policy and processes. Additional responsibilities include providing educational outreach to clients.
Under the overall direction of the Manager, Business Licensing and Compliance, the Senior Consumer Protection Officer is responsible to manage two staff for various consumer protection statutes and is responsible for assigning, reviewing and undertaking inspections for funeral homes and pay day lenders as well as audits and investigations. The CPO supervisor my perform onsite reviews of the licensee physical premises and the operating records of the business, including compliance with trust account requirements. The incumbent must be fully knowledgeable of the legislative, regulatory and policy statues being enforced as well as inspection and investigation procedures and techniques.
Primary Accountabilities
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In this position, you can expect to:
- Supervise inspections, audits and investigations of regulated industries.
- Review compliance reports and make recommendations for action
- Provide follow up inspections to ensure compliance under the direction of the Registrar/Deputy Registrar under the various statutes.
- Prepare monthly and quarterly reports to determine the areas of risk determined by the non-compliance directives prepared by staff
- Be an expert on the legislation you enforce and provide education to the licensee to ensure compliance with all statutes.
Qualifications and Experience
To be considered for this opportunity, you hold a university degree in a related area plus 5 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be acceptable.
Experience in a regulatory environment and working knowledge of general financial policies, processes and reporting. Knowledge of inspection, investigation and audit techniques. Confidence in enforcement of legislation as licensees may dispute non-compliant actions.
You must be computer literate and have working experience with software programs including Microsoft Office.
You must be able to communicate effectively, both written and oral, with colleagues, clients as well as work well with others, valuing and supporting colleagues and clients as you work together to support program delivery. You are a problem solver who plans in advance to ensure colleagues and clients are informed and supported when issues or questions arise.
Must be tactful and discreet in order to maintain a positive, healthy relationship with businesses and consumers as inspections may lead to the imposition of penalties or criminal charges. The CPO should be cognizant of the impact their inspection, audit or investigation may have on a business.
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.
Equivalency
Some equivalencies include:
-9 years of relevant work experience
-7 years of relevant work experience and a 2 year college degree
-8 years of experience and a 1 year diploma
Benefits
Based on the employment status, 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
Normal physical and visual demands. Occasional travel with requirement to be away on assignment for short periods of time. Most of your time will be spent remotely with field inspections being a component of the job. May be required to function within tight time frames.
Additional Information
This is a Permanent employment opportunity.
Travel will be required so a valid driving licence, valid class 5 driving licence and a vehicle in good repair is a must. Mileage is reimbursed in accordance with the Government rate.
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
- A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.
Pay Grade: PR 13
Salary Range: $2,805.63 - $3,410.48 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.

