Technical Architect (Computer Services Officer 4)

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF CYBER SECURITY AND DIGITAL SOLUTIONS (CSDS)

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We don’t just implement digital solutions; we navigate the complexities of digital transformation by modernizing outdated systems and ways of working.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

As a Technical Architect with Linux Operations, CSDS, you will be reporting to the Manager of Core Infrastructure (Servers) within Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions.

You will provide support in a 24/7 operational environment for critical digital services supporting government and health care.  You will support government departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and offices, as well as Nova Scotia Health and the IWK. You will lead and participate in projects and initiatives that improve the lives of the citizens of Nova Scotia – you will make a difference!

The goal of this team is to continue to advance the maturity of Linux Operations within area such as roles and responsibilities, tool, incident response, monitoring, and reporting.  The team will take an agile approach to their work by identifying and developing those areas that provide the greatest value on advancing Linux Operations.

Key Responsibilities

• You will provide creative solutions to resolve complex business problems by understanding client requirements and system capabilities.  You will support clients directly with very complex issues that cannot be resolved by other support tiers.  You may be the first point of contact for clients and represent the front face of the organization. You will be required to work with clients with varying levels of digital literacy in determining the root cause of their problem and initiating a resolution plan. You must have the ability to use common, non-technical, business language to explain technical solutions.

• You will be Tier 3 support providing technical expertise and guidance to your peers in all support tiers.  As someone who thrives on a constantly evolving technical challenge, the successful candidate will ensure effective and efficient availability, deployment, and maintenance of digital solutions for the Government of Nova Scotia in a manner that meets or exceeds the established customer service standards. You will be responsible for ensuring the availability and security of digital solutions within your portfolio.  You will define, support, and improve our processes to ensure a consistent level of service to users with a focus on continual service improvement. 

• As the technical architect within a team of specialists, you will mentor team members and lead by example.  You will build effective, collaborative, high impact relationships with clients, team members, peers, colleagues, and management characterized by mutual trust and respect.

• Provide Technical Architect level support by providing development and support services for infrastructure running the Linux operating system.  This includes the stability, reliability, and resilience of the entire Linux sever landscape, which may host web-based applications and databases as well as business productivity software, clinical applications and other services.  This role will act as a lead within the team on diagnosing complex situations and implementing corrective action to ensure timely resolution of IT issues.

Key Responsibilities Continued.

• Lead and/or participate in the development and maintenance of the architecture of enterprise/corporate services, which includes vision, policies, guidelines, standards, reference models and tools.  These services will be used across the government and by it’s partners.

• Set priorities and monitor the effectiveness of a team of specialists, ensuring that clients needs and requirements are met and service levels attained.

• Development and implementation of IT guidelines and procedures for the Linux environment, keeping in line with the objectives of CSDS to ensure consistency and reliability of services.

• Develop IT standards in conjunction with other Technical Architects to align the work methods of CSDS, ensuring that services are effective and timely.

• Analyze trends in IT issues and perform root cause analysis to provide sound long-term solutions while considering the impact on other areas.

• Develop, modify, or enhance administrative applications and/or electronic tools to facilitate and improve services.

• Provide expert advice and training on the optimal use of computing infrastructure to increase effective and efficient use by clients.

Qualifications and Experience

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

Extensive experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and/or Solaris as well as applications such as the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform, Red Hat Satellite, Centrify, Splunk, and Zabbix or other technical certifications such as ITIL Foundations would be considered assets.

You must demonstrate a high degree of logical problem-solving ability with a well-developed oral and written communication skills. Experience in Project Management and Change Management and working on ticketing systems is considered an asset.  You must also demonstrate that you can lead and contribute to the development of an IT support team by working well with a diverse array of people both inside and outside the team.

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

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Other Considerations

You will be required to participate in the scheduled on-call rotation for frontline support (onsite) after standard business hours and on weekends. You may be required to work shiftwork which includes night shifts, weekends, and holidays.

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.

Benefits

At the CSDS with the Government of Nova Scotia, we are committed to providing a fulfilling work environment with numerous benefits and opportunities:

• Work-Life Balance: Maintain a healthy work-life balance with a 35-hour work week.

• Secure Your Future: Take advantage of our defined benefits pension plan for a stable retirement.

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy vacation, all national/civic holidays.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Accommodate your needs with various options for flexibility, such as hybrid schedules.

• Employee and Family Support: Access our Employee and Family Assistance Programs for resources and guidance.

• Support in Times of Need: Access to our EAP.

• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Experience the power of collaboration as you engage with various government departments. Unlock a world of knowledge, expertise, and connections, contributing to the betterment of our province.

• Growth & Development: Open doors to professional growth within the department and beyond. Explore diverse career paths in specialized areas such as digital service design, cybersecurity, enterprise risk, digital platform services, and mission IT.

• Lifelong Learning: Continuously expand your knowledge and skills through training and development programs.

• Professional Advancement: Immerse yourself in the government landscape and discover endless opportunities for learning, advancement, and making a meaningful impact.

Join the Department of Cyber Security & Digital Solutions and experience the benefits of a fulfilling career, supported by comprehensive perks, career development opportunities, and a diverse range of paths to explore within our department and across the government.