Clerk 3 (Food Safety Clerk)

About Us

The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture supports the development of a diversified, market-focused, competitive, sustainable and profitable agriculture and agri-food sector. Through regulatory services, programs, partnerships and front-line support, the Department contributes to the economic, environmental and social prosperity of Nova Scotia's farmers, agribusinesses and communities.

About Our Opportunity

As a Food Safety Clerk 3, you will provide principal administrative and client-service support for the Bedford office. You will serve as a front-line contact for the public, industry clients, departmental staff and other government agencies, providing accurate information and direction on departmental processes. You will use several computer applications, including Amanda, to enter and maintain confidential information, process applications and renewals, generate documents, complete financial transactions, and maintain electronic and physical records.

Working as part of a collaborative regional and administrative team, you will help ensure that client inquiries, program documentation and office operations are handled accurately, professionally and within established timelines.

Primary Accountabilities

• Respond accurately and professionally to internal and external requests for information and assistance, interpret client needs, and redirect inquiries to the appropriate staff member, division or external organization.
• Receive, review, enter and track food applications, renewals, complaints, forms and other program information in the Amanda departmental database/electronic system.
• Create, classify, summarize, file, retrieve and maintain confidential records in an electronic filing system, in accordance with records-management and audit requirements.
• Process financial transactions, including invoices, payments, cash or cheque records, point-of-sale transactions and related reports; investigate variances and resolve routine discrepancies.
• Process incoming and outgoing mail, courier items, email correspondence and program documents in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Prepare routine and non-routine correspondence, memos, reports, statistical information and financial data for staff and management.
• Purchase and maintain office, program and inspection supplies; support procurement requests and maintain inventory records for equipment, furniture and resource materials.
• Help maintain office equipment and common work areas, provide basic troubleshooting using manufacturers instructions, and coordinate service when required.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a high school education and at least three years of related administrative experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

You must also demonstrate:

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and client-service skills.
• Fast and accurate typing, strong proofreading ability, attention to detail and excellent written grammar.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and other office software.
• Experience entering, tracking and retrieving information in databases and electronic filing systems.
• Experience processing invoices, payments or other financial transactions.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills, including the ability to prioritize a varied workload with minimal supervision.
• Initiative, sound judgement and tact when handling confidential information and non-routine situations.

The following would be considered assets:

• Experience working in a government, agriculture, food-safety or regulatory environment.
• Experience with Amanda/SNAP database.
• Experience with SAP, STAR/STOR or other government information and financial systems.
• Experience with electronic payment systems, cheque or cash handling, and cash reporting.
• Knowledge of government procurement, records management, privacy, access-to-information or financial processes.
• Knowledge of the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and its programs, policies or regulatory responsibilities.

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.

Working Conditions

This position is based in a professional office environment in Bedford and involves regular interaction with clients, the public and departmental staff. The work requires extensive computer use and the handling of confidential records. Occasional lifting or movement of office supplies and materials may be required.

Additional Information

This is a TEMPORARY employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of April 30, 2027. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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.