administrative officer

project engineer

senior program officer

project manager

policy analyst

Province of Nova Scotia

Honestly, it was great to be a page and learn just how awful this system is. I can't believe we elect officials that make deals between each other without our input. Off camera you see politicians walking to the otherside and hashing out the specifics. I understand that an entire constituency can't be there but when it effects them their participation should be more direct. Yet, most in the house will settle on any deal with the opposition so they can say "Look, we did something, it's their fault it wasn't more".

My other complaint would be that everyone on the page team thinks it's a golden ticket and that you're their competitor - or they were granted the position as a page because their parents or someone they know is an MLA. Whereas regular folk like myself had to stand out amongst the already limited spots for the program. Watch everything you say because your team or someone in this house will throw you right under the bus without hesitation. The politicians included.

Next, this job is marketed for students to learn. However, management does not want you asking questions and talking to others too much. Which is fine and understandable. However, your expectation will need adjustment. 

Finally, 
Management was not very compassionate to employees with burnout. They address issues with discretion but they are just as political as the politicians - if not more. I felt anger everytime I entered this building as it felt like everyone had their heads in the sky. 

The last a negative lasting impression on democracy in Canada for me. Destroyed my perception of any of the parties as grounded in any reasonable kind of reality. I felt like a butler to people making no palpable change while I was making next to minimum wage. Yet, you are spoken to like you should be grateful to be there. The politicians just drink coffee and tea all day and talk. And during a majority the opposition seems to achieve nothing. 
Would I recommend this to others?
Yes. 
Go have your expectations demolished - you'll be better off for it.

Also...sometimes you are standing for hours in dress shoes. Awful.  It's also very hot in there. As a page you have to wear a ridiculous gimmicky suit. 

A typical day has lots of time wasted, relying on same day planning rather then looking ahead. Lots of drama and there is not one day you would come to work smiling. There is no path for career advancement, nor incentives to work hard as everyone makes the same. Except  if you drive the trucks or are co-supervisorwhich even than the bonus is very slim to none. The supervisors are nice, they try to bring change, but upper management has it out for themselves. The culture is a hit or miss. Some days you will have no arguing and gossip. Other days you will hear constant complaining and talking down on one another, face to face, or behind their back. You can work hard while other are not, but if you aren’t working when others are, they will complain about your work ethic to others. The hardest part of the job is meeting the day to day time demands. If you don’t like having time for yourself and you love stressful days with no time for your families, this is the place for you. The most enjoyable part of the job is that when it’s pouring raining, you don’t do much work. 

Overall, 

This government regulated company needs a major reform. The cause of stagnant wages are a result of neo-political austerity. The Public Works Minister and management KNOWS  what’s going on. 

A good  place to work and be happy most of the time , great coworkers, equipment is good, benefits are ample but not great, pay is on the average side but just enough, holiday time and Monday to Friday day shift, occasional call outs after hours and on weekends but not forced, 3 weeks holidays once you become a full timer, overall a place to go to work and don’t work stupid hard but get the job done, you can learn new skills and get paid learning, union shop but not over the top union environment, you won’t get rich but money isn’t everything. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
The people I work with. It’s fun and the job is not overall hard or physical. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The boss in the base I work at. Very unorganized and plays favourites. There is different rules for each employee. Gets frustrating. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Great. Like any place, the employees don’t like the boss but we don’t have to like him to have a job. He also has a job to do. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Overly stressful, good people and fairly easy work. The boss in the base I work at plays favourites and has different rules for each employee but not much we can do about it.

Working here, there was always a new challenge everyday. Troubleshooting computer systems and interacting with the clients was my daily bread and butter, with the occasional networking install. 

Management was great and let you tackle the problems in your own way within the structure of the organization. There is even some flexibility on the start and end times of the day.

The hardest part of this job is coming up with the solution to very rare problems that are sometimes encountered. It also happens to be part of the most rewarding part of the job. Fixing a problem and seeing how happy the client is when everything is working as it should.

I found the workload to be extensive at times, due to shortage of staff.  I have acquired many administrative skills and knowledge of the protocol of a government office and the policy and procedures.  

Most of the management that I was required to work with seemed reasonable and fair, as well as the co-workers who were very accommodating when need be.

I take on all of my positions with an understanding that the job must meet deadlines and constant change.  This I welcome, since I strive more in situations like this.

I enjoy working with great people and helping out the Public.

The site has potential to be a great place to work. Staffing is and has been critically short for years. Shortage of staff lead to most issues in the workplace. Mandatory OT negatively impacted work/life balance. Little to no support following critical incidents. If you are able to navigate these stressors it can be a very rewarding career. Very toxic workplace overall. Managers openly speak disrespectful towards employees using derogatory language while doing so.  Lodging a respectful workplace complaint labels you as a "Problem".

If you enjoy doing mind numbing and god awful repetitive work this is the place for you. Our province is completely out of wack and to say it's mismanaged is an understatement. There's no leadership or direction from those higher up, probably because they don't have a clue what they're doing. If you like having a meaningless existence than this might be the spot for you. Or if you enjoy NOT being a part of a team and being micromanaged beyond your wildest dreams then definitely apply. I was disgusted with what I witnessed in my time there and would never consider going back.

The job is very stressful - being asked by many to do alot of work. The people I work with (coworkers) are amazing and this is why I manage to work there. The compensation (pay) is way below average. They continually add more to your plate and the salary is definitely not a reflection of your responsibilities.

Too much work from management, no life work balance, terrible pay, great benefits, great co workers, alot of stress!!

What is the best part of working at the company?
Opportunity for public service 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Working on contract, job insecurity 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Political correctness and lip service to touchy topics. Diversity does NOT exist, sadly. Where are the Black men???

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Typical office environment, just Government

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Administrative officer 1 salary reported	$3,378 per month
Project engineer 4 salaries reported	$5,450 per month
Senior program officer 3 salaries reported	$6,756 per month
Project manager 1 salary reported	$8,296 per month
Policy analyst 4 salaries reported	$6,077 per month

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