Competition # : 49676
Department: Public Works
Location: PORT HAWKESBURY
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 31-Aug-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
The Department of Public Works supports Nova Scotia’s 23,000 kilometers of roads and highways and 4,100 bridges. Our Highway Programs Division is growing, and we have an opportunity available for a Project Engineer to join to our team. Become part of the team today who is responsible for managing all phases of bridge and highway construction. Watch your projects come to life and make exciting impacts to the Provincial road network of Nova Scotia.
Under the general supervision of the Construction Manager, the Project Engineer manages all phases of contract work for bridge and highway construction and rehabilitation, ensuring that contractors perform all aspects of the work to Department of Public Works' plans and specifications. About half of your work is outdoors with considerable travel in both winter and summer during various weather conditions.
You will conduct and oversee pre-engineering and survey work, produce timely quantity and cost estimates, and perform efficient and cost-effective contract administration. Utilizing your expertise, you will recommend construction improvements based on assessments of field conditions and contribute to the design of highways and structures. You are responsible for Occupational Health and Safety as well as environmental concerns related to your projects. You will be responsible for supervising office, as well as technical, staff, all the while ensuring a safe and engaged work force. Consistently, you will maintain good public relations when working with various agencies, property owners, the general public, and public utilities who are affected by highway construction and survey work.
You have a Bachelors’ Degree in Engineering and are registered with Engineers Nova Scotia as an Engineer‐in‐Training, or as Licensed to Practice.
You have technical expertise related to bridge and highway maintenance and rehabilitation strategies. Proficiency in a computerized environment is necessary including Microsoft Suite and familiarity with software used in an engineering and survey environment. A working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act is essential.
A working knowledge of the Public Highways Act, along with Department policies and procedures will be considered as an asset. Experience managing budgets, and an understanding of the principles of project management as it relates to highway and bridge construction are also considered assets.
As the ideal candidate, you are an effective team leader with strong supervisory skills. You are a self-motivated individual who works well independently with minimal supervision. You have proven and professional communication skills, both oral and written, for collaborating with staff, other government agencies, consultants, contractors and the public. You have well developed planning and organizational skills, coupled with the ability to multi-task and adapt in this fast-paced environment with competing priorities. You maintain a professional and courteous disposition and hold a high standard for client and customer service.
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.
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.
The great outdoors will be your worksite. You will have some time spent in an office environment, but most of your time will be spent outside during all seasons and various weather conditions on heavily-travelled roads or in rough, isolated areas of construction sites.
An Engineer must be “Licensed to Practice” as determined by Engineers of Nova Scotia (ENS) before being classified as an Engineer 3.
A monthly car allowance is available for Public Works Project Engineers. The current rate for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is $568.53/bi-weekly or $14,781.84/annually. Rates for the allowance are adjusted up or down annually based on the year over year percentage change in the Nova Scotia Private Transportation Index as calculated by Statistics Canada.
- Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
- An engaged workplace where we foster respect and recognition.
- Forward-thinking policies and strategies.
Pay Grade: PR 08 - PR 15
Salary Range: $2,288.52 - $3,693.39 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 [email protected].
This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU).
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.
If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more 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 [email protected].
