Department: Public Works
Location: PORTERS LAKE
Zone: 17
Type of Employment: Summer Works Period (23 Weeks)
Union Status: CUPE - NSPG
Closing Date: 18-Jun-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
Under Article 13 of the Collective Agreement between the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1867, the following opportunity is being posted.
Please quote the competition number and the Zone you are applying for as noted above on your application.
Building and maintaining our provincial infrastructure is no small job.
The Department of Public Works supports Nova Scotia’s 23,000 kilometers of roads and highways and 4,100 bridges. There are a lot of exciting developments on the horizon in our Province, and this is your opportunity to get involved with the growth of your Provincial Infrastructure. Watch your hands-on experiences come to life as you support the construction of various projects through the District.
Under the direct supervision of the Project Engineer or Operations Supervisor, the Checker monitors the delivery and distribution of materials at highway construction and maintenance sites. Duties will be assigned in accordance with Maintenance or Construction services operational needs.
The Checker is responsible for monitoring and documenting the delivery, placement, and use of construction materials at highway construction and maintenance sites. This role ensures materials, quantities, and work activities meet project specifications, contract requirements, departmental standards, and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) regulations.
Key duties include observing material delivery and placement; verifying materials against weigh tickets and delivery slips; measuring and recording project stations; and visually assessing grading and spread rates. The Checker reviews, processes, and records weigh tickets, maintains accurate daily records and cumulative material totals, and submits complete documentation to the Area Office.
The Checker identifies and reports discrepancies, quality concerns, unused materials, unusual circumstances, and unsafe work conditions to the appropriate supervisor. In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, a Checker may be assigned the duties of an Inspector and/or Weigher, as well as the following:
- Transport gravel and asphalt samples to the nearest mobile testing lab.
- Assist the Engineering & Survey Technician (EST) with loading, unloading, transporting, positioning, holding and reading of survey equipment and materials.
- Assist EST in the execution of surveying work, including neat and accurate recording of relevant survey information.
- Place and mark survey and reference points at designated locations with paint, by driving stakes into the ground, or with other materials as directed by the EST.
- Cut and clear brush and trees from line of survey when required using power and/or hand saws.
Other related duties may be assigned as required.
Grade 12 completion or an acceptable equivalent of education and experience. Previous experience with highway construction and maintenance, the trucking industry, or surveying and/or the ability to read drawings is considered an asset.
In addition, the following skills and abilities are required for this role:
- Familiarity with vehicle weights and dimensions, regulations and road weight designations
- Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Act and related requirements
- Proficiency in the use of chainsaws and brush saws for vegetation and tree clearing
- Ability to read and interpret design plans and technical documents, with a strong aptitude for mathematics
- Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong time management and organizational skills, with keen attention to detail
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) to liaise with staff, contractors, and the traveling public
- Consistently demonstrates professionalism, courtesy, and a high standard of client and customer service
The successful candidate will be required to complete and maintain the following training and certifications:
- WHMIS 2015 training
- Standard/Intermediate First Aid certification
- Liquid Anti-Strip training
- Temporary Workplace Signing accreditation
- Traffic Control Person accreditation
A valid Class 5 drivers’ license and access to a reliable motor vehicle is a condition of employment, and an acceptable driver abstract must be submitted before employment begins. Transport to and from various work sites in a personal vehicle is required, including the use of a personal vehicle to carry incidental materials necessary to perform assigned duties (e.g., checker’s book, drawings, specifications, weigh slip envelopes, etc.).
Certification in the following areas of training are considered assets: Nova Scotia Forest Products Association Tree Felling, Erosion & Sediment Control, CPR, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, Fall Protection, and Chainsaw Safety.
We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.
An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Equivalencies may include, but are not limited to:
- At least 3 years of related experience.
Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
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.
This position is physically demanding and safety‑critical. Work is primarily performed outdoors at highway construction and maintenance sites on heavily travelled roadways, as well as in remote or rugged locations. The role involves regular exposure to dust, dirt, loud equipment noise, smoke or fumes, blasting activities, extreme weather conditions, heights, and proximity to operating heavy equipment, live traffic, and, at times, water.
Physical demands include prolonged standing and walking on uneven terrain, frequent writing and record‑keeping. Some tasks may involve climbing, stooping, crouching, kneeling, lifting, and carrying equipment and materials throughout construction sites. Tools and equipment used may include measuring devices, survey equipment, marking paint, hand tools, and power equipment such as chainsaws and brush saws.
The standard hours of work for employees are 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) Monday to Friday. During the construction season there will be numerous situations where you will be required to work overtime and/or nightwork.
There are three (3) positions available in the Halifax East Construction Area (Zones 12, 13 and 17).
These opportunities are for twenty-three (23) week positions, commencing the 3rd Monday in May of each year.
- 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.
Pay Grade: CHECKER
Salary Range: $26.42 Hourly
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 CUPE local 1867 employees with a date of seniority. The successful candidate(s) will be expected to perform duties as necessary within their zone. 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. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.
Current employees may apply to this position through the following link:
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].
