Department: Public Works

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 28-Aug-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Real Estate Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for providing real estate services to government departments, boards, agencies and commissions. This includes but is not limited to government wide property leasing and management, real estate acquisition for major capital and infrastructure needs, the disposal of real estate, road and property investigations, and advisory services for real estate matters.

About Our Opportunity

As the Real Property Paralegal, you have a direct impact on real property transactions providing technical and legal services to management, lawyers and staff on real estate transactions such as the preparation of legal documents, research relative to property and commercial law and coordination of property closings for the acquisition and disposal of real estate.

Primary Accountabilities

• Some of your key responsibilities will include;
• Preparation and drafting of legal documents to support the purchase and sale of real property, acquisition or release of partial interests/easements, licences, leases, agreements.
• Completing property title investigations, property records research, and searches of legal documents.
• Managing and coordinating submissions to the land registry for the recording of land registration instruments, and coordinating with land registry around mapping requirements.
• Providing technical legal support to internal and external legal counsel, management, and staff.
• Providing file management for real property transactions files and ensuring proper property records retention and preservation of files for litigation matters.
• Management of real property databases.

Qualifications and Experience

This position requires the successful completion of a two (2) year paralegal technology course from a recognized institution. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

You must be familiar with and/or have a working knowledge of the following:

• Property and commercial law.

• Applicable legislation including the Land Registration Act as well as relevant policies and procedures.

• Common Law.

• Land registration systems (both Registry of Deed and the Land Registration).

• Municipal, provincial, and federal jurisdictions and responsibilities pertaining to land.

You should have a good understanding of legal descriptions, geographic information systems, and records management as well as knowledge or an understanding of survey and right of way plans.

You must be a strong communicator, both oral and written, with strong attention to detail allowing you to conduct detailed research, prepare legal documentation, and manage files. You take initiative and you work well independently and in a team environment. You also utilize sound judgement and tact when dealing with a variety of stakeholders. Your have organizational and planning skills that allow you to multi-task while adapting to a fast paced environment, staying in line with the department’s goals and objectives.

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

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. 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 Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

On occasion, will be required to undertake work for short periods offsite.

Occasional travel to regional/field offices as required. Driver’s licence is an asset.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of August 14, 2026. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

As travel is a component of this position, you must have a valid driver's license and ability to travel.

In association with record and file management you should have the ability to lift up to 30lbs (files, and file boxes, etc).

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

• Department specific flexible working schedules

Pay Grade: TE 13 - TE 19

Salary Range: $1,566.66 - $2,273.69 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 competitions@novascotia.ca.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

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.

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 Competitions@novascotia.ca.