Supervisor, Visitor Experience (Program Admin Officer 3)

Competition # : 50183

Department: Natural Resources

Location: SHUBENACADIE

Type of Employment: Seasonal

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: ​15-Nov-26 ​ (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources – including biodiversity, forests, provincial parks and the land we manage. The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, parks and wildlife resources and the administration of the province's Crown land. Together we are working with Nova Scotians to build a better future through sustainable natural resource management as we all benefit from the natural health and wealth of the province.

The Shubenacadie Wildlife Park is one of Nova Scotia’s top tourist destinations and has attracted millions of visitors over the past 72 years. The 331 hectare park has enchanted Nova Scotians and visitors alike and provides a wide range of outdoor recreational and educational opportunities.

About Our Opportunity

Each year, the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park receives over 100,000 visitors who are eager to learn more about our provincial wildlife and natural resources. As the Supervisor of Visitor Experience, you will be responsible for overseeing guest experience at the Park by ensuring exceptional customer service is consistently delivered. Our hope is that we not only meet but exceed our visitors’ expectations and create memorable experiences and lasting memories.

Primary Accountabilities

You will supervise, lead, motivate and develop the facility’s Visitor Services staff, volunteers and students. You will ensure the continued upkeep of the wetland centre’s premises and educational, herptile and herpetofauna displays and perform weekly safety inspections of the facility, grounds and trail systems in cooperation with the Park Education Supervisor.

You will participate with the planning, development, organization, implementation, delivery and evaluation of wildlife, wetland, natural resources and environmental education, special interest and interpretive programs offered through the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park.

You will manage the Wetland Centre’s retail operations and facility inventory including researching, buying, merchandizing and maintaining inventory controls (and POS system) for resale products as well as overseeing statistical reporting. In addition, you will have the opportunity to interact with and engage visitors and the public digitally by maintaining the facility’s social media accounts. You will be the primary contact for the onsite vendors.

You will collaborate with our partner Ducks Unlimited Canada, on the planning and delivery of multiple events throughout the year.

If you are creative, energetic and positive and enjoy working with diverse groups in a customer service-based environment, this may be the ideal opportunity for you!

This position reports to the Manager, Wildlife Park.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate, you have a Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience. You must have previous supervisory experience leading teams to achieve success and meeting operational requirements. In addition, you also possess:

• Valid first aid/CPR certification (or ability to quickly obtain)
• WHMIS (or ability to quickly obtain)
• Clean Criminal Background Check, Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Abuse Registry Check
• Class 5 Driver’s Licence

You have demonstrated team building and collaboration skills and experience leading teams to achieve success by fostering an environment of mutual trust and respect. You maintain a professional and courteous disposition and hold a high standard for client and customer service.

To be successful in the role, you must have strong communication (written and verbal) skills and the ability to clearly present information and adapt content to the needs of your audience. You must also have demonstrated presentation and interpersonal skills which will enable you to engage our visitors and staff and foster positive working relationships.

You are a creative, innovative thinker with strong multi-tasking skills and the ability to prioritize and adapt in a fast-paced environment. You have well developed planning and organizational skills and the ability to think and work independently while adhering to policies and procedures. You also possess sound judgement, decision making and problem-solving skills.

You have the ability to successfully deal with challenges, frequently changing circumstances, many different personalities and the public in general. You have proficient computer skills and experience using spreadsheet, word processing, presentation and email applications.

The following would be considered assets:

• A background in wildlife education, conservation or forestry
• Training, facilitation and/or experience delivering programs to large groups/children
• Hazard Assessment and Identification Certificate

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.

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

Must be adaptable to flexible working situations and requirements on a daily basis, including working weekends, evenings, occasional overtime and overnight stays.

Additional Information

This is a seasonal position that runs from approx. April 1 to December 15 annually until May 18, 2028. During the off-season, you will be hired as a casual (up to 350 hours) from approx. December 16 to March 31 annually (end date of vacancy is May, 2028).

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.

Pay Grade: PR 13

Salary Range: $2,805.63 - $3,410.48 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, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons 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). 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.

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].