At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor and document materials at highway construction sites while ensuring safety and compliance.
- Company: Join the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works, shaping our province's infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Work outdoors, gain valuable skills, and enjoy a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Get hands-on experience in construction and make a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Grade 12 or equivalent; experience in construction or surveying is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 26.42 - 26.42 £ per hour.
Competition #: 49113
Department: Public Works
Location: MCLELLAN'S BROOK
Zone: 10
Type of Employment: Summer Works Period (23 Weeks)
Union Status: CUPE - NSPG
Closing Date: 25-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.
About Us
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.
About Our Opportunity
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.
Primary Accountabilities
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
- 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.
Qualifications and Experience
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
Required Training and Certifications
- WHMIS 2015 training
- Standard/Intermediate First Aid certification
- 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.
Assessment Method
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
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.
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.
Working Conditions
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 night work.
Additional Information
There are four (4) positions available based out of the McLellan's Brook base (Zone 10). Work is performed within the Pictou Construction Area which includes Zones 10 & 11. This opportunity is for a minimum duration of twenty-three (23) weeks, typically starting in the third week of May, unless the recruitment process is finalized after that date. The recall period for the following year will be the third week of May.
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.
Pay Grade: CHECKER
Salary Range: $26.42/hour
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.
Note: 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. 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.
Checker (Summer Works Period) (23 Weeks) (McLellan's Brook) (4 Positions) in Crowborough employer: Nova Scotia
The Government of Nova Scotia is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment that values employee contributions and fosters professional growth. With a commitment to career development, competitive benefits including a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, and a focus on inclusivity, employees at McLellan's Brook can expect a rewarding experience while contributing to the vital infrastructure of the province. Join us in making a meaningful impact in your community while enjoying a collaborative and engaging workplace culture.