Competition # : 45015
Department: Agriculture
Location: KENTVILLE
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 28-Feb-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At the Department of Agriculture, our vision is to create a Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food industry that is diversified, market-focused and profitable. We work to support the development of competitive, sustainable and profitable agriculture and agri-business industries that contribute to the economic, environmental and social prosperity of Nova Scotia.

Agriculture and Fisheries Crown Lending Agencies (CLA) is a division of the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and administers the operational functions of the Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board (NSFALB), Nova Scotia Timber Loan Board (NSTLB), and the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board (NSFLB). Crown Lending Agencies consists of a dedicated team of loan officer and loan administrators supported by risk management and finance teams.

About Our Opportunity

The Senior Further Processing Specialist is responsible for the delivery of programs and services administered by Crown Lending Agencies, with a focus on services delivered by the Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board, including programs and services that have an emphasis on value-add, processing, and sector development.

The position is based in the head office of the Crown Lending Agencies in Bible Hill to allow for the incumbent to effectively and efficiently serve the entirety of the Province and to provide operational support to the broader lending team and management; however, the incumbent will be required to travel across Nova Scotia to meet clients at their respective place of business, in their community, and at the various Department of Agriculture and Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture regional offices.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Senior Further Processing Specialist, your key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Recommending business loan products to support sector growth;
• Staying current with industry trends and market conditions to identify and develop loan products that align with industry needs;
• Evaluating and recommending loan requests in accordance with established legislation, policies, procedures and accepted best practices in loans management;
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, centers of influence and other government departments;
• Applying accepted methods of appraisal to determine the security base for related loans and providing written and verbal reports as requested;
• Contributing to portfolio growth and development by actively promoting programs and services;
• Mentoring and training support to Loan Officers;
• Collaborating with staff to ensure efficient and effective loan processes.

Qualifications and Experience

You possess a Bachelor of Commerce Degree or Business Administration Degree plus six (6) years of related experience in resource industry lending or an acceptable equivalent. A major in economics, business or finance, or an AACI designation or course work leading to the accredited appraiser designation would be definite assets.

You also possess the following:

• A thorough understanding of loan underwriting, credit analysis, financial analysis, and general lending principals;
• Strong interpersonal, leadership and mentorship skills;
• The ability to work independently, take initiative and drive results;
• A thorough understanding and the ability to work with all sectors of Nova Scotia's fisheries, forestry, and agricultural industries;
• Working knowledge of the more common computer programs including Microsoft Office suite, spreadsheets and databases;
• Knowledge of real estate law and real property appraisal.

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.

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: PR 15
Salary Range: $2,760.42 - $3,364.90 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.

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 [email protected].