Competition # : 46497
Department: Agriculture
Location: KENTVILLE
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 18-Aug-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.

The Crown Lending Agencies division of the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture is responsible for the operations and administration of the Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board (NSFALB), Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board (NSFLB), and the Nova Scotia Timber Loan Board (NSTLB).

About Our Opportunity

The Crown Lending Agencies is seeking a highly motivated professional to join our team to deliver responsible financing to Nova Scotia businesses and entrepreneurs.

As a Senior Further Processing Specialists with Crown Lending Agencies, you will be responsible for the delivery of programs and services administered by the NSFALB, NSFLB, and NSTLB with a focus on primary agriculture and value-added production in the agri-food sector. As one of three Senior Further Processing Specialists on the lending team, you will join the existing lending team out of the Kentville Office working in close collaboration with staff from the Truro Head Office and other 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;
• Developing loan products to align with industry needs;
• Recommending aquaculture and food processing loans in accordance with established legislation, policies, procedures and accepted best practices in loans management;
• Applying accepted methods of appraisal to determine the security base for elated loans and providing written and verbal reports as requested;
• Contributing to portfolio growth and development by actively promoting programs and services.

Qualifications and Experience

You possess a Bachelor of Commerce Degree or Business Administration Degree plus six (6) years of related experience in primary 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:

• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability in financial analysis;
• A thorough understanding and the ability to work with all sectors of Nova Scotia's fisheries 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.

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

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.

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].

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].