Regional Physical Activity Consultant (RPAC) - South Shore & Valley

Regional Physical Activity Consultant (RPAC) South Shore & Valley

Contract Position: Immediately to March 31, 2027

This is an employment partnership between the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage (Communities, Sport and Recreation Division) & Recreation Nova Scotia.

Scope: The Regional Physical Activity Consultant South Shore & Valley will be responsible for providing leadership and support to promote improvements in population levels of physical activity and to support a culture of movement in the South Shore and Valley regions of Nova Scotia.

Responsibilities include:

• To advance regional and provincial priorities that contribute to population level change in physical activity using approaches and strategies that are informed by Let's Get Moving Nova Scotia.
• Build capacity among diverse sector partners and physical activity leaders within the regions to strengthen the delivery of physical activity interventions and strategies, responding to regional opportunities, capacity and community needs.
• Work strategically to facilitate and support initiatives and approaches that encourage physical activity and simple movement across key settings including community, school, workplaces and healthcare.
• Integrate an inclusion lens with a focus on equity deserving groups and those who are less active (e.g. aging population), integrating approaches that increase opportunities for all Nova Scotians to move more and that complement sport and recreation for all approaches.
• Consult with communities and non-profit organizations to support Active Communities Fund at the regional levels.

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of five years' experience or an acceptable equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Experience with physical activity sector in the South Shore and/or Valley Regions an asset.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Experience promoting physical activity at the population level, including awareness of national, provincial, regional and local issues, initiatives, trends and information sources, pertaining to physical activity and sedentary behaviour.
• Familiarity with recreation, sport and physical activity delivery systems in the province.
• Strong understanding and knowledge of community development principles and approaches along with experience in engaging diverse partners and supporting communities and groups.
• Experience working in a municipal and/or Mi'kmaq community environment is an asset.
• Ability to draw on physical activity research and best practices to inform and inspire partners and leverage community participation.
• Understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion and access, and ability to apply best practices working in cross cultural situations.
• Demonstrated experience in capacity building. Skills and experience in adult education are an asset.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and public presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively and apply systems thinking to complex issues.
• Demonstrated project management skills and experience.
• Ability to multi-task and adapt approaches to respond to community context.
• Experience with grant administration and knowledge of provincial and regional physical activity, sport and recreation grants is an asset.
• Ability to work collaboratively in team and community environments, as well as independently.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Based upon a salary scale ranging from $65,000 to $80,000 depending on experience.
• Health and Dental Insurance available, various paid leaves available incl. 20 days vacation per year, matching RRSP contributions, professional development support, annual physical activity fund.

Work Environment:

The position is hosted by Recreation Nova Scotia with funding provided by the NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage (CCTH), Communities, Sport and Recreation Division. The RPAC will be based in the CCTH office in Lunenburg or Kentville. The position requires a minimum of 4 days/week in office and/or community. Significant travel is anticipated to ensure presence in both regions.

Term: To start as soon as possible, until March 31, 2027.

To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume as one single pdf to [email protected]. Clearly state the job title in the subject line.

Applications will be accepted until 4:30pm AST, October 10th, 2025.

For more information, visit Recreation Nova Scotia's website at: http://www.recreationns.ns.ca/employment-opportunities.html