Computer Services Officer 4 (Senior Application Architect)

 

 

Competition # : 46004 

Department: Cyber Security & Digital Solutions

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG 

Closing Date: ​21-May-25 ​ (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF CYBER SECURITY AND DIGITAL SOLUTIONS (CSDS)

 

At the Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions CSDS, we prioritize people both within our team and in the communities we serve. Our mission is to redefine how Nova Scotians engage with government by creating accessible, reliable digital solutions centered around user needs. At CSDS, we prioritize people—both within our team and in the communities we serve. Our mission is to redefine how Nova Scotians engage with government by creating accessible, reliable digital solutions centered around user needs.

 

In today’s tech-driven world, CSDS empowers government departments with essential digital solutions to meet Nova Scotians’ expectations. As a trusted partner across government, we enable departments to fulfill their mandates with secure, user-friendly services. From healthcare and education to public safety, we collaborate to transform how services are designed and delivered.

 

We don’t just implement technology; we modernize outdated systems and reimagine processes. Our agile, data-driven approach ensures that digital services are both efficient and adaptable to Nova Scotia’s evolving needs.

Joining CSDS means contributing to work that makes a real difference. From providing vital tech support to healthcare professionals to strengthening cybersecurity and developing scalable digital platforms, you’ll play a key role in building a more inclusive, responsive government for Nova Scotians.

Together, we’re setting new standards for digital public service, delivering resilient solutions that meet today’s needs and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges.

Who You Are

 

You are passionate about people’s experiences and want to make people’s lives better. You’re curious, and your humbleness helps you learn and grow. You love to collaborate across roles and organizations, and you can create a path forward from uncertainty. You are comfortable inspiring others with your communication skills whether they be senior leaders or technical teams.

 

You share our values of Respect, Integrity, Diversity, Accountability & The Public Good, have a passion for service excellence and actively promote and encourage the importance of people, teams, diversity, and culture.

Your Role and Its Impact

 

As the Senior Applications Architect, you'll report to the Agile Delivery Manager within the Digital Trust & Credentials (DT&C) within the Digital Platforms Services division. Our division’s mission is to simplify, accelerate, and secure user-centered services across the Province, embodying a 'build once and use many times' philosophy.

 

You'll be a key player in sustaining and enhancing our established platform, My NS Account, an Identity and Access Management platform facilitating single-account access to various government digital services. Additionally, you'll contribute to the exploration, development and planning of a new digital platform aimed at issuing secure, privacy-centric digital versions of currently paper or plastic-issued credentials and many more.

Key Accountabilities

 

• Lead the design, development, and enhancement of the digital platform services for the Digital Trust and Credentials program, ensuring privacy by design and robust security measures
• Act as a technical subject matter expert on topic related to Digital Authentication, Digital Trust, Digital Credentials by keeping abreast of the latest industry developments
• Ensure the optimal availability, maintenance, and smooth continuous enhancement of new and existing Digital Trust and Credentials platforms/services
• Troubleshoot application integrations, provide viable technical solutions, and follow through until resolution.
• Manage, troubleshoot, and knowledge of Public Key Infrastructure.
• Provide technical analysis and recommendations for new platforms, outlining key technology choices, viable options, and rationale for the selected approach
• Articulate technology recommendations/decisions, tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Work closely and collaborate with internal and external teams, as well as vendors, to offer technical expertise, recommendations, guidance, and solutions to address any issues or work on new initiatives
• Participate in Agile ceremonies and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and any other new projects
• Engage with peers/programs/service owners to share information and understand user needs in the Digital Trust and Credentials domain.
• Work independently, prioritize high-level tasks under tight deadlines, and exercise sound judgment
• Recommend improvements to procedural and technical support processes
• This position involves engagement with external and internal partners, requiring strong problem solving, analytical thinking, and adaptability to new technologies. Building meaningful relationships characterized by mutual trust and respect with management, peers, clients, and operational staff is also a key aspect of this role.

What You Bring To The Table

The successful candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree in computer sciences plus a minimum of 5 years' experience, or graduation from a recognized Information Technology program plus 5 years and six months of experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. The ideal candidate will have:

 

-Experience with OpenlD Connect (OIDC), Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML), Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and Open Authorization (OAuth), Node.js, Model View Controller (MVC), Nest framework, Typescript
-Experience with Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS), OpenSSL, KeyTool, Let's Encrypt, Azure Key Vault,  Hardware Security Modules, YubiKey
-Knowledge of Public/Private Key Cryptography and x.509 Certificates including certificate lifecycle management, templating and automation.
-Expertise in Encryption and Digital Signatures.  Understanding of Secure Cipher Suites, Keystore/Container, Java Web Key Sets (JWKS), Java Web Tokens (JWT)
-Understanding of modern programming languages & frameworks, software development processes, CI/CD pipelines and Cloud Native Technologies
-Knowledge of the standards and best practices for cyber security and Self Sovereign Identity including NIST (NIST SP 800-63-3), DIACC, OWASP, Cyber Authentication Technology Standards (CATS), EU Standards (eIDAS, ARF), IT Security Risk Management (ITSG-33), Pan Canadian trust Framework (PCTF), Canadian Centre for Cyber Security https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en/guidance
-Understanding of Issuer/Holder/Verifier model, Verified Credential Data Model, Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), OpenID for Verifiable Credentials (OIDC4VCI / OIDC4VP), ISO MDOC, Digital Wallets, Trust over IP (TOIP), European Digital Identity Architecture and Reference Framework 
-Proven ability to analyze technical problems and issues, search and recommend adequate/suitable resolutions
-Proven ability to articulate and communicate technical materials to non-technical stakeholders.

Assets

 

The following qualifications are considered assets: 

• Cybersecurity formal training or certification in the cybersecurity space, i.e. CompTIA Security+, GIAC Information Security Professional, Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate, AWS Certified Security – Specialty.
• Enterprise Environment Experience; experience in supporting complex enterprise environments with strong knowledge of cybersecurity policies, procedures, and risk management practices. Skilled in identifying and addressing security risks to support organizational goals.
• Experience in software development using C# ,.Net, Java Python, …
• 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

 

An equivalent combination of related training and experience may be accepted in place of education requirement. Applicants relying on equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their resume and cover letter. We recognize that everyone brings different skills and experiences to the table. If you don't "check all the boxes", we encourage you to apply anyway and tell us why you're the right fit for the job. We value diversity of thought and believe that the best teams are those that bring together people with a range of experiences and perspectives.

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 17  

Salary Range:  $3,107.16 - $3,649.33 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.

 

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. 

 

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.