Secretary 2 – Administrative Support

SereneAID; Bedford; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Government of Nova Scotia – Department of Agriculture is seeking a Secretary 2 (ADM06) for an on-site, full-time temporary contract in Bedford, NS. This role supports departmental staff with comprehensive admin functions, document processing, travel and expense claims, and front-desk communications.

The ideal candidate will have Grade 11 education, a one-year admin program, and 3+ years of experience in a professional office.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and admin software.
• Formal training completing a one-year admin program is required.
• Experience in a professional office environment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to departmental staff.
• Prepare, proofread, edit, and distribute correspondence, reports, forms, and other documents.
• Process permits and related documentation accurately for Food Safety and Environmental Health.
• Answer calls, emails, and front-desk inquiries professionally.
• Support public inquiries and provide information on departmental services.
• Schedule meetings and maintain calendars.
• Coordinate travel arrangements and prepare travel documentation.
• Prepare and process expense claims and administrative forms.
• Maintain filing systems and ensure confidentiality of records.
• Organize and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Assist with data entry, document management, and records maintenance.
• Support general office operations and other related duties.

Skills

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Customer service

Data entry

Multitasking

Confidentiality

Education

Grade 11 education

One-year admin/secretarial program

Job description

Job Title: Secretary 2 (ADM06) – Administrative Support (Temporary Contract)

Location:Bedford, Nova Scotia (On-site)

Client:Government of Nova Scotia – Department of Agriculture

Contract Type:Full-Time Temporary Contract

Start Date :August 17, 2026

Engagement Type:Competitive-Sourced

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to departmental staff.
  
• Prepare, proofread, edit, and distribute correspondence, reports, forms, and other documents.
  
• Process Food Safety and Environmental Health permits and related documentation accurately.
  
• Answer telephone calls, emails, and front-desk inquiries in a courteous and professional manner.
  
• Provide information and assistance to members of the public regarding departmental services.
  
• Schedule meetings, appointments, and maintain calendars.
  
• Coordinate travel arrangements and prepare travel documentation when required.
  
• Prepare and process expense claims and administrative forms.
  
• Maintain electronic and paper filing systems while ensuring confidentiality of records.
  
• Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple administrative tasks with minimal supervision.
  
• Assist with data entry, document management, and records maintenance.
  
• Support office operations and perform other related administrative duties as assigned.
  

Mandatory Qualifications

• Grade 11 education.
  
• Completion of a one-year commercial, business administration, office administration, or secretarial program.
  
• Minimumthree (3) years of administrative or secretarial experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  
• Experience providing administrative support within a professional office environment.
  
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
  
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative, particularly where established guidelines may not exist.
  
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
  
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
  
• Ability to prioritize multiple competing tasks while meeting deadlines.
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting a provincial or municipal government department.
  
• Experience processing permits, applications, or regulatory documentation.
  
• Experience working in Food Safety, Environmental Health, Agriculture, or other regulatory environments.
  
• Familiarity with records management and administrative procedures in the public sector.
  

Required Skills

• Administrative Coordination
  
• Secretarial Support
  
• Calendar & Schedule Management
  
• Customer Service
  
• Telephone & Front Desk Administration
  
• Records Management
  
• Document Preparation
  
• Data Entry
  
• Filing & Document Control
  
• Travel Coordination
  
• Expense Report Preparation
  
• Microsoft Word
  
• Microsoft Excel
  
• Microsoft Outlook
  
• Microsoft PowerPoint
  
• Time Management
  
• Organizational Skills
  
• Attention to Detail
  
• Problem Solving
  
• Confidentiality & Professionalism
  
• Multitasking
  

Soft Skills

• Professionalism
  
• Reliability
  
• Initiative
  
• Strong interpersonal skills
  
• Critical thinking
  
• Accountability
  
• Customer-focused approach
  
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
  
• Strong work ethic
  

Why Join This Opportunity?

• Opportunity to work with the Government of Nova Scotia.
  
• Gain valuable public sector administrative experience.
  
• Collaborative and professional work environment.
  
• Meaningful role supporting Food Safety and Environmental Health services.
  
• Full-time contract with consistent weekday schedule.