Student Engineer

Government of Nova Scotia; Nova Scotia; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A provincial government in Nova Scotia is offering student employment opportunities in engineering for enthusiastic individuals currently enrolled in an engineering program. Positions provide meaningful, hands-on experience in various engineering roles, including engineering assistant and civil engineering student, aimed at enhancing skills and professional development. Opportunities may involve both office work and field assessments, allowing students to explore real-world problem-solving in public-sector engineering settings.

Benefits

Meaningful work in public service

Skill development opportunities

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Curiosity and willingness to learn.
• Ability to interpret technical information and follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support engineering projects and public safety initiatives.
• Assist with technical reviews, inspections, and data management.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem solving skills

Ability to work independently

Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office)

Education

Current enrollment in an engineering post-secondary program

Tools

Technical software (e.g., CAD, GIS)

Job description

Competition #: 47899

Department: Government of Nova Scotia

Location: Flexible

Type of Employment: Student

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: Posted until all opportunities are filled

About Us

At the Government of Nova Scotia, we believe students bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that help shape the future of public service. We work across multiple sectors to deliver programs and services that matter to Nova Scotians. We value diversity and belonging and strive to create an environment where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We encourage applications from those that equally value and champion equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA).

One Application, Many Opportunities

This competition is part of the Future Opportunities Stream for Students—a centralized intake that creates an inventory of students with diverse skills, interests, and experiences.

Students may be matched to a variety of opportunities as positions become available across government programs, including roles that support engineering related projects, such as infrastructure planning, design support, field inspections, technical analysis, environmental engineering initiatives, asset management, and project coordination activities.

These opportunities are built for students. Positions are temporary and designed to provide meaningful, hands‑on experience that supports the development of engineering competencies, exposure to real world problem solving, and exploration of potential career paths within public‑sector engineering work.

Work close to home — or somewhere new. Opportunities may be available in multiple locations across Nova Scotia, depending on operational needs and student interest, including office and / or field-based engineering environments.

As part of the application process, you will complete a series of pre screening questions to help us learn more about your skills, strengths, and interests. Not all skills are required for every role—some may be considered assets rather than essential, depending on the position. While there are several questions, they are designed to be straightforward and should not take long to complete. Taking time to answer thoughtfully helps us match students with the best possible engineering opportunities.

Equity matters. Some roles may be designated for specific employment equity groups.

To be considered for these opportunities, applicants must self identify during the application process. Learn more by reviewing the Nova Scotia Government’s Employment Equity Policy, including details on designated groups.

Apply now and take the next step in your student career journey.

More About Our Opportunities

Looking for a summer job where you can put your engineering studies into action—and see your work make a real impact across Nova Scotia? Join us and gain hands‑on experience that builds your skills, your confidence, and your future engineering career.

As a student with us, you’ll work alongside professional engineers and technical experts on projects that support public safety, infrastructure, construction, and resource management. Whether you’re analyzing data, visiting job sites, reviewing technical documents, or supporting inspections, you’ll see firsthand how engineering shapes the services and programs people rely on every day.

Through this intake, students may be matched with roles across a range of engineering focus areas—from construction support and safety compliance to field assessments, mapping, and technical reviews. Each opportunity offers meaningful work, mentorship, and the chance to apply classroom learning to real‑world challenges.

You’ll gain practical experience, contribute to important provincial initiatives, and build connections that support your engineering path—while exploring what it’s like to work in a dynamic public‑sector environment.

Opportunities May Include, But Are Not Limited To

Engineering Assistant

Gain hands on engineering experience supporting provincial programs and public safety initiatives, with a mix of office and fieldwork. Assist with technical reviews, inspections, data management, and field assessments while receiving mentorship from professional engineers across Nova Scotia.

Civil Engineering Student

Support building construction projects and construction administration under the guidance of Engineering Services. Assist with project delivery through a mix of office and site based activities, collaborating with engineering staff, contractors, and consultants. Contribute to project coordination, documentation, and field inspections while ensuring work meets quality, safety, and environmental standards.

OHS Engineering Student

Develop practical engineering experience supporting provincial safety and compliance initiatives through a mix of office and fieldwork. Assist with technical reviews, documentation, and workplace inspections while gaining insight into the health and safety responsibilities of a Professional Engineer and receiving mentorship from experienced engineering staff. Travel within the province may be required.

Field Assistant

Develop practical engineering experience supporting mineral resource oversight and public safety through both office and fieldwork. Work as part of a small team to review historical mining records, build maps, and locate and assess abandoned mine openings across the province. Assist with technical reviews, field inspections, data management, and documentation while receiving mentorship from experienced professionals.

Qualifications And Experience

We’re looking for enthusiastic, motivated students who are currently enrolled in an engineering post‑secondary program and returning to their studies in the next academic term. You don’t need years of experience—bring your curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn.

What Will Help You Succeed

• Interest in applying engineering principles in real world settings
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to interpret technical information and follow procedures
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, and online tools)
• A commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility

Assets (nice To Have, But Not Required)

• Previous coursework or experience related to infrastructure, design, or technical analysis
• Exposure to technical drawings, standards, or specifications
• Familiarity with technical software (e.g., CAD, GIS, data analysis tools)
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills

Working Conditions

These opportunities offer a supportive learning environment and may include office based and field based work, depending on the assignment. Some positions may require travel, site visits, or working outdoors.

Additional Information

These are student employment opportunities with start dates that vary by position—some roles begin as early as May, while others offer July–August work terms only. We are building a pool of candidates for a variety of roles, and applicants with full‑summer or partial‑summer availability are encouraged to apply.

The sooner you apply to the Future Opportunities Stream, the earlier you may be considered for upcoming roles. As positions become available, hiring managers will contact candidates and confirm specific details for each role, including anticipated start and end dates.

What We Offer

• Meaningful Work – Contribute to engineering related projects that support public services
• Skill Development – Apply classroom knowledge to real world challenges
• Inclusive Environment – Join a workplace that values diversity and fosters respect
• Supportive Teams – Learn from experienced professionals who are invested in your development

Pay Grade: HOURLY

Salary Range: $16.75 - $31.02 Hourly

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 [e-mail].

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

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 [e-mail].