We're Hiring!

2024 Job Posting
Shubenacadie Canal Commission
Position:
Executive Director, Shubenacadie Canal Commission
Location: Dartmouth, NS 

Career Opportunity
The Shubenacadie Canal Commission (SCC) is seeking a dynamic Executive Director to be responsible for the management of lands, programs, projects and information related to the historical Shubenacadie Canal and Waterway System. 

The SCC was created by an act of the Nova Scotia Legislature to oversee and further promote the Shubenacadie Canal System including the operation of any information or interpretative centers pertaining to or belonging to the Shubenacadie Canal System. Our mission is to preserve the historic features of the Shubenacadie Canal and to provide access to a 114 km long waterway for the education and the enjoyment of the public.  The SCC achieves this mission though preservation, improvement, and maintenance of waterway and canal structures and features, providing for the maximum practical use of the waterway by shallow draft watercraft, interpreting sites for visitors, and providing park-like settings for residents and tourists.  In addition to the above mission, the SCC is a registered charity and manages roughly 100 acres of parkland and buildings including the Fairbanks Centre.  Further information on the SCC can be found at www.shubenacadiecanal.ca.     

The SCC consists of a volunteer board of 15 members who are appointed by the Province of Nova Scotia, Halifax Regional Municipality, and the Municipalities of Colchester and East Hants.    

The SCC is dedicated to inclusiveness, equity, and accessibility. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team and welcome applications from all diverse groups. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their cover letter and request any accommodation required to support them during the recruitment process.

The successful candidate, reporting to the SCC through the Chair, will be responsible for all aspects of day-to-day activities of the SCC based at the Fairbanks Centre in Dartmouth, N.S. This includes the management of provincial assets, lands, programs, projects, and information related to the historical Shubenacadie Canal system.

Responsibilities:

  • Strategic planning and actions to achieve the SCC mission

  • Financial management, budgeting, record keeping, and oversight

  • Supporting the Commission’s Chair and Treasurer in their duties, including preparing an Annual Report

  • Project development, leadership, and management

  • Support and leadership to volunteers on projects and activities

  • Developing and maintaining a network of public and private stakeholders and partners and community engagement

  • Initiating and leading fund-raising activities

  • Developing strong and documented business cases for funding applications

  • Attendance at Board and Executive Committee meetings including briefings and presentations

  • Representing the Commission at meetings with governments, businesses, and community stakeholders

  • Documenting and recommending needed repairs and maintenance on Commission facilities and other assets

  • Negotiating commercial arrangements such as partnerships and leases

  • Maintaining accurate and detailed records of all SCC work including historical records, projects, and assets

  • Promoting the history, recreational, and natural assets managed by the SCC, i.e., via social and other media

  • Identifying opportunities and projects that promote the Commission mandate

  • Managing full- and part-time staff including pay administration 

 

Qualifications:

  • The ideal candidate has a strong organizational management background ideally comprising experience within a not-for-profit or business enterprise setting.  They are a dynamic and energetic people person with a positive attitude. The Executive Director must be committed to the SCC mandate, service excellence, takes pride in good work, and have a proven ability to supervise, lead, and motivate others.

  • Minimum of 5 years organizational management experience

  • Post-secondary degree or certificate (Education in business or related field is considered a strong asset)

  • Strong leadership and organizational skills

  • Knowledge of the SCC and its mandate considered an asset

  • Ability to develop effective relationships with business, government, private and community partners is essential

  • Experience working with all three levels of government

  • Experience managing public spaces.  

  • Experience with accounting as well as analyzing and monitoring financial reports

  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in all situations

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  • Willingness to work a limited number of flexible hours, i.e., Board meetings and special events

  • Valid driver’s license and vehicle required

What We Offer

Flexible schedule (30 hours per week) with the possibility of remote employment.  Three weeks of paid vacations, increasing to four weeks after 2 years of employment.  Starting annual salary is $46,800 with regular annual increases.

Free parking with a work environment in an ideal, park-like setting.

To Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume in one document referencing the position title in the subject line:

Shubenacadie Canal Commission
Attention: Chair
info[@]shubenacadiecanal.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest.  Only those invited to be interviewed will be contacted.  Those interviewed will be asked to provide the names and contact information for three references. 

Deadline for applications is 4:00 p.m., 19 April 2024
Download the posting

10 Days of Winning

The Shubenacadie Canal Commission’s 10 Days of Winning is here! Every ticket has 10 chances to win.

Tickets are $10 each and there are 10 chances to win! Tickets are on sale from January 1-21.

Each ticket enters you into the daily prize draw happening January 22-31.

Purchase tickets HERE

Daily prizes include: 

Jan 22 - $50 Gift Card to Side Hustle Snack Bar and unique bag
Jan23 - $25 Gift Card to North Brewing and an SCC Hoodie
Jan 24 - One night stay at the Courtyard by Marriott (Dartmouth Crossing)
Jan 25 - Weekday ski passes for two at Ski Martock
Jan 26 - Two Halifax Mooseheads tickets plus a $30 Gift Card to Burnside Brewery and a toque 
Jan 27 - $50 Gift Card to Young Beauty Salon
Jan 28 - $100 Gift Card to LLBean
Jan 29 - $50 Wooden Monkey Gift Card 
Jan 30 - One night stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites (Dartmouth Crossing)
Jan 31 - Tidal Bore Rafting for two 

Seasonal Gates Locked to Deter Vandalism

Lock 5 is unique. It is the only fully restored Lock on the Shubenacadie Canal and a provincially recognized historic site. It is also a 14-acre park and a boat launch. The damage to the site over the years has been disheartening. There have been dumping of appliances, furniture, illegal fires and graffiti to the Lock.

SCC maintenance contracts are from May to October. The SCC does not have funding for winter maintenance. Due to the ongoing and long-term treatment of the site as a dumping ground (plus vandalism, graffiti, and illegal fires), in 2022, the decision was made to install and lock the gate during the offseason. This has upset people who use the site in those months, and we are working on finding a solution.

While we work towards a solution, we call on the public to act. Do you love a place that is ‘free’? It is not free, it is maintained and cared for- which includes real costs- by an organization or government. Very few of the organizations that maintain parks and trails in Nova Scotia have paid staff. These sites that we all love deeply are cared for by volunteers. Many not for profits were treated badly this summer over closures due to extreme weather. Can we change this narrative? Can we send thank you messages to people and organizations that tirelessly work to maintain Nova Scotia’s beautiful outdoor places. Today, we are thanking Fred Crooks for all his dedication in keeping Lock 5 cared for this summer.

Fred Crooks maintained the park during the spring, summer and early fall months. His dedication is instrumental in ensuring that the public space at Lock 5 remains well-kept and safe for all to enjoy. Thanks Fred!!

Nurturing the Shubenacadie Canal: A Landscape Expert's Journey as Commissioner

Sylvain Allaire, chair (L) recognized Doug Conrad (R) winner of the 2023 Lock Keeper Award at the Fairbanks Interpretive Centre re-opening event on Sunday. Previous Lock Keeper Award winners and donors are listed on the new With Gratitude wall in the Centre. Check it out!

The Shubenacadie Canal, a historic marvel with many recreational and tourist opportunities is a tale of big dreams and dashed hopes. The story of the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway is what led Doug Conrad to apply as a provincial commissioner in 2012.

Doug Conrad began his professional journey as the owner and operator of a landscape company, where his deep understanding of outdoor public spaces grew and flourished. This experience paved the way for his roles as a designer and project manager. His passion for the Canadian landscape industry was further evidenced through his active involvement in various volunteer roles within the commission.

Assuming the role of Chair for the Greenway Committee (now Waterway and Locks), he made contributions to the enhancement of the interpretive aspects of the Flume House by engaging in design, project management, and fundraising initiatives. As a key member of the executive committee, he played a pivotal role in securing funding for staff, a vital step in strengthening the Commission's operations. His involvement extended to acquiring and overseeing an ACOA grant, which led to a comprehensive rebranding effort, the integration of interpretive elements, and the enhancement of various assets, including the Avery Room, the canoe rental building, and the patio area in Shubie Park. Additionally, he secured funding, provided the design expertise, and managed the construction of the iconic Lock 6 boardwalk.

 It is for those reasons and many more that Doug Conrad was awarded the 2023 Lock Keeper Award. His love for the Shubenacadie Canal and his commitment to its preservation and development have left an important mark on this historic waterway. Congratulations Doug!