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Nova Scotia Construction Jobs

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Discover Construction in Nova Scotia

Industrial, Commercial, Institutional Construction

The Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) construction sector is a vital part of Nova Scotia’s economy, supporting a wide range of projects for businesses, government, schools, hospitals, and other organizations. 

 

Industrial construction includes factories, warehouses, and processing plants. Commercial construction covers stores and other business spaces. Institutional construction focuses on public buildings like hospitals, schools, and government facilities.

 

This sector includes hundreds of companies and thousands of skilled trades workers, such as electricians, plumbers, welders, and carpenters. Each year, ICI construction delivers essential infrastructure, helping to strengthen communities and support economic growth.

 

With ongoing demand for skilled workers and growing investment, the ICI sector offers diverse career opportunities. Nova Scotia is actively seeking new talent to meet this demand.

Home Building

The housing construction sector is one of Nova Scotia’s fastest-growing and most in-demand industries, making up 70% of all construction activity in the province.  

It includes more than 3,000 companies and 45,000 skilled trades workers across all regions. Each year, the sector builds about 6,000 new homes and renovates around 15,000 more. It helps shape the province’s future by meeting the housing needs of diverse communities.

From modular and custom homes to apartment buildings and innovative designs, housing construction offers many career opportunities. Nova Scotia needs 10,000 more workers in this sector by 2030 — and you could be one of them!

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You Belong in Nova Scotia

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Located on Canada’s east coast, Nova Scotia is ready to welcome you to the life you’ve always wanted. Here, you can explore, build a career in our growing economy, and enjoy safe, vibrant communities. You’ll experience our beautiful Atlantic coastline, fresh air, and Maritime climate. With a little effort, you can find the right job and the right place to call home in Nova Scotia.

Pay and Work Conditions

Salary Expectations

  •  Typical hourly wages and annual salaries vary by role but range from CAD $17–$60 per hour depending on experience, education, skill, and occupation. Formal training, certifications, and union membership can significantly influence pay rates.
  •  Benefit packages such as health insurance, vacation days, sick leave, and retirement savings plans differ across companies and sectors.

Work Culture and Safety Standards

  • Canadian work culture often emphasizes safety, teamwork, inclusivity, work-life balance, and professionalism. Understanding cultural expectations around punctuality, communication, and respect for diversity in the workplace by asking questions can help with adapting in a new country.
  • Canada has strict Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations enforced at both the federal and provincial levels. Workers are trained to prioritize safety through required certifications.. Employees have the right to work in a safe environment, and employers must comply with strict safety standards. Safety is everyone's responsibility in Nova Scotia.

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Climate and On-the-Job Demands

  • Construction roles are often physically demanding, and you may need to handle heavy equipment or work in challenging environments, including extreme weather. Understanding these aspects can help you prepare physically and mentally.
  • Construction roles are often physically demanding, and you may need to handle heavy equipment or work in challenging environments, including extreme weather. Understanding these aspects can help you prepare physically and mentally. Nova Scotia experiences four distinct seasons which affect construction work. Outdoor projects may slow down or pause during bad weather, which could impact your income if you are paid by the hour. It’s important to be prepared for these seasonal changes when working in construction here.
Work Culture and Safety Standards

Skill Recognition and Certification

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  • Trade certification from outside of Canada may need to be verified or re-accredited. The Red Seal Program is the Canadian standard for certifying tradespeople.
  • Nova Scotia has programs that help foreign workers upgrade skills to meet Canadian standards, such as pre-apprenticeship and bridging programs. Additionally, some employers may offer training on Canadian building codes or materials unfamiliar to international workers.

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Supports in Nova Scotia

Employment Rights and Protections

  • Employees have rights under Nova Scotia’s Labour Standards Code, which includes fair treatment, termination notice requirements, and protections against discrimination.
  • Employers in Nova Scotia are expected to follow rules around hiring and supporting international workers, including maintaining work environments that adhere to Canadian laws and codes of conduct.

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Supports for Newcomers in Nova Scotia

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Explore Construction-Related Careers

Administration and Business

These roles support the operational and financial health of construction companies.

  • Business Development Managers  
  • Office Managers  
  • Document Controllers  
  • Marketing Specialists  
  • Human Resource Managers  
  • Accountants  
  • Benefit Administrators  
  • Cost Accountants  
  • Payroll Coordinators 

Architecture and Design

Design and technical expertise drive innovation in building aesthetics and functionality.

  • Architects
  • Architectural Engineers
  • Architectural Technologists
  • Interior Designers
  • Structural CAD Drafters

Engineering and Construction Management

These professionals lead projects and ensure structural integrity and efficiency.

  • Civil Engineers
  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Design Engineers
  • Project Managers
  • Construction Managers
  • Surveyors
  • Cost Estimators
  • Building Science Technologists
  • Building Services Engineers
  • Building Systems Coordinators
  • Mechanical Maintenance Planners
  • Quality Control Officers

Environmental and Sustainability

Specialists in this field focus on creating environmentally responsible and resource-efficient solutions.

  • Sustainability Consultants
  • Waste Management Specialists
  • Remediation Specialists
  • Hazardous Materials Specialists

Information Technology

IT professionals ensure smooth operations through technology and systems support.

  • IT Coordinators
  • System Developers
  • Technical Support Analysts

Occupational Health and Safety

Safety experts play a critical role in minimizing risks and promoting workplace health.

  • OHS Advisors
  • Safety Officers

Urban Planning and Development

IT professionals ensure smooth operations through technology and systems support.

  • Urban Planners
  • Project Coordinators
  • Designers
What to Expect

Ritika Sharma
RCIC International Recruiter

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