Discovery Centre
Mission: Bring STEAM to life through hands-on science
learning experiences. Discovery Centre’s mandate is advanced
through the presentation of high-quality STEAM educational
experiences.
Software Developer
Department: Exhibits & Facilities
Supervisor: Director of Exhibits & Facilities
Position Category: Full time co-op
Wage: $17.00 per hour
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week; 16 weeks
Start Date: May 15, 2023
Application Deadline: March 1, 2023
Position Summary:
For over 35 years, the Discovery Centre has developed a reputation for being Nova Scotia’s
leader in the delivery of exciting hands-on, minds-on science programming for youth.
The Software Developer is responsible for proactively connecting system architecture,
developing, and implementing exhibits specific software goals. Join the Discovery Centre team
as we automate our systems, develop new exhibit software, develop audience tracking systems
and more.
Description of Tasks:
The Software Developer works in the Exhibits & Facilities department and reports to the
Director of Exhibits & Facilities. The primary tasks of the position are:
• Maintaining and improving existing technology systems in place that support Discovery
Centres digital exhibits and displays
• Working with the Exhibits Team to develop new digital exhibits
• Improving or adding functionality to helping develop software infrastructure to support
the Centre’s operation
• Researching different languages and libraries to assist in completing objectives
Qualifications:
Education: Post-secondary education, preferably enrolled in third or fourth year
Experience: Minimum one year experience
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required; additional languages (especially French)
considered an asset
Competencies:
• Exceptional communication skills
• Highly adaptable
• Able to take initiative
• Highly organized
• Works well under pressure with tight deadlines
• Strong attention to detail/accuracy
• Self-learner
• Effective interpersonal skills
Other Qualifications:
• Bondable; criminal record check
• Can efficiently use google, stack exchange, forums, etc. to find solutions to problems
• Not tied to a specific programming language or paradigm
• Unity, PHP, Node JS, c/c++, Shell scripting (Linux and MacOS), HTL/CSS/JS
• Familiar with Free Open Source Software, SSH, TCP/IP networking, VNC, Touch screen UI
Eligibility: Applicants must be current students returning to post-secondary studies in Fall 2023
and must qualify for the Nova Scotia Co-op Program in order to be considered.
Workplan:
Week 1: Training and orientation, including occupational health and safety,
building and operations, job-specific training, and Discovery Centre as
a whole; team meetings; review of position objectives
Weeks 2: Reviewing existing systems and programming. Review of project
scope with team, creation of workplan and identification of
knowledge gaps. Begin research to support project work.
Weeks 3-16: Execution of workplan with continued research, regular team
meetings and user testing.
Week 16: Compiling of final report; debriefing with supervisor; performance
evaluation
Measurable Outcomes:
The Software Developer will:
• Become familiar with existing Discovery Centre systems and be competent in basic
trouble shooting for these systems
• Develop code that successfully achieves project objectives, defined during the first
weeks of the co-op
• Debug and refine that code after a period of user testing
• Grow their knowledge through self-directed research to achieve project aims
• Complete and end of term report on their co-op and make recommendations for future
development goals
The student will understand and take ownership of outcomes through a combination of
training, self-directed study, and ongoing support from their manager and team. Through
regular communication with their manager, incremental objectives will be set to ensure
progress. One mid-term performance evaluation will be conducted, and the successful
completion of outcomes will be addressed in this meeting and in a final performance
evaluation. At the end of the 16 weeks, the Director of Exhibits & Facilities will provide the
student with an overall assessment of their performance.
Employability Skills:
After their employment at the Discovery Centre, the Software Developer is expected to have
acquired, or improved upon, the following skills:
• Communication
• Digital skills
• Information management
• Innovation
• Working safely
• Problem-solving
• Flexibility
• Adaptability
• Software development
This position is an excellent opportunity for any student that is continuing in computer science
or who is interested in a career in software development or any career working with
technology.
Orientation and Training:
The Software Developer’s orientation will include a briefing on the Discovery Centre and the
Exhibits & Facilities department. There will also be a briefing and review of the Centre’s existing
hardware, software, and network integration with a focus on identifying where further learning
is required by the incumbent to work with the existing systems.
Occupational health and safety is a key organizational priority for the Discovery Centre, so the
individual will receive thorough training on the Centre’s occupational health and safety policies
and procedures, emergency protocols, building safety, first aid training (if applicable), and any
safety training that is specific to their role.
The individual will be given all applicable Discovery Centre policies, including the respectful
workplace policy and code of conduct. They will be required to familiarize themselves with
these policies and uphold the values and responsibilities outlined in them.
The Software Developer will be required to participate in general staff meetings and
department meetings. They will be encouraged to be as familiar with our Centre and its modes
of operation as possible.
Supervision:
Name: Ruth Munro
Title: Director of Exhibits & Facilities
Phone: 902-492-4422 ext. 2243
Email: rmunro@thediscoverycentre.ca
Mailing address: 1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax NS, B3J 3S8
Application:
This opportunity is dependent on funding.
Applications are to be emailed to recruitment@thediscoverycentre.ca. Applicants are to
submit their resume, cover letter, and references. Please note the position that you are
applying for in the subject line of your email application. All applications will be reviewed but
only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. All applicants are thanked in advance for
their interest. Please note: this position is dependent upon receipt of funding.
Discovery Centre is committed to leveraging our facility, people, and programming to create
inclusive spaces that ignite a passion for science and discovery. We are also committed to
advancing diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility practices within our workplace, public
engagement spaces, and programming. Our Centre’s Board of Directors, management, and staff
believe diverse participation and representation are essential and that our networks thrive
when we create an inclusive and equitable culture where all people can see themselves
reflected, feel respected, and have their contributions valued.
Discovery Centre promotes equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, and we
encourage applications from candidates who self-identify as a member of an underrepresented
group, including Indigenous people (especially Mi’kmaq), people of Black/African descent
(especially African Nova Scotians), members of other racialized groups, women, people with
disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with
the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation
process, please contact recruitment@thediscoverycentre.ca to request specialized
accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept
confidential