IT Specialist - Canada Summer Jobs Position

Commissionaires Nova Scotia (CNS) is the province’s leading provider of security, safety, training, and identification services. Winner of the 2025 Canadian Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs)- Outstanding Partnership, we are a part of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, our parent federation employing over 22,000 commissionaires across Canada. We exist to provide meaningful employment for veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP, their families, and anyone else who wants to contribute to the security and well-being of Nova Scotians. 

Commissionaires Nova Scotia is seeking a motivated and curious full‑time Desktop Support and Cybersecurity Analyst to join our IT team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their IT or cybersecurity career who is eager to learn and grow while gaining hands‑on experience in both technical support and security operations. 

In this role, you will provide day‑to‑day support to end users, assist with maintaining IT systems, and contribute to basic cybersecurity activities such as monitoring, incident support, and continuous improvement initiatives. You’ll work as part of a collaborative IT team in a supportive corporate environment, with opportunities to develop practical skills and build a strong foundation in IT and cybersecurity. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

System Setup and Maintenance 

• Install, configure, and maintain desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and enterprise applications
  
• Administer endpoint security tools and ensure systems are patched and compliant 

Technical Support & Troubleshooting 

• Provide Tier 1–2 support for hardware, software, and network issues
  
• Troubleshoot Microsoft 365, Azure, and endpoint management issues efficiently 

Cybersecurity Operations 

• Under the direction of the Director of Digital Transformation, this position is responsible for the continuous monitoring of security alerts and the timely response to cybersecurity incidents utilizing tools such as Microsoft Defender. The role also supports the investigation, analysis, and remediation of identified threats and vulnerabilities to ensure the integrity and security of organizational systems. 

System Monitoring & Compliance 

• Reporting to the Director of Digital Transformation, the incumbent is responsible for proactively monitoring and analyzing security alerts, system logs, user activity, and endpoint health across the Microsoft ecosystem, including Azure, Entra ID, Microsoft 365, and Defender platforms.
• Leverage tools such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Cloud, Microsoft 365 Security Center, and Azure monitoring solutions to identify anomalies, suspicious behavior, and potential security incidents. The incumbent will investigate, triage, and support the remediation of security threats and vulnerabilities to ensure the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of organizational systems and data.
  
• Support compliance initiatives by enforcing IT security policies, standards, and controls aligned with organizational and regulatory requirements. This includes monitoring for policy compliance within Intune and Entra ID, assisting with audit readiness, and contributing to continuous improvement of security governance, risk management, and compliance practices. 

Documentation & Process Improvement 

• Maintain comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date documentation for IT systems, configurations, operational procedures, and incident response activities, ensuring consistency and accessibility across the organization. This includes documenting troubleshooting steps, system changes, security incidents, and resolutions to support knowledge sharing and operational continuity.
  
• Contribute to the ongoing development, review, and enhancement of IT processes, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and cybersecurity practices. Identify opportunities for process improvement, support the implementation of best practices, and help standardize workflows to improve efficiency, service delivery, and overall security posture. 

Vulnerability Management 

• Participate in identifying and addressing system vulnerabilities 

• Provide support during security audits and risk assessments 

Collaboration & Projects 

• Work with IT and business teams on system upgrades, deployments, and security initiatives 

• Support cloud and digital transformation projects 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience 

Formal education in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related field is considered an asset, but not a requirement. We encourage candidates from diverse learning backgrounds to apply. 

We are especially interested in individuals who bring a positive attitude, curiosity, and a strong problem‑solving mindset. Prior experience (including up to 1–3 years) in IT support, systems administration, or cybersecurity is beneficial, but not essential. Candidates who have developed their skills through co‑operative education programs, internships, academic or personal projects, certifications, or self‑directed learning are strongly encouraged to apply. 

A demonstrated willingness to learn, take initiative, and collaborate effectively with others is considered a key asset for success in this role. 

Technical Skills 

We recognize that not all candidates will meet every technical requirement listed. We value honesty in your level of knowledge and experience, and we are committed to supporting your growth through training and hands-on learning. If you have a strong foundation and a willingness to learn, we encourage you to apply. 

Operating Systems (asset): 

• Windows (primary), macOS, basic Linux 
  

Microsoft Ecosystem(asset): 

• Azure / Entra ID (user management, MFA, SSO) 

• Microsoft Intune (device management, compliance policies) 

• Microsoft Defender (Endpoint, Cloud) 

• Microsoft 365 administration 

Familiarity with: 

• Microsoft Purview (compliance & data governance) 

• Microsoft Fabric (data & analytics – considered an asset) 
• Networking fundamentals (DNS, DHCP, VPNs, firewalls) 

Working Conditions 

• This is a full-time, temporary position lasting 16 weeks from start date. 

• The intern will primarily work on-site at our facilities, with potential for some remote work tasks depending on project requirements and ongoing health guidelines. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

This position is funded through the Canada Summer Jobs Program. As such, applicants must meet the program’s eligibility criteria, including:

• Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person granted refugee protection under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada

Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be considered for this position.