2026-06 Senior Alternate Format Technician

Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, Canada .
full-time . March 26, 2026

Description

Competition #: 2026-06 INTERNAL OPPORTUNITY

Position: Full-Time, permanent, one position available

Location: Halifax Regional Municipality, NS at APSEA Central Office - this position requires in-person services

Initial Posting Date: April 1, 2026

Application Deadline: April 11, 2026 at Noon

Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2026

Compensation is in accordance with the APSEA/NSGEU Collective Agreement

Unlock Your Potential with APSEA – A Career That Makes a Difference!

Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA) is more than just an agency – it’s a community dedicated to empowering children and youth across Atlantic Canada who are Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing (DHH), blind and low vision (BLV). Since 1975, we’ve been on a mission to provide inclusive, responsive, and flexible educational services. Now, we want you to join us and help make a lasting impact on the lives of learners and their families.

Here’s what we bring to the table:

Access to a pension plan
Comprehensive health and dental benefits
Professional learning opportunities to keep you at the top of your game
A supportive, inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated and embraced

Why Join Us?

The Senior Alternate Format Technician, under the direction of the Supervisor of Production and Library Services (PALS), is responsible for full cycle production of alternate format materials for learners who are blind, have low vision (BLV).

Day-to-day, the Senior Alternate Format Technician:

Transcribes educational materials into the appropriate alternate format for BLV learners.
Produces contracted Unified English Braille, uncontracted French Braille using specialized braille computer translation software – or by occasional use of a Perkins Brailler.
Provides mentoring to Junior and Intermediate Alternate Format Technicians to support the success and continued growth of the Production team. Will also provide on-the-job training as required to ensure effective and safe use of Production equipment/ materials.
Proofreads production assignments of Senior Alternate Format Technicians colleagues ensuring accuracy and consistency at the senior level.
Produces digital format (examples: Accessible PDF, etc.) based on learner requirements.
Operates computer software programs to produce tactile graphics.
Proofreads and corrects self-produced braille and digital format material as well as that of other colleagues.
Proofreads tactile illustrations.
Collaborates with the assigned proofreader to evaluate print materials and decide the appropriate format to be used.
Embosses, collates, binds, labels, and repairs hard copies of created text.
May produce Music Braille if required per learner request.

What you bring to the table:

Completion of a post-secondary graphic design/information technology program is required, or a comparable combination of qualification(s) and experience.
Certification in Unified English Braille (UEB) Transcription through CNIB or equivalent.
Certification in Unified English Braille (UEB) Technical Materials through CNIB or equivalent.
Minimum of eight (8) years demonstrated experience in transcribing and proofreading basic braille and tactiles.
Minimum of five (5) years demonstrated experience in transcribing and proofreading complex braille and tactile graphics.
Minimum of five (5) years demonstrated experience in transcribing and proofreading complex math and science.
Willingness to complete ongoing extensive training in braille formats, proofreading.
Demonstrated ability to apply concepts from reference resources such as; Braille Formats: Principles of Print-to-Braille Transcription, Guidelines and Standards for Tactile Graphics, The Rules of Unified English Braille, UEB Guidelines for Technical Material.
Advanced knowledge of and practical experience with computers, graphics editor software, Internet, and online searching.
Demonstrated expert typing and word/data processing skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word. Ability to focus on a computer screen for prolonged periods of time due to nature of the work.
A strong knowledge of business English, punctuation, and spelling.
Ability to maintain accuracy, pay close attention to detail and to proofread with a high degree of accuracy.
Excellent problem-solving, adaptability, and decision-making skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills.
Ability to handle routine and repetitive work efficiently while working under pressure.
Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a team, with strong organizational and time management skills.
Must be able to lift and maneuver items of up to 20 pounds occasionally, as this role requires physical effort of lifting light items such as braille volumes, typically under twenty (20) pounds.
Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills to foster transparent communication and professional relationships with APSEA colleagues.

Would be a plus if you have:

Music and/or French transcribing, as is familiarity in CBFU (Code braille français uniformisé pour la transcription des textes imprimé), and/or CBSQ (Code braille scientifique québécois pour la transcription des mathématiques et de la chimie).
Certification in proofreading.
Bilingual abilities in French/English.

Note: an offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.

APSEA embraces a culture of belonging in the workplace. We believe that the lived experiences of individuals enrich our organization and enhance our ability to serve Atlantic communities. We value the unique perspectives and contributions of all individuals and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

If you require accommodation in the application and/or interview process, please let our HR Generalist know at julia_pascucci@apsea.ca.

If you’re ready to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of children and youth in Atlantic Canada, don’t wait! Apply now and join an incredible team that’s helping to shape the future of education.

Compensation

$64,886.64 - $76,568.44 per year

Know someone who would be a perfect fit? Let them know!