Education Policy Researchers, Consultants, and Program Officers
(NOC 4166)
in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community ServicesEducation policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, produce reports and administer elementary, secondary and post-secondary education policies and programs. They are employed by government departments, school regions, research institutes, professional associations and educational and other organizations throughout the public and private sectors, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Education Policy Researchers, Consultants, and Program Officers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers.
The median employment income for 56% of Education Policy Researchers, Consultants, and Program Officers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $71,125. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$21.98
Minimum$30.77
Median$50.90
MaximumAnnual Pay
$14,884
Minimum$62,210
Median$93,991
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$26.88
Median$46.15
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,616
Minimum$44,335
Median$92,599
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, produce reports and administer elementary, secondary and post-secondary education policies and programs. They are employed by government departments, school regions, research institutes, professional associations and educational and other organizations throughout the public and private sectors, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Conduct research, produce reports and administer education policies and programs.
- Evaluate curriculum programs and recommend improvements.
- Develop the structure, content and objectives of new programs.
- Conduct statistical analyses to determine cost and effectiveness of education policies and programs.
- Provide ongoing professional development, training and consultative services to teachers and other professionals throughout the public and private sector.
- Develop teaching materials and other resources for program delivery.
- Deliver presentations at conferences, workshops and symposia.
- May supervise the work of other education policy researchers, consultants or program officers.
- May administer specialized testing and assessment programs.
Sample job titles
- curriculum consultant
- education policy analyst
- education program co-ordinator
- education program officer
- education researcher
- learning disabilities consultant
- school inspector
- special education consultant
- student services consultant
- teaching consultant
Skills
To work in these fields, you should be organized, resourceful, and able to co-operate with others in a team. You must be able to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing. You will need an interest in research and familiarity with computers. Advanced computer and technical skills for data manipulation and statistical analysis may be required in some positions.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree in education or in a discipline such as social science or business administration is required.
- A master's degree in education may be required.
- Specialized training or certification may be required.
- A Nova Scotia teacher's certificate may be required.
Other considerations
Part-time employment is relatively common for this group. Several years of experience as a school teacher are usually required. Progression to managerial positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Educational Services
Public Administration
Health Care and Social Assistance
Other Services
Other Industries
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Doctorate
$59,537 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$54,227 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$45,761 median annual incomeHigh school
$16,728 median annual incomeUniversity advanced certificate or diploma
N/ACompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor's degree
$43,533 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$28,183 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$35,978 median annual incomeHigh school
$25,801 median annual incomeDoctorate
$60,991 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult and continuing education and teaching
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to teach adult students in various settings, including basic and remedial education programs, continuing education programs, and programs designed to develop or upgrade specific employment-related knowledge and skills.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
Business administration and management - General
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that generally prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. These programs include courses in management theory, human resources management and behaviour, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
Institutions providing this program
45 Ochterloney Street, Suite 100
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6
(902) 463-6700
6960 Mumford Road, Suite 155-1st Floor Mumford Professional Centre
Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
(902) 455-3395
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
PO Box 550, 1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3737
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
75 High Street
Bridgewater, NS B4V 1V8
(902) 543-4608
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
36 Arthur Street
Truro, NS B2N 1X5
(902) 893-5385
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Unit 37, 115 Chain Lake Drive
Halifax, NS B3S 1B3
(877) 491-6774
Business administration, management and operations - Other
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program not listed above that relates to Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
Curriculum and instruction
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the curriculum and related instructional processes and tools, and that prepares individuals to serve as professional curriculum specialists. These programs include courses in curriculum theory, curriculum design and planning, instructional material design and evaluation, curriculum evaluation, and applications to specific subject matter, programs or educational levels.
Institutions providing this program
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Education - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the general theory and practice of learning and teaching; the basic principles of educational psychology; the art of teaching; the planning and administration of educational activities; school safety and health issues; and the social foundations of education.
Institutions providing this program
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
Educational statistics and research methods
This program is typically offered at the university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the application of statistics to the analysis and solution of educational research problems, and the development of technical designs for research studies. These programs include courses in mathematical statistics, research design, computer applications, instrument design, research methodologies, and applications to research problems in specific education subjects.
Institutions providing this program
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
Public administration
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to serve as managers in the executive arm of government; and that focuses on the systematic study of executive organization and management. These programs include courses in the roles, development, and principles of public administration; the management of public policy; executive-legislative relations; public budgetary processes and financial management; administrative law; public personnel management; professional ethics; and research methods.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Secondary education and teaching
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to teach students in the secondary grades, which may include grades seven through twelve, depending on the school system and applicable regulations. May include preparation to teach a comprehensive curriculum or specific subject matter.
Institutions providing this program
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Special Requirements: To work in the public school system Nova Scotia Teacher Certification is required. Certification may be required by other education related employers.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.