The head of Nova Scotia's new energy conservation agency was on the hot seat Wednesday as opposition politicians grilled her about her qualifications.

Heather Foley Melvin, Premier Rodney MacDonald's former chief of staff, was appointed chief administrative officer of Conserve Nova Scotia last June, days after the provincial election.

New Democrats and Liberals say the job, which pays $131,000 a year, is pure Tory patronage and should have been opened to competition.

Foley Melvin appeared before the public accounts committee of the legislature Wednesday morning.

When NDP MLA Graham Steele asked what the premier told her when she was offered her new job, Foley Melvin replied: "I'm not at liberty to tell you that conversation word for word."

She said she took the job that the premier asked her to do.

Nor would Foley Melvin say how much money she earned as a district manager for Mazda Canada, even though she used that pay scale to justify her current salary.

Steele said this is the first time he's heard a civil servant refuse to answer questions before the all-party committee.

"The committee's now going to have to go back to see if we can force answers out of her," Steele said.

Foley Melvin not leaving job

Foley Melvin said the premier has the right to appoint some high-level government positions and she won't leave her new job.

"I am the CAO of Conserve Nova Scotia, and I will remain so," she said.

Foley Melvin said she wants to be judged on her performance running Conserve Nova Scotia, not on her qualifications or the hiring process.

She has admitted that she has no experience in energy efficiency but said she's an expert in communications and marketing.

Foley Melvin was president of the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia from 2000 to 2002 and the premier's chief of staff from February to June 2006.

Premier supports Foley Melvin

Later in the house, MacDonald was asked if he would reopen the job so others could apply.

The premier answered by saying, "I believe that Ms. Foley Melvin will do an excellent job in her new position."