Job Description

Competition # : 43091Department: Natural Resources & RenewablesLocation: KENTVILLEType of Employment: TermUnion Status: NSGEU - NSPGClosing Date: \xe2\x80\x8b14-Jun-24 \xe2\x80\x8b (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)About UsNova Scotia is rich in natural resources \xe2\x80\x93 including biodiversity, forests, provincial parks, and the land we manage. The Department of Natural Resources & Renewables is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, parks and wildlife resources and the administration of the province\xe2\x80\x99s Crown land. Together we are working with Nova Scotians to build a better future through sustainable natural resource management as we all benefit from the natural health and wealth of the province.As part of the Renewable Resources branch, you will contribute to programs that develop and conduct research related to biodiversity and ecosystem management practices, develop strategies for sustainable management of Nova Scotia\xe2\x80\x99s renewable natural resources, and interact with diverse organizations in the conservation, recreation and industrial sectors. The Wildlife division does this by monitoring populations of harvested and at-risk species, maintaining digital and spatial (GIS) databases of species and ecosystem occurrence and distribution, and developing species and ecosystem management tools for Integrated Resource Management through ongoing research.About Our OpportunityAs the Biodiversity Data Analyst, you will be a technical lead on the biodiversity information systems required to support wild species, habitat and ecosystem conservation and utilization initiatives. This two-year term position is funded through the Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement to support the development of biodiversity spatial planning tools for use in landscape-level and land-use planning decisions.Primary AccountabilitiesSome of the primary accountabilities in the role include:

• Designing, building, and administering systems, tools and processes to collect, maintain and provide access to biodiversity data within the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables in collaboration with other information technology and wildlife professionals, as well as external partners, academia and contractors.
• Administrating and supporting the data systems which track provincial wild species occurrences, significant habitat features, and data collected through directed research and monitoring programs.
• Developing scripts, tools, and interfaces to improve the collection, processing and quality control of digital information submitted for various departmental initiatives.
• Designing and completing routine quality control procedures on information entering biodiversity databases, tracking defects and identifying corrective action to address defects or business process improvements.
• Conducting spatial analyses to develop spatial tools for biodiversity prioritization.
• Providing routine and ad-hoc reporting for use by government, researchers, industry, the public and media and you are critical in identifying and gathering business intelligence and performance metrics to assist with business improvement. Within the Wildlife Division, you will work closely with the managers and staff responsible for harvested species management, human-wildlife conflict, ecosystems, habitats and species-at-risk, other GIS and wildlife modelling staff, as well as partner organizations such as the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre.
• Supporting a broad user group within the Regional Services Branch. Documenting business processes, functional and technical requirements to provide for efficient system usage and administration as well as new solutions or enhancements.
• Preparing proposals, providing recommendations, and project planning for enhanced or new solutions to meet business needs; conducting database requirements analysis, design and development, as well as data analysis, cleansing and conversion.
• As needed, identifying, coordinating, and delivering technical training, and providing application and hardware support to staff.

This position reports to the Manager, Ecosystems and Habitats,Qualifications and ExperienceThis may be the right opportunity for you if you have a Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in a relevant Geomatics field + 5 years related experience or graduation from an approved technical school in the field of geomatics + 8 years related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience may be acceptable.You have experience using ArcGIS Desktop and AGOL. Database skills (e.g. SQL) and experience with Survey123, FieldMaps, FME, and Python are considered assets.You bring an innovative approach to your work to develop creative solutions to solve unique or complex GIS technical issues and develop strategies to address changing priorities of government and clients.You possess exceptional communication (written/verbal), judgement and analytical skills to interpret and apply GIS policies and procedures to complete land-based mapping products and to provide advice and guidance.We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.EquivalencyApplicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.BenefitsBased on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a , Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: .Working Conditions99% of the time we work in an office environment, the occasional light lifting is required.On occasion, travel by car for site visits may be required.Additional InformationThis is a 2-year term opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2026. However, the position status (\xe2\x80\x9cterm\xe2\x80\x9d, \xe2\x80\x9ctemporary\xe2\x80\x9d or \xe2\x80\x9ccasual\xe2\x80\x9d) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Mentorship through iNSpire; a new formal, interdepartmental mentorship program that connects employees so they can gain knowledge and experience to support their career development.
• Countless career paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade: PR 13Salary Range: $2,556.10 - $3,107.16 Bi-WeeklyEmployment Equity Statement:Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

Government of Nova Scotia