Job Description

Competition # : 42496Department: Environment and Climate ChangeLocation: HALIFAXType of Employment: TermUnion Status: NSGEU - NSPGClosing Date: \xe2\x80\x8b18-Apr-24 \xe2\x80\x8b (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)About UsNova Scotia Environment and Climate Change\xe2\x80\x99s (ECC\xe2\x80\x99s) role is to protect the environment and human health through regulatory excellence, conservation, partnerships, and promotion. To achieve this, we strive to develop legislation, regulations and policies, process notifications, applications, and approvals for regulated activities based on sound scientific knowledge and expertise.Our goal is to educate, inspect and enforce, to ensure compliance with legislation and regulations. We also proactively respond to environmental, conservation and human health risks and work to develop programs and deliver services to enhance protection in these areas.Primary AccountabilitiesThe Ecologist provides professional and expert guidance and advice on a wide variety of topics pertaining to conservation programs focused on expanding and managing the network of protected and conserved areas in Nova Scotia. With funding through the Canada \xe2\x80\x93 Nova Scotia Nature Agreement, the Department takes a multi-pronged approach to advancing protection of biodiversity.The incumbent has experience working at the intersection of science and natural resource planning and management as well as compiling knowledge and summarizing technical information to support decision making. Broad knowledge of the distribution and composition of Nova Scotia\xe2\x80\x99s species and ecosystems is essential. Knowledge of provincial conservation programs, policy and context is important.The Ecologist will support work to identify lands for protection towards achieving the ambitious goal of protecting 20% of Nova Scotia\xe2\x80\x99s land and water mass, provide guidance and advice on topical issues, participate in conservation partnerships and on technical committees and will develop and maintain relationships necessary to providing science-based guidance and advise on policy development as required.Qualifications and ExperienceBachelor of Science + 6 years related experience or a Master of Science + 4 years related experience is required.The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in a related field such as land conservation or management, land use planning or protected areas planning, and have a practical understanding of current issues and best practice approaches in and protected areas management.The successful candidate needs to be self-directed, have excellent problem solving and organizational skills, and have the sound judgement and critical thinking skills that are necessary to resolve complex and sensitive issues. Strong field competencies such as ecological inventories, remote first aid, navigation, and wilderness travel are important. Experience in public land use planning, policy development and public consultation, are considered assets.The candidate must be proficient with computer word processing, graphic presentation, and spreadsheet software. General familiarity with the application of GIS to planning is required, and advanced knowledge and capability with ESRI GIS software is considered an asset.Knowledge of provincial and federal legislation, regulations, policies, and programs relevant to land management in Nova Scotia is essential. Ability and willingness to travel throughout Nova Scotia and work irregular hours when deemed necessary.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.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: .Additional InformationThis is a term position with an anticipated end date of March 31 2026.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.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade: PR 15Salary Range: $2,760.42 - $3,364.90 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