Job Description

Competition # : 41391

Department: Natural Resources & Renewables

Location: TRURO

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 05-Jan-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources - including biodiversity, forests, provincial parks, and the land we manage. The Department of Lands and Forestry is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, parks and wildlife resources and the administration of the province\'s 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.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Old-Growth Forest Coordinator, the Landscape (Old-Growth) Forester works within the Forestry Division to support the Old-Growth Forest Policy.

You will use your specialized field ecosystem knowledge to lead the field data collection on old-growth forest, statistical data analysis and research report writing. You will also use your technical skills using ArcPro to support department field data collection (through ArcOnline Survey 1-2-3) and Old-Growth forest reporting. These duties will support an Environment and Climate Change Canada funded project to identify Old-Growth forest on crown land in Nova Scotia for their long-term conservation and protection.

You must exhibit good judgement and work practice to independently maintain data standards, currency, and integrity, and ensure spatial and attribute accuracy and consistency. You will provide quality control and assurance on digital data, and occasionally prepare cartographic or other derived products upon request (digital and/or hardcopy).

As the Old-Growth Forester, you will also maintain or ensure an accurate record of work process and progress as required and effectively communicate and coordinate with colleagues regarding issues of work quality, process, and progress.

Primary Accountabilities

The primary focus of this position will be program support for the Old-Growth Forest Policy through field assessments, data analysis, GIS analysis, education and training, and policy analysis.

Key responsibilities of this role include:

• Completing Old-Growth Forest assessment following department protocols, including the use of the Forest Ecosystem Classification
• Lab work using a microscope to count tree rings
• GIS analysis to help identify potential Old-growth forest.
• Development and maintenance of GIS tools to support in the field data collection.
• Inputting and compilation of databases
• Identifying and analyzing policy options and presenting summaries, recommendations and reports to inform decision-making
• Additional accountabilities may include support for public outreach and education of old-growth forests

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a Bachelor or Masters of Science Degree in Forestry and 1 year related experience. Must have training or experience in forest ecosystems, forest mensuration, and tree identification. Must have some experience with ArcGIS or ArcPro. Must have the ability to communicate effectively (verbally and written) at all levels within government and the private industry.

Enhanced training and/or experience related to the following are considered assets: Nova Scotia Forest Ecosystem Classification, Nova Scotia Old Forest Scoring protocol, landscape ecology, landscape planning, forest management planning, advanced experience with ArcGIS or ArcPro, Survey 1-2-3, StoryMaps, and R statistical software.

You possess exceptional time management skills with the ability to organize work to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. You are a team player who is comfortable working collaboratively and respectfully within a team to achieve shared and independent performance goals. As a self-starter, you demonstrate the ability to use good judgement and show initiative in solving problems.

Travel is required throughout the province including field work through rough terrain requiring planning and physical fitness. You must possess a valid driver\'s license and have access to a vehicle. May be required to travel by helicopter, ATV, snowmobile, or boat to access remote terrain. Infrequent overnight travel is required to attend meetings and/or conferences, and as part of completing field work.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and Union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

Travel is required throughout the province including field work through rough terrain requiring planning and physical fitness. May be required to use helicopter, ATV, snowmobile or boat to access remote terrain. Some overnight travel within the province is required.

Additional Information

This is a two-year term opportunity with an anticipated end date of January 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
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules

Pay Grade: PR 07 - PR 12

Salary Range: $1,994.99 - $2,967.83 Bi-Weekly

Employment 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.

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

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