Job Description

Competition # : 42573Department: Natural Resources & RenewablesLocation: TRUROType of Employment: PermanentUnion Status: NSGEU - NSPGClosing Date: 26-Apr-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)About UsNova Scotia is rich in natural resources including biodiversity, forests, geological resources, provincial parks, and the land we manage. The Department of Natural Resources and Renewables is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, mineral, parks and wildlife resources and the administration of the province's Crown lands. 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.The Department of Natural Resources & Renewables has broad responsibilities relative to the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, mineral, parks and wildlife resources and the administration of the Province's Crown land.As vital part of the Forestry and Wildlife branch, the Forestry division is responsible for developing and conducting research to improve forest management practices and develop strategies and conduct analysis and planning for sustainable development of our forests. We maintain a provincial forest inventory and a comprehensive digital (GIS) database, ecological landscape planning classification systems and wood supply modelling, provincial forest nursery and tree improvement programs, and develop program related tools.About Our OpportunityAs Forester 3 (Landscape Research and Planning Forester), you will be part of the Landscape and Ecosystem Management team exploring diverse research topics and developing analysis tools for use throughout the province. You will work collaboratively with both internal and external partners to aid in the design of and conducting field research, along with formal reporting on research findings in support of the sustainable and ecological management of the biodiversity rich and sustainable forests of Nova Scotia.The Forester 3 will be expected to work collaboratively within the department and understand the work of the Forestry division relative to the Forestry and Wildlife Branch priorities. They will also contribute to cross-departmental work to ensure research priorities, sustainable conservations, management, and use of the province's renewable resources, Crown lands, and forests. Ensures that planning, decision making, and management actions are based on the best scientific and traditional knowledge available and ensures that all uses are sustainable.Primary AccountabilitiesReporting to the Provincial Landscape Forester, your primary accountabilities will include:

• Collaborating on the development of research plans as part of the landscape and ecosystem management team, along with conducting field activities in support of research priorities that contribute to the provincial goals of enhancing biodiversity, ecological sustainability, and economic prosperity.
• Ongoing work on development and research related to Landscape Planning approaches to Nova Scotia Forest Planning System. This includes using Forest Management planning software to evaluate impacts of forest related activities on landscape indictors.
• Using a landscape ecology approach, conduct research as part of a collaborative team on landscape indicators and tools including, but not limited to, ecological connectivity, habitats, natural disturbance patterns, mature forest targets, and natural range of variation.
• Support the on-going development and adaptation of the provincial ecological land classification system.
• Collaborate on various projects in support of provincial goals and objectives within the Department, with other provincial Departments, and across the private sector.
• Providing the Manager with production reports, briefing notes, and presentations on project progress for senior management, internal and external stakeholders, and to the provincial Cabinet when requested.
• Development, execution, and reporting of annual work plans and research strategies in cooperation with the Manager, other Divisions, and Branches within the Department.

We are looking for leaders who share our passion for Nova Scotia's forests and are committed to their long-term sustainability and growth.Qualifications and ExperienceThis may be the right opportunity for you if you:MUST have:Bachelor of Science in Forestry and six years related experience, or a Masters degree in Forestry and four years related experience.

• Training and/or experience in forest ecosystems, landscape ecology and/or landscape analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with ArcPro (or ArcMap) including programming in Python.
• Demonstrated experience with statistical software package R.
• Experience with research reporting and/or academic publications.
• The ability to communicate effectively (verbally and written) at all levels within government and with the private industry.

Additional valuable skills:

• Experience with Forest Management modelling software (e.g. Remsoft or Patchworks)
• Experience in Remote Sensing
• Training or experience with relational databases and SQL
• Experience with ArcGIS Online (AGOL) and coding in Arcade.

Qualifications and Experience - Con\'tKnowledge and experience of the forest industry, forestry-related businesses, forest management planning, silviculture systems, ecosystem research, and technology are considered strong assets.Proven organizational skills with a well-developed, team-based approach to problem solving, strategic planning, and change management.Strong leadership skills to build and maintain respectful relationships, negotiate, and facilitate clear direction, and ensure exceptional collaboration and engagement.Effective communication skills and be able to resolve issues in an ever-changing environment.Innovation skills to generate, promote, and implement new ideas, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, and resolve concerns arising from resulting changes.You must possess a valid driver's license and preferably have access to a vehicle.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.EquivalencyMaster's in a related natural resources or environmental science and 6 years of related experience or a Ph.D. in related natural resources or environmental science and 1 year of related experience.Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must clearly demonstrate such equivalencies in their application and how their experience relates to the position.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 ConditionsThis position is a combination of office work (based in Truro) and travel province-wide to forest environments to facilitate field research, visit field offices, and to collaborate with industry and other clients. Field work will include extensive walking in forest environments carrying small amounts of field equipment and may include travel by helicopters, ATVs, boats, snowshoes, etc. as required.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