Job Description

Department: Natural Resources


Location: KENTVILLE or CORNWALLIS


Type of Employment: Student


Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG


Closing Date: 26-Feb-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)


About Us
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Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources - including biodiversity, forests, geological resources, provincial parks and the land we manage. The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, mineral, 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.



https://novascotia.ca/natr/


About Our Opportunity
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We are looking for University or College students to assist with projects related to ecosystems and biodiversity programs.


Primary Accountabilities
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Ecosystems Program - Biodiversity Monitoring (2 positions)


As a student working with the Ecosystems team, you may be involved in undertaking wildlife surveys including surveying for mammals, insects, and birds on forest harvest sites; deploying camera traps and autonomous recording units (ARUs) in remote areas to collected terrestrial mammal and bird community data; and working with camera traps to test effectiveness of wildlife crossings. You will have the opportunity to assist in the field and in the office preparing equipment and contributing to data entry and management. You will provide timely, efficient, and accurate information and support to existing staff on a variety of ecosystems programs and projects. Some independent field work and office work will be required. Willingness to travel by helicopter is required. You will work as part of a passionate team of resource professionals and technicians, conducting field work in various regions across Nova Scotia. The work may include extended overnight stays away from the home office. The student positions will report to the Kentville office.





Ecosystems Program - GIS Analysis (1 position)


As a student working as a GIS analyst, you will assist existing staff with the collection and management of spatial data. This work will contribute to the development of data management and sharing processes being undertaken as part of the Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement, to develop spatial data layers and spatial tools to assist with land use planning decisions. You will provide timely, efficient, and accurate information and support to existing staff. Some independent office work will be required. You may have the opportunity to assist staff in the field collecting data for wildlife surveys. You will work as part of a passionate team of resource professionals out of the Kentville office. Enrollment in a GIS-related program is required.




Biodiversity Program - Species at Risk Monitoring & Recovery (3 positions)


As a summer student with the Biodiversity and Species at Risk Program, you will assist with the inventory and monitoring of Nova Scotia's rarest and most sensitive species, including plants, mammals, birds, lichens, reptiles and insects to help inform status assessment and management decisions. Further, students will support the development of products and approaches to guide decision-making and land use practices on private and Crown lands for species at risk and migratory birds. This includes the preparation of guidance, policy research and support, and the development and delivery of educational material for internal and external use. You will support ongoing initiatives to better understand and mitigate factors that threaten biodiversity and the recovery of species at risk, including fire and fire suppression, lakeshore development, and recreational activities. Biodiversity Program student positions are based in either Kentville or Cornwallis.


Qualifications and Experience
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You must be a full-time university or college student in the field of natural resource management (5 positions) or GIS (1 position) returning to study in the fall (or in the next applicable semester for the education program).




You demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills and problem-solving ability.




For field positions, you are capable of conducting field work both independently and as part of a team. You will be familiar with using a personal computer with standard office software for applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and email. Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge or experience with ArcPro/ArcMap, use of handheld data collection applications (Survey123, Field Maps), and the ability to navigate using GPS and compass. A valid driver's license is required.



For the GIS position, you are capable of working both independently and as part of a team. You will be familiar with using a personal computer with standard office software for applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and email. You will be familiar with using ArcPro/ArcMap and use of handheld data collection applications (Survey123, Field Maps).



Field work may be in rugged and isolated terrain, and during inclement weather resulting in working and walking in hazardous conditions (e.g., slippery footing, sharp stumps, blow down and hanging trees). Candidates must recognize the challenges of completing field work in this demanding outdoor environment.



We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.


Additional Information
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Please note there are currently three (3) positions within the Ecosystems Program, and three (3) positions with the Biodiversity Program with a start date of May 2025 and end date in August 2025 (maximum of 16 weeks).



• The three (3) positions within the Ecosystems Program are located in Kentville, NS.
• The three (3) positions within the Biodiversity Program can be located in either Kentville or Cornwallis, NS.





We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.



Please indicate in your application (cover letter) your preferred placement option(s) (Ecosystems Program, Biodiversity Program) and for the Biodiversity Program, preferred work location(s) (Kentville or Cornwallis). There are no guarantees, but this may assist with placement.




Pay Grade: HOURLY


Salary Range: $15.73 - $29.69 Hourly




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.