Competition # : 43633
Department: Natural Resources & Renewables
Location: COXHEATH
Type of Employment: Term
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 25-Oct-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources - including biodiversity, forests, geological resources, provincial parks and the land we manage. The Department of Natural Resources & 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 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

As Regional Biologist, you will function as a member of the regional multidisciplinary Integrated Resource Management (IRM) Team, providing biological expertise in the management of wildlife populations and habitats, in application to complex and sometimes controversial land management and natural resource conservation issues. You will report to the Regional Resource Manager.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role, your primary accountabilities will include:

• Promoting sustainable resource management through the IRM planning process in the timely review of forest harvesting plans and crown land administration transactions.
• Working with field staff as a Team of Excellence for the delivery of the Wildlife program within the Region, which includes in part: an understanding and commitment to program objectives, standards, methods, procedures, policies, regulations, legislation and reporting requirements.
• Providing leadership, expert professional advice and input to senior management, Directors, and Area Managers, while also being a frontline respondent, with involvement in high profile, controversial and emotional issues. You provide assistance and advice to industry, public, universities, federal, provincial and municipal government agencies, as well as response to media enquiries.

Our Regional Biologist will have the opportunity to plan, conduct, and participate in wildlife research projects and/or species surveys and monitoring, including migratory bird surveys. You will be involved in wildlife capture and restraint as well as collection of biological samples to support wildlife management and are responsible for the coordination and preparedness for the Regional Wildlife Chemical Immobilization Team.

You will also promote resource education and an appreciation of resource science and/or conservation through extension activities, participation in professional organizations, and by representing the department at professional wildlife meetings. You will also review and evaluate Environmental Impact Assessment documents by assessing the potential impacts of proposed developments on wildlife resources.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a Bachelor of Science in Biology + 6 years related experience or a Master of Science in Biology + 4 years related experience.

As the ideal candidate, you have strong wildlife identification skills, a broad knowledge of terrestrial ecology and wildlife population dynamics, forest habitats, principles of forest ecosystem management, the effects of forest management practices on wildlife species, and are competent in your knowledge of wildlife survey methods and wildlife behaviour.

You have strong knowledge and understanding of provincial legislation, regulations, policies and procedures related to the environment, wildlife species and habitats. You possess the physical and mental ability to safely undertake field work in isolated conditions in all seasons.

You are self-motivated and work effectively both alone and on a team. You possess effective organizational, planning and multi-tasking skills to schedule and implement initiatives and manage projects with minimal support and within deadlines. You have exceptional communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, able to work professionally with tact and diplomacy.

You have proficiency with computer software applications including relational databases, spreadsheets, word processing and must have experience in the use of ArcGIS, GPS and related software.

This is a physically demanding position that requires the occasional use of firearms, and ability to survey effectively from a helicopter, and navigate in remote areas for extended periods which may include the use of boats/canoes, ATVs and snowmobiles.

Experience working in a diverse environment or with promoting cultural diversity in the workplace is considered an asset.

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.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, 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: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office and field work.
• Frequent low level helicopter flying; may require canoe, snowmobile, boat or ATV travel.
• Considerable travel on both provincial highway system and on rough forest roads.

Additional Information

• A valid driver's license and access to a motor vehicle are required for this position.
• This is a term opportunity 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 15
Salary Range: $2,760.42 - $3,364.90 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.