Regional Hydrogeologist

About Us

Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change's mission is to safeguard the environment and public health by excelling in regulations, conservation, partnerships, and promotion. Our aim is to create legislation, regulations, and policies, handle notifications, applications, and approvals for regulated activities based on solid scientific knowledge and expertise.

Our focus is on educating, inspecting, and enforcing to ensure adherence to legislation and regulations. We also take proactive measures to address environmental, conservation, animal, and human health risks, while developing programs and providing services to bolster protection in these areas.

About Our Opportunity

The Hydrogeologist role involves providing a range of professional hydrological, geological, geochemical, and geotechnical services essential for provincial water resources development, investigation, and protection initiatives. These programs are crafted to ensure the efficient safeguarding, usage, and governance of provincial water resources to uphold the province's environmental and economic development priorities. The position entails extensive interaction in a regulatory context with professional and technical personnel within the department, other departments, governments, industries, and the public at large.

Primary Accountabilities

Within a typical day, you will:

• Offer guidance to professional and technical staff on the effectiveness of existing or proposed engineering controls to mitigate adverse effects on water resources.
• Provide technical support to compliance staff in cases of non-compliance or adverse effects.
• Demonstrate excellent writing, record-keeping, and strong interpersonal skills essential for effective communication and collaboration in a regulatory setting with various internal and external groups.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor of Science in Geology or Engineering with a focus on hydrogeology. Licensed Professional Geoscientist in Nova Scotia or another Canadian jurisdiction, with a minimum of two years of experience. The ideal candidate will possess broad knowledge of geotechnical engineering, geology, hydrology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, water resources evaluation procedures, and protection requirements, specializing in one or more of these disciplines. They should be capable of anticipating issues related to different water uses, industrial and municipal development proposals, and waste disposal schemes that could impact water resources, ensuring early consideration of site technical feasibility, development options, and environmental control design to protect water resources.

Ensure groundwater and surface water quality and quantity monitoring networks are well-structured to detect any adverse effects, with monitoring outcomes thoroughly assessed against water quality and quantity objectives for preserving human and ecological well-being.

Experience and formal postgraduate training in modern quantitative and qualitative aspects of water resources management, environmental protection, and mining would be advantageous. Familiarity with the Nova Scotia Environment Act, Regulations, and policies regarding water resources development and protection is a plus. The candidate should be open to enhancing technical expertise through professional development opportunities, self-directed studies, and collaboration with other experts.

Benefits

The Government of Nova Scotia provides a comprehensive range of benefits to employees such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation, and Employee and Family Assistance Programs based on employment status and Union agreement.

Working Conditions

• Flexible work locations and hours with a standard workweek of 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.
• Opportunity for an additional day off every third week under the flexible work plan.
• Minimal work-related travel within the Province.
• Minimal to no overtime expected, but compensable when necessary.

Additional Information

This is a permanent role, and the selected candidate can be located in Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Antigonish, or Pictou.

What We Offer

• Career Development providing access to guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for all career stages.
• Engaging workplace ensuring employees feel valued, respected, connected, and engaged. Progressive policies and strategies are in place.
• Diverse Career Paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.