Old-Growth Forester

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

Under the general and technical direction of the Old-Growth Forest Coordinator, the Old-Growth Forester works within the Forestry Division to support the Old-Growth Forest Policy.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Old-Growth Forester, 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.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have:

A bachelor’s degree in forestry or master’s degree in forestry; and 1 year related experience Training or experience in forest ecosystems, forest mensuration and tree identification. Experience in Nova Scotia Forest Ecosystem Classification (FEC). Experience with ArcGIS or ArcPro. The ability to communicate effectively (verbally and written) at all levels within government and the private industry.

It is considered an additional asset if you:

Have training or experience related to forest ecology, Nova Scotia Old Forest Scoring Protocols, landscape ecology, landscape planning, or forest management planning. Have previous experience in advanced experience with ArcGIS or Arc Pro, including ArcOnline products like Survey 1-2-3 and 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.

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.

Additional Information

This is a term position with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2026; however, the position status (“term”, “temporary” or “casual”) 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

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. Infrequent overnight travel nationally is required to attend meetings and/or conferences.

Pay Grade: PR 07 - PR 12 Salary Range:  $2,;- $2,;Bi-Weekly

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