Species at Risk

**Competition #**: 42978

**Department**: Natural Resources & Renewables

**Location**: KENTVILLE or CORNWALLIS

**Type of Employment**: Term

**Union Status**: NSGEU - NSPG

**Closing Date**: 19-Jun-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 Lands and Forestry 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.

The Biodiversity program is responsible for the effective development, implementation and evaluation of programs to conserve and recover Nova Scotia's species-at-risk. As part of this responsibility, the Province has partnered with the federal government, Indigenous and non-government conservation organizations via the Pan-Canadian Approach to shift from single-species to multi-species recovery approaches in a priority landscape. This is delivered through the coordinated identification and implementation of priority conservation actions using an integrated conservation approach.

If you are passionate about the recovery of species-at-risk, this may be the perfect opportunity for you

About Our Opportunity

As the Species at Risk Stewardship Biologist, you will be responsible for administering the Kespukwitk -Southwest Nova Scotia Priority Place Initiative.

Primary Accountabilities

Working closely with the Manager-Biodiversity, the Canadian Wildlife Service, and partners in the Initiative you will provide expertise, communications, coordination and administration for a funding program that supports species-at-risk conservation work in the priority place of Kespukwitk -Southwest Nova Scotia (K-SWNS). You also participate in working groups, workshops, and in the Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative.

You will maintain communications and facilitate the exchange of information between the Biodiversity Program and project partners. Working collaboratively with other members of the Initiative you will identify and develop opportunities to advance the delivery of species-at-risk conservation projects, track and report on progress. You will provide program support for the alignment and integration of conservation actions across Indigenous organizations, non-government conservation organizations, industry, communities, government departments, landowners and resources users, to ensure collaboration, coordination and consistency. You will assist in the administration of Contribution Agreements, review reports and deliverables, support associated regulatory processes, and may be responsible for monitoring of work undertaken.

This position reports to the Manager of Biodiversity.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a Bachelor's Degree (in wildlife biology, environmental science or management) and six years of related experience or a Master of Science and four years of related experience. Related experience may include botany, wildlife biology, habitat ecology (e.g., wetland biology) and/or conservation biology but an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Proficiency with computers (such as data management, GIS, and office productivity software) and excellent communication skills (written and verbal) are essential. You are highly motivated, flexible and demonstrate expertise when dealing with complex situations requiring innovative, collaborative and proactive solutions. You have effective organizational, research and analytical skills, as well as planning and multi-tasking skills to schedule and implement initiatives and manage projects with mínimal supervision and within deadlines.

Knowledge of or experience in the following is considered an asset: Knowledge of K-SWNS conservation partners; Knowledge of the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation, Healthy Country Planning, Conservation Conflict Transformation, and/or conservation program design and effectiveness monitoring (theories of change); Previous budget and/or project management experience; Non-government and government related organizations and programs involved in the conservation, stewardship and management of wildlife species, habitats and ecosystems; Land use conflicts and resolutions processes, and/or private land approaches/incentives; and Policy review and regulation development.

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

Equivalency

A master's degree in wildlife biology, environmental science, or management along with 4 years