Marine Industry Liaison Officer

**Department**:Fisheries and Aquaculture

**Location**:PICTOU

**Type of Employment**:Permanent

**Union Status**:NSGEU - NSPG

**Closing Date**:30-May-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

**About Us**:
The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has a legislated mandate to manage, promote, support, and develop the fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing industries that contribute to the economic, environmental, and social prosperity of Nova Scotia’s coastal and rural communities. As a department, we work to promote Nova Scotia as Canada’s premier fish and seafood province.

**About Our Opportunity**:
Are you interested in supporting the growth and development of Nova Scotia? Are you a team player with knowledge of the seafood industry and a knack for front-line service delivery? If so, this may be the job for you.

Reporting to the Manager, Marine Resources, the Marine Industry Liaison Officer (MILO) carries out duties relating to fisheries, seafood buying and processing, aquaculture, coastal zone initiatives, and rural economic development issues. With a sound understanding of federal fisheries science & management methods, the MILO provides advice and policy direction on key strategic fisheries management decisions affecting Nova Scotia's economic interests. The incumbent works with all divisions of the department, to develop, administer, and provide a front-line service delivery of programs and policies that support rural economic development through the seafood sector.

The MILO functions within a framework of competing interests of various departmental, governmental and non-governmental bodies through consultation with industry, environmental, community and Aboriginal groups on matters relating to various fisheries, seafood, regulatory, industry development and coastal priorities. As the initial point of contact for NSDFA staff and industry, the incumbent must be informed, knowledgeable and able to operate with judgement, tact and diplomacy to deal with a broad range of issues and circumstances.

**Primary Accountabilities**:
Provides leadership and regional coordination on advancing provincial interests and economic opportunities related to the fishing and seafood industries by participating in interdepartmental initiatives, inter-jurisdictional fisheries management and seafood committees, and liaising with industry and non-governmental organizations. Within a specific geographical territory in rural Nova Scotia.

Provides thorough, sound, and timely analysis, advice and recommendations on issues related to the fishing and seafood industry by preparing and delivering briefings, presentations, provincial positions and public consultations.

With a sound understanding of fisheries-based science and management practices used by the federal government, and their understanding of the local and provincial status and trends in the fisheries, the MILO prepares, presents, defends and represents Nova Scotia fisheries management advocacy positions at a wide variety of inter-jurisdictional and industry meetings and forums locally, nationally and, on occasion, internationally.

As the initial point of contact for NSDFA staff and industry the incumbent must be informed, knowledgeable and able to operate and communicate with tact and diplomacy to deal with a broad range of issues and circumstances. Responsible and accountable for the administration and management of industry development projects within their regions and as assigned by management.

**Qualifications and Experience**:
A bachelor’s degree in commerce or resource management plus 6 years of related experience is required for this position or an equivalent combination of training and relevant related program, policy or resource management experience in the commercial seafood industries.

In addition to the above, to be successful within this role, you will have knowledge of the fisheries and aquaculture programs offered by the Department, with a thorough understanding of the Nova Scotia commercial fishing, processing, and aquaculture industries. You should have familiarity with the sportfishing community as well as pertinent laws, regulations, and programs.

You must be a self-motivated, career-oriented, team player, as well as an effective communicator with the ability to effectively interact with a diverse range of industry clients, stakeholder groups, and other government agencies with an appropriate level of tact and diplomacy based on the situation.

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**:
**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 Disabilit