(Land Administration Officer) Planning Technician

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 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 Land Administration Division oversees the administration of Crown lands and manages matters relating to acquisition and disposal of Crown lands and interests in Crown lands. This includes applications for: structures/activities on submerged Crown lands; campsite leases; leasing of Crown lands; letters of authority for trails; easements over Crown lands and applications for other activities on Crown lands. These activities are vital to the economic, environmental, recreational, and social well-being of the province.

About Our Opportunity

If you are a detail-oriented person who thrives working in a fast-paced environment, we have an exciting opportunity for you to explore with the Department of Natural Resources as a Land Administration Officer (Planning Technician 3).

Reporting to the Manager, Acquisitions and Disposals, the Land Administration Officer is one of ten responsible for supporting the administration, acquisition and disposal of Crown lands under the Crown Lands Act and other relevant legislation and policies.

As the Land Administration Officer, you will deliver client services related to land transactions on behalf of several government departments and agencies, including: Department of Environment and Climate Change, Department of Growth and Development as well as L’nu Affairs.

Primary Accountabilities

You will also be responsible for:
 

• Managing a portfolio of land transactions in a timely way for internal and external clients, drafting high quality documents and reports. You will analyze documents, ensuring deadlines are met, processing appropriate file actions which includes: engaging land appraisers and reviewing appraisals; collecting rents and fees; negotiating appropriate transaction prices by using appropriate legislation, policies, research and approved fee schedules;
• Ensuring applications and requests comply with programs, commitments, priorities, policies, mandates and legislation relevant to the Department and Government by maintaining a detailed understanding of applicable law and policies;
• Effectively administering files by maintaining timely and accurate records;
• Ensuring the duty of the Crown to consult with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia is fulfilled by following Departmental procedures in a timely manner, which includes, but is not limited to, assessing and analyzing data, drafting correspondence, coordinating with appropriate stakeholders and updating records.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a 2-year Planning Technician course such as a Paralegal or Survey Technician plus 6 years of related experience or an acceptable equivalency of training and experience may be considered.

You must:

• Have a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of real property law with a general understanding of survey procedures, property appraisals, geographic information systems and environmental practices related to land use.
• Be an exceptional communicator, both oral and written, with a demonstrated ability to use diplomacy and resourcefulness in dealing with clients, the public, stakeholders, management, and senior government officials in all levels of government and various departments and agencies.
• Have previous experience reviewing, interpreting, analyzing and summarizing complex files, contracts, and legal documents.
• Have initiative and good judgement in planning work according to program priorities and deadlines.
• Be a team player with outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Be able to effectively work independently, responding to a high volume of work.
• Have the strong organizational skills required to establish priorities, meet deadlines and respond to work demands efficiently.
• Previous experience working in a fast-paced computerized environment with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Possess a thorough understanding of the land and property related statutes, regulations and policies administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, as well as a general understanding of land and property legislation administered by other government departments and agencies would be 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

• Completion of a 1 year Paralegal program along with 7 years of related experience;
• 8 years of related experience with no Post Secondary program completion.

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

Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

May be required to work overtime on occasion.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of December 9, 2025. The appointment 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