Climate Adaptation Coordinator (Program Admin Officer 3)

About Us

Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change’s role is to protect the environment and human health through regulatory excellence, conservation, partnership, and promotion. The department works to support a clean and healthy environment in Nova Scotia, advance a clean economy, addressing the climate crisis and guide the province towards a sustainable and clean future where all Nova Scotians can thrive.

This position is based in our Climate Change Division. We help multiple stakeholders to understand and strategically apply climate change adaptation in their activities and services, so they can succeed in a changing climate.

About Our Opportunity

We are looking for individuals whom are proactive in identifying ways to improve and deliver tasks, ready to adjust the changes and unexpected issues to keep projects running smoothly. We want you to thrive both independently and as part of a connected, collaborative, diverse, and responsive team, while demonstrating the ability to convey complex topics in plain language and summarizing key points effectively for diverse audiences. 

As a Climate Change Adaptation Coordinator, you will be responsible for implementing aspects of our Adaptation Program designed to support Nova Scotia government departments, municipalities,  business sectors, and communities, become more adaptive to climate change by developing and implementing adaptation action plans. These plans reflect best climate adaptation knowledge and practices and support government advancing emerging priorities, such as responsible development of natural resources, resilient infrastructure, costal protection and affordability. 

Key Responsibilities

• Support climate change adaptation commitments under Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act (EGCCRA), the Climate Change Plan, and the Coastal Protection Plan commitments. 
• Support government departments to develop and implement climate adaptation projects to help minimize specific climate risks to the services and programs these departments provide to Nova Scotians.
• Support key economic sectors, such as agriculture, mining, forestry with climate information, project planning, development and implementation of adaptation actions.
• Build strong relations and work with internal and external stakeholders (including but not limited to municipalities, business, non-profits and communities’ organizations) to develop adaptation projects that empower them with information and tools so they can act on climate change.
• Design and facilitate interactive sessions, such as meetings and learning sessions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop workplans and performance targets for adaptation projects, as well as keep track, monitor and evaluate data to inform modification and (re)design of adaptation actions and projects, as needed.
• Develop clear and concise informational materials (e.g., briefing notes, memorandum, presentations, etc.) to support leadership decision-making, and revise these materials to timely incorporate feedback from leadership, as needed.
• Connect internal and external stakeholders to climate change adaptation resources, including but not limited to climate organizations, training and funding opportunities.
• Work collaborative with colleagues within the several divisions and teams in the department.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate, you will have a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, economics, sustainability studies or equivalent, with at least 5 years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Your experience must clearly demonstrate your skills in team building, project management, group facilitation and written and verbal communication.  Demonstrated knowledge and experience of climate adaptation is required.

Other qualifications include: 

• Experience building, empowering, and leading diverse, multi-disciplinary groups, with the ability to forge strong relationships of trust and collaboration between partners.
• Have the ability to consider different viewpoints and experience in multi-stakeholder management in complex environments, including conflict management, diplomatically. 
• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex information, with excellent written and verbal communication, and the ability to present information in different ways to resonate with a variety of audiences. 
• Be detailed oriented. well-organized, action-oriented, with the ability to work quickly and handle multiple tasks at once. 
• Experience in planning and project management, and experience using data, theory, and best practices to identify innovative, practical, and defensible approaches to overcoming project challenges.

Assets include:

• Demonstrated experience in developing and/or implementing climate change adaptation action plans and projects.
• Experience developing partnerships with municipalities, private sector, and with underserved/underrepresented groups.
• Experience using project management software.
• Experience in grant writing.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. 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

Some travel may be required across the province.

Additional Information

PLEASE NOTE: This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 2026. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.


Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

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.