Manager, Acquisitions & Disposals

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 and Renewables is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, mineral, parks and wildlife resources and the administration of the province's Crown lands. 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; 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

Are you looking for a work environment where your work and expertise will help positively contribute to the lives of Nova Scotians? If yes, we have an exciting opportunity for you to explore as the Manager of Acquisitions and Disposals with Natural Resources and Renewables. The Manager of Acquisitions and Disposals reports to the Director of Land Administration (Halifax).

As the Manager of Acquisitions and Disposals, it is essential to be able to inspire your team to provide excellent customer service and maintain high operational efficiency while also supporting Department/government mandates and complying with legislative requirements.  If you are looking for a fast paced work environment with a lot of variety and opportunity to connect directly with many different stakeholders within and external to government, this may be the opportunity for you!

Primary Accountabilities

As the Manager of Acquisitions and Disposals, you are responsible for managing Land Administration Officers and a Senior Land Administration Officer to facilitate the land administration needs of the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables in the acquisition, disposal and administration of Crown lands. You will assist the Director of Land Administration by facilitating and coordinating the various aspects of client service and program delivery required for the administration of Crown lands.  This position also coordinates land transactions on behalf of various Government departments and agencies, including the Office of L'nu Affairs. In this role, you will have the opportunity to deal with a variety of people, including clients, community members, stakeholders, surveyors, appraisers, lawyers, and all levels of government staff.

Qualifications and Experience

You will have a post-secondary degree in a relevant area with progressive experience with real estate transactions, real property and real property law. An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

You will have an understanding and knowledge of real property law and a general understanding of survey procedures, property appraisals, and geographic information systems.  This includes a demonstrated understanding of the land and property related statutes, regulations and policies administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables.  You are a critical thinker, problem solver and a strong communicator who can identify potential solutions and manage several priorities in an ever-changing environment. 

As the successful candidate you:

• Possess strong communication skills and can effectively interact and communicate with sensitivity in all situations when dealing with a variety of people, including clients, community members, stakeholders, surveyors, appraisers, lawyers, and all levels of government staff;
• Have demonstrated leadership abilities and experience managing staff;
• Possess an understanding of the Crown’s duty to consult with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia;
• Have strong negotiation skills, and the ability to review, interpret and analyze complex files, project proposals, contracts, and legal documents; and
• Are a self-motivated innovator with strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize performance targets, meet deadlines and respond to work demands. 

Leadership competencies required at this level of work are: Decisiveness, Strategic Orientation, Developing Others, Team Leadership, Self-Awareness and Personal Impact, Effective Interactive Communication, Partnering and Relationship Building, and Intercultural and Diversity Proficiency.

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

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 one (1) year TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of December 31, 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