Mineral Deposits/Economic Geologist (Geologist 4)

About Us

The Geoscience and Mines Branch of the Department of Natural Resources drives growth of Nova Scotia’s mineral sector by fostering an “open for business” environment, advancing resource development, and managing the full mining cycle, from exploration to reclamation. The Branch leads geoscience research, strategic analyses and regulatory work that supports responsible resource management and positions Nova Scotia as a competitive, well-informed mining jurisdiction.

Within the Branch, the Nova Scotia Geological Survey (NSGS) is Nova Scotia’s principal public geoscience institution. It delivers high-quality geological mapping, mineral systems analysis, economic and environmental geoscience, geohazards assessment, and geoscience data management. NSGS supports responsible mineral development, land-use planning, infrastructure resilience, and evidence-based decision-making for government, industry, and the public.

About Our Opportunity

• improve our understanding of all mineral deposits in the province and/or our knowledge of economic mineral potential, with an emphasis on critical minerals. 
• provide subject matter expertise to our operational groups and offer leadership and guidance to staff. 
• support the implementation of the Nova Scotia Critical Minerals Strategy.

As the successful candidate, you will be responsible for designing and executing field-based geological evaluations and assessments to identify and quantify economically viable mineral deposits in the province. You will collect, interpret, and publish scientific data, observations, interpretations, and recommendations both as a senior geologist and collaborator with internal and external teams.

You will be responsible for producing comprehensive mineral deposit models supported by thorough geoscience study and reasoning, using modern platforms and techniques as well as developing innovative approaches and solutions to a variety of geoscience challenges in Nova Scotia.

This position reports to the Manager of Critical Minerals and Resources within the Geological Survey Division.

Primary Accountabilities

• Designing, executing, and managing field-based geoscience research projects throughout Nova Scotia, with the goal of identifying and quantifying the resource potential in the province, particularly for critical minerals. This includes detailed project budgeting, scheduling, reporting, administration, and deliverables.
• Collecting and interpreting, detailed, timely, high-quality geoscience data.
• Mapping, core logging, petrographic examination, lithogeochemical, and micro-analytical examination of mineral deposits.
• Integrating data to construct metallogenic models to assess mineral potential of the province at both local and regional scales and develop robust economic models.
• Publishing relevant geoscience products.
• Supervising students and project collaborators during field programs and project activities.
• Assisting in internal and external projects as collaborator, including project administration, execution, and deliverables.
• Participating in other activities including Branch outreach presentations and publications, engaging senior management on topics related to mineral deposits and economic geology, and participating on internal and/or intergovernmental committees.
• Ensuring that work is performed in accordance with health and safety standards and other government workplace policies and directives.
• Other related duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates must possess superior knowledge and experience in field studies and mineral deposits/economic geology as demonstrated by a record of designing and executing successful field programs and the publication of scientific and/or technical reports. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate a knowledge of Nova Scotian geology as well as awareness of current trends in geoscience.

To be successful in this role, you must exercise a high degree of scientific skill and judgement in planning and carrying out scientific research projects, have highly developed oral and written communication skills, as well as possess and maintain a highly respected and authoritative position within your field of specialization. You will also have strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills along with a passion for field work. Computer skills in GIS and/or 3D modelling (e.g., LeapFrog Geo, Datamine) are valuable.

This position requires a high degree of self-motivation, professional independence, and the ability to work with minimal supervision, as well as demonstrated ability to collaborate with and effectively supervise, advise and/or assist other scientists. The ideal candidate will have the ability to mentor others in a professional and respectful manner while providing opportunities for professional growth.

The successful candidate must be registered with Geoscientists Nova Scotia or be immediately eligible for registration. You must possess a valid Class 5 driver's license.

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

This is an office and field-based position with extended periods of field work during the summer operational window (e.g., May-September), with occasional opportunities for travel to meetings, or conferences. In-province travel (department vehicle or helicopter) to project areas or sites will be required.

Additional Information

The position requires an individual with a high degree of geoscience expertise, credibility with senior management, staff, and interested parties.

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

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