Mineral Development Facilitator (Geologist 3)

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.

About Our Opportunity

The Mineral Development Facilitator (Geologist 3), under the general supervision of the Executive Director, is designed to streamline the experience of exploration and mining proponents in Nova Scotia by serving as a single point of entry into government processes. The Mineral Development Facilitator will provide early-stage guidance, facilitate navigation of regulatory requirements, and connect companies with the right expertise and resources within government. Beyond supporting proponents, the role is critical for identifying systemic barriers to investment, recommending process improvements, and providing government with real-time intelligence to inform mineral policy, land-use decisions, and strategic economic priorities.

This role directly affects the province’s ability to attract and retain mineral investment, reduce friction in permitting, and position Nova Scotia as a competitive and responsible mining jurisdiction. Success will be measured by improved client service, streamlined processes, and the province’s increased profile as a destination for exploration and mining investment.

Primary Accountabilities

• Act as a centralized entry point for exploration and mining proponents to navigate permitting, mineral policy, and regulatory requirements.
• Advise stakeholders on the province’s resource potential, exploration opportunities, and strategic advantages within the broader Canadian and global mining context.
• Deliver step-by-step guidance on geoscience data, land tenure, resource potential, and exploration opportunities.
• Facilitate connections with the right government, industry, and community contacts, including regulation and permitting, funding programs, geoscience experts, Mi’kmaw and community engagement processes, and service providers.
• In coordination with the Department’s Liaison Geologist, proactively engage with new proponents, compile and maintain company intelligence, and track investment activity.
• Identify and help resolve investment barriers by proposing effective process changes that enhance competitiveness.- Provide government with real-time insights to support policy development, land-use planning, and economic development priorities.
• Carry out all duties in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Departmental policies and practices related to Occupational 

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in the role you must have:

• At a minimum a B.Sc. in geology, earth sciences, environmental geosciences, mining engineering or related field plus a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a mining-related related field. 
• Strong knowledge of mineral exploration and mining processes, permitting frameworks, and geoscience fundamentals.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with industry, government, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team, environment.
• Possess strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Having a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset is important.
• Skilled in translating technical information into clear, actionable guidance for diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify systemic issues and recommend solutions.
• Strong organizational and information management skills, with ability to track and synthesize intelligence across multiple projects and companies.
• Experience in investment attraction, regulatory navigation, or resource sector development is considered an asset.
• Experience in customer service considered an asset.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: resumé, 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

The position may require travel and field work.

Additional Information

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

Impact of this opportunity

This role directly affects the province’s ability to attract and retain mineral investment, reduce friction in permitting, and position Nova Scotia as a competitive and responsible mining jurisdiction. Success will be measured by improved client service, streamlined processes, and the province’s increased profile as a destination for exploration and mining investment.

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