Coordinator, Integrated Conservation Action (Program Admin Officer 3)

About Us

Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources – including biodiversity, forests, provincial parks and the land we manage. The Department of Natural Resources & Renewables is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, 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 Biodiversity program is responsible for the effective development, implementation and evaluation of programs to conserve and recover Nova Scotia’s species-at-risk.  As part of this responsibility, the Province has partnered with the federal government, Indigenous and non-government conservation organizations to shift from single-species to multi-species recovery approaches in a priority landscape.  This is delivered through the coordinated identification and implementation of priority conservation actions using an integrated conservation approach.

If you are passionate about the recovery of species-at-risk, this may be the perfect opportunity for you!

About Our Opportunity

As the Coordinator of Integrated Conservation Action, you will be responsible for administering the Kespukwitk - South West Nova Scotia Priority Place Initiative. 

Primary Accountabilities

Working closely with the Manager-Biodiversity, the Canadian Wildlife Service, and partners in the Initiative you will provide coordination, expertise, communications and administration for a funding program that supports species-at-risk conservation work in the priority place of Kespukwitk -South West Nova Scotia (K-SWNS).  You also participate in a governance committee for the initiative, providing secretariat support, developing and managing meeting agendas and logistics.  

You will maintain communications and facilitate the exchange of information between members of the Governance Committee and project partners.   Working collaboratively with other members of the Initiative you will identify and develop opportunities to advance the delivery of species-at-risk conservation projects, track and report on progress.  You will provide program support for the alignment and integration of conservation actions across Indigenous organizations, non-government conservation organizations, industry, communities, landowners and resources users, to ensure collaboration, coordination and consistency.   You will administer Contribution Agreements and may be responsible for monitoring of work undertaken. 

This position reports to the Manager of Biodiversity.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a Bachelor’s degree (in wildlife biology, environmental science or management) from an accredited university and five (5) years of directly related experience. An acceptable equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered, for example, a technical diploma from a recognized school of Natural Resource Management and extensive related experience may be considered as an equivalency.

This role requires knowledge of the Nova Scotia conservation context, including species at risk, other species of conservation concern, habitats, ecosystems, and key threats, knowledge of provincial legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures related to the environment, wildlife species and habitats, experience working with or partnering with non-government, Indigenous communities and or industry.  Strong project management skills are also required.

You are able to work independently with minimal supervision as well as successfully manage multiple tasks/projects. You also possess the ability to provide leadership to staff in a team environment and support clients at all levels of government, public and academic communities.

You have excellent written and verbal communication skills which will enable you to interact with and develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders as well as the public. You have strong client service and demonstrate conflict resolution skills.

Qualifications and Experience - Con't

 The following are considered assets:

• knowledge of the conservation context in Kesputwitk - South-West Nova Scotia, including species at risk, other species of conservation concern, habitats, ecosystems, and key threats
• experience coordinating multi-partner committees or initiatives
• knowledge of K-SWNS conservation partners
• knowledge of the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation and/or Healthy Country Planning database management and/or GIS skills

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

A master’s degree in wildlife biology, environmental science, or management along with 3 years of related experience.

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 hours will be Monday to Friday, 8:30-4:30 but irregular hours including evenings and weekends may be required to accommodate meetings and travel.

A valid Nova Scotia driver’s license (minimum Class 5) or equivalent and access to a motor vehicle is essential.

Additional Information

This is a  term opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2026. However, the position 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.