Manager, Sustainable Wildlife Use

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 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.

As a vital part of the Wildlife Division, the Sustainable Wildlife Use program is responsible for conserving the diversity of wildlife species and the integrity of habitats upon which wildlife depend.  Ensuring that planning, decision making and management action involving wildlife species and habitats are based on the best scientific and traditional knowledge available. Ensuring that all uses of wildlife are sustainable.  Providing equitable opportunities for Nova Scotians to use and to share the benefits afforded by wildlife species.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Wildlife, the Manager leads the development, implementation and evaluation of programs, legislation, policy, research and management strategies and plans that promote and enable the conservation and sustainable use of Nova Scotia's harvestable large mammals, furbearers and upland game species, and that manages conflict between humans and wild species. This is conducted in an acceptable social and environmental manner based on recognized scientific principles and practices. The Manager provides science and management expertise, leadership and coordination on harvested wildlife management, human wildlife conflict issues, and hunter education provincially to ensure the province meets provincial requirements, and national and international commitments are met.

Primary Accountabilities

You are a seasoned professional who will be accountable for the overall delivery of the provincial Sustainable Wildlife Use portfolio on behalf of the Government, in accordance with provincial acts, regulations and policies. The Manager is accountable for the development, implementation and evaluation of programs, legislation, regulations, policies, research, and management plans that support five distinct program areas - the conservation and sustainable use of large mammals, the conservation and sustainable use furbearers and upland game species, licencing, the management of conflict between humans and wildlife, and hunter and trapper education.

The Manager is accountable for the strategic and operational leadership of the Sustainable Wildlife Use portfolio through direction, planning, evaluation, and implementation in accordance with the Wildlife Act using a broad knowledge of legislation, regulations, policies and programs to manage and mitigate risks to the public, Government Employees, Minister(s) and to build collaborative relationships within the province, the country and the international community.

Qualifications and Experience

A university degree in in biology/wildlife as well as several years of progressive management experience in a similar role or an acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience.
 

The success of this position requires a combination of strong leadership skills, team building and a genuine interest and determination in fulfilling the provincial and departmental goals in wildlife and biodiversity. You must have a proven record of creative thinking and applying specialized knowledge of wildlife science in the context of government policies.  You are familiar with Canada’s and Nova Scotia’s wildlife, species at risk, biodiversity conservation the role of public policy and public service science, and current issues with respect to the management of wildlife populations, habitats and ecosystems in Nova Scotia.
 

You are a problem solver and a strong communicator who can resolve issues in an ever-changing environment. You are also an innovator who generates, promotes, and implements new ideas, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders and resolving concerns arising from the resulting changes these ideas would produce.
 

Experience with government, wildlife-related business and/or a policy organization will be considered an asset, especially in combination with experience in policy and planning. Demonstrated experience in change management initiatives will also be considered an asset.

The Government of Nova Scotia follows the LEADS Leadership Framework, emphasizing self-leadership, engaging others, achieving results, developing coalitions, and systems transformation.

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

Work within an office environment.

Field work as required.

Occasional work outside of regular work hours.

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.