Provincial Biologist, Regulatory Affairs (Biologist 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 and Renewables is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forests, 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 Wildlife Division leads the effective development, implementation and evaluation of legislation, policy, programs, research and stewardship related to biodiversity in Nova Scotia. We provide science and management expertise, leadership and coordination, and ensure that the province meets provincial, national and international commitments.

About Our Opportunity

As the Provincial Biologist (Regulatory Affairs), you will provide leadership and professional expertise to internal/external stakeholders in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, wild species (including species-at-risk) and habitat in Nova Scotia. The work you do will ensure that long-term sustainable benefits of wild species and habitats are optimized and conflicts among resource users are minimized.

You will apply your knowledge of provincial/federal legislation and policy in the review, analyses and risk assessment of impacts of proposed development initiatives and develop, review and implement policies related to permitting under the Wildlife Act and its regulations, and the Endangered Species Act.

Primary Accountabilities

You will oversee the application and delivery of consistent standards across the province, ensuring that provincial and regional goals and objectives are coordinated with other government partners. You will also cooperate with other agencies in developing strategies and programs to mitigate and monitor for short and long term adverse environmental impacts on species at risk, important habitats and ecosystems and other aspects of Nova Scotia’s biodiversity.

You will be responsible for the integration of environmental assessment and permitting with relevant legislation and policy, including the Endangered Species Act, the Wildlife Act and its regulations, and other wildlife policy. This includes providing advice on:

• baseline field surveys and monitoring of impacts
• mitigation that is aligned with the goals of recovery of and/or management of wildlife and habitats, including species at risk
• relevant legislation and policies, and permitting, in the context of development activities
• design of studies that serve to improve understanding of adverse effects and mitigation for rare and sensitive species, habitats and ecosystems.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to coordinate teams of experts and stakeholders to support the environmental assessment and permitting processes. This includes collaboration with partners that may include federal/provincial/state government departments, universities, industry, non-government organizations (NGOs), Indigenous groups and the conservation community. You may also represent the department/province on various committees. The position will also entail impact assessment and mitigation work for activities that do not trigger the environmental assessment process but may trigger other permitting processes including under the Endangered Species Act, Wildlife Act, or for which assessment and advice is needed to avoid adverse effects or to promote sustainable planning and development.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a bachelor’s degree in science and six years of related experience or a Master of Science and four years of related experience. Related experience may include environmental impact assessment, wildlife biology or botany, habitat ecology (e.g. wetland biology) and/or conservation biology but an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

As the successful candidate, you will have expertise in the biological sciences, population ecology, impact assessment and mitigation processes, and prior experience with the conservation and management of biodiversity. You will also have demonstrated knowledge of the following:
 

• experience in environmental impact assessment, mitigation and management, as well as natural history, population ecology, and threat risk assessment for multiple taxonomic groups
• legislation and policy, including permitting, for species at risk and biodiversity conservation
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively and courteously with internal contacts, other branches/divisions, and stakeholders; and strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
   

Proficiency with computers (such as data management, GIS, and office productivity software) and excellent communication skills (written and verbal) are essential. You are highly motivated, flexible and demonstrate expertise when dealing with complex situations requiring innovative, collaborative and proactive solutions, sometimes under challenging circumstances. You have effective organizational, and impact assessment skills, as well as planning and multi-tasking skills to manage assessment projects with minimal supervision and within deadlines.

Knowledge of or experience in the following is considered an asset:
 

• previous project management experience in industrial or development settings, along with environmental assessment reviews
• Nova Scotia wildlife, species at risk, and their habitats
• policy review and regulation development
• moderate to advanced analytical skills related to statistical analyses and/or data management, including the ability to do associated computer programming

We will assess the above qualifications 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.

Other Considerations

A valid Nova Scotia driver’s license (minimum Class 5) or equivalent is required. The successful candidate will be required to operate department vehicles, including off-road vehicles, boats and equipment and may include travel for extended periods in helicopters.

Field work involves working for extensive periods under sometimes very difficult conditions in remote field camps with a minimum of basic amenities. Candidates may work in remote areas and travel long distances on foot over rough terrain.

Normal hours of work will be Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm but irregular hours including evenings and weekends may be required to accommodate deadlines, meetings, travel and field work.

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