HWA Project Assistant (Forestry Technician 2(A)-(B)-3)

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 (DNR) 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.

For more information: https://novascotia.ca/natr/

About Our Opportunity

Under direction of the Manager, Forest Protection, Fleet and Forest Protection Division, and reporting to the Forest Health Supervisor, the DNR Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA) Forest Technician will be responsible for assisting with key assessment and forest protection elements associated with a multi-year, multi-million-dollar, partner-based conservation project aimed at protecting high-priority hemlock stands from the hemlock woolly adelgid.  This is a collaborative project supported by Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) through the Federal Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund.  The purpose of this funding stream is carbon accumulation and averting carbon loss, with biodiversity conservation as a co-benefit.  

As the DNR HWA Forest Technician, you will work help organize, coordinate, assess, and report on the work assigned to and completed by DNR HWA strike team members.  These strike team members will include  two Forest Technician 2-3 A-B, and up to four seasonal Assistant Forest Technician 1 A-B’s.

Primary Accountabilities

Some of the primary accountabilities of the DNR HWA Project Assistant will include the following:

• assist with identifying priority DNR HWA assessment and protection tasks.
• use GIS layers and software to identify potential high-priority hemlock stands.
• Assist with the planning and coordination of pre-assessment work to assess the eligibility of high-priority hemlock stands for treatment.
• Pre-assessment work will including the use of ArcGIS products to navigate to and work within pre-determined locations, Field work to assess and record hemlock composition and health, and the presence of hemlock woolly adelgid.
• Assist with the planning, coordination, and delivering of chemical treatments in accordance with safe work practices, pesticide label instructions, and any other provincial and federal regulatory or legislative requirements.
• Field work that is conducted can be in rugged and isolated terrain with associated hazards (e.g., inclement weather, biting flies/ticks, slippery footing).
• For chemical treatments in the field, it will also require the physical ability to carry and use a backpack sprayer containing 15 L (33 pounds/15 kg) of product.
• Assist with adherence to pesticide label limits, proper use of PPE, maintenance of spray equipment, and storage of chemical insecticides.
• Assist other strike team members with field data collection requirements for pre-assessments and treatments using ArcGIS software.
• Assist with evaluating and improving work efficiencies as needed to increase treatment and pre-assessment productivity.
• Assist with summarizing, and reporting on DNR pre-assessment and HWA treatments results.
• Assist with coordination of work between DNR strike team members and other HWA partners, including volunteers.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate must have graduated from a recognized forestry or related technician diploma program, must be familiar with forestry and forest pest management practices and principles, have technical experience working on forestry related projects, and have or be able to obtain a provincial pesticide applicators certificate.  They must be in good physical health to conduct the field work required, and possess strong team, interpersonal and communication skills to work collaboratively with other strike team members, HWA partners, and volunteers  familiar with research, data collection and analysis techniques and have familiarity with and skills to utilize Microsoft Office products.

They must have a high standard of capability is expected in oral and written communication, time management, organizing and problem solving. This is a specialized position where the candidate must be highly motivated and have strong self-initiative and engagement to produce timely and reliable results. They must also have strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with a dedicated team of Risk Services professionals, as well as, other stakeholders. They must also be able to operate with considerable independence and a minimum of direct supervision.

A valid driver's license is required.

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.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and Union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as  Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria. 

Working Conditions

Field, office, and lab work as required; field work requires travel in department vehicles including aircraft to remote locations.

Additional Information

PLEASE NOTE: This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of March 31, 2027.  The appointment 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.