Fisheries Inspection (Conservation Officer 1-2)

About Us

At the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, our mission is to conserve, protect and promote our fish, wildlife, natural environments and other resources through safety, education and law enforcement. We achieve this through a resource-based policing service responsible for the enforcement of wildlife, parks and fisheries laws to ensure the sustainable use of Nova Scotia’s natural resources and to ensure the continued enjoyment of our province for our present and future generations.

For more information on the department view our website: https://novascotia.ca/natr

About Our Opportunity

As a Conservation Officer with our Conservation Officer Service, you will enforce Provincial and Federal Acts and Regulations relating to Natural Resources and Fisheries through advanced specialized expertise and knowledge in law enforcement and investigations.  

This position will be concentrated on the Fishery and Coastal Resources Act and its Regulations. Duties will include ensuring compliance and as required, enforcement relating to buying, selling and processing fish and fish products, the commercial harvesting of marine plants and aquaculture operations.  This position will involve travel throughout the province and over nights stays in hotels as required.

Primary Accountabilities

As a Conservation Officer, you will:

• provide public liaison and education.
• conduct field investigations.
• gather and secure evidence.
• provide testimony in court proceedings and working with other Provincial, Federal and International enforcement agencies.
• document investigations and other work using electronic and hard copy filing systems.
• complete annual training and certification in use of force and firearms. 

In addition, you will ensure provisions under the Criminal Code of Canada and other related legislation is adhered to through your status as a Special Constable.

Qualifications and Experience

Completion of related post secondary education + completion of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Training Program, Police Training Program or equivalent + 3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination.

As the successful candidate, you can demonstrate with evidence experience of: 

• a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of law enforcement,
• knowledge of the statutes and regulations administered by the department relating to resource management, with primary focus on the Fishery and Coastal Resources Act and its regulations,
• effective organizational skills and ability to set priorities,
• strong communication (verbal and written) as well as excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills,
• appropriate judgement and response to crisis situations and possess excellent thoroughness when dealing with enforcement / legal / compliance issues,
• strong computer literacy skills
• individual initiative as well as work well within a team environment
• A valid driver's license (minimum Class 5) is required. 

Current certification in Standard First Aid and CPR would be considered an asset.

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

Conservation Officers duties require working evenings, weekends and holidays.  You will be travelling over all types of geographical terrains found within the province via foot and operating a variety of off-highway vehicles, enforcement vehicles, boats and travel by aircraft in adverse weather conditions. This position will, at times, require travelling throughout the province and may require one or more consecutive overnight stays in various locations across the province. 

Additional Information

Please note: 

• This posting will be used to fill two (2) permanent vacancies; one (1) in Eastern region (Baddeck or Coxheath) and one (1) in Western Region (Lunenburg, Milton or Cornwallis). Please clearly state which location you are applying for in your application.
• This position requires wearing a uniform and carrying/certifying on required duty equipment, including sidearm, OC spray, baton and handcuffs. Previous training and/or certification with this equipment will be considered an asset.

The successful candidate must undergo and pass a security clearance, psychological testing and will be required to submit a driver's abstract.

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