Aquaculture Planner (GIS Officer 3)

About Us

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has a legislated mandate to manage, promote, support, and develop the fishing, aquaculture and seafood processing industries that contribute to the economic, environmental and social prosperity of Nova Scotia’s coastal and rural communities. We work to promote Nova Scotia as Canada’s premier fish and seafood province.

Who You Are

You are a person who can creatively use modern spatial concepts to enhance data analysis and visually present information using mapping and GIS tools. You like to continuously learn and acquire new skills. You are a team player willing to help in any situation that may arise. You are a dependable person and can efficiently and collaboratively work under stressful and time sensitive deadlines and have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with staff, peers in other departments, and at all levels of management.

About This Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager of Aquaculture Development, the incumbent administers the Department's resource databases, editing systems, analysis tools and geo-spatial information collection and delivery services. The incumbent provides department-wide leadership and technical expertise in aligning the GIS application architecture with business needs, geospatial data and infrastructure components. The incumbent is also responsible for assisting in the identification, designation, and implementation of Aquaculture Development Areas. The incumbent works individually and in team environments with a wide number of professionals within the department, across the provincial government, the fisheries and aquaculture industry, and within the federal government. As a GIS specialist in the Department, the incumbent works on GIS related matters in the areas of aquaculture, fish processing, rockweed, coastal initiatives and inland fisheries. The incumbent often works on assigned tasks with minimal direct supervision. Independent judgment, research, analysis, ingenuity, and initiative are required to support sound decision making with respect to policies, programs, and procedures.

Primary Accountabilities

There is a continuous requirement to problem solve complex issues arising from aquaculture and marine plant applications and ongoing file management. Upholding Department and Government policy while addressing the often-unique circumstances of a given situation requires in-depth analytical skills and recommending solutions. The incumbent is often required to develop unconventional outputs dependent on situations as they arise. The incumbent must be motivated, persuasive, self-reliant, adaptable, independent, innovative, and entrepreneurial in leading the provision and delivery of geo-spatial products and data.

You will collaborate with staff within the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the maintenance and monitoring of datasets and be responsible for multiple projects at any given time requiring the ability to multi-task and work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, where you will:

• Employ your knowledge and experience of GIS principals, mapping and cartography to perform GIS analysis in support of aquaculture policies and processes.
• Perform GIS datasets edits and data maintenance and implement quality assurance activities.
• Develop and produce cartographic products.
• Be responsible for assessing licence and lease applications on the basis of established policy, procedures, precedent, and guidelines.
• Be responsible for the integrity of all GIS information and its usage.
• Be responsible for the interpretation of GIS data.
• Be responsible for identifying needs and gaps in relation to the Department's spatial data.
• Be responsible to effectively managing time and resources to balance long-term tasks with immediate needs.

Qualifications and Experience

Post graduate degree/diploma in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A bachelor’s degree in a relevant Geomatics field plus five (5) years of related experience; or graduation from an approved technical school in the field of Geomatics plus eight (8) years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be acceptable.

You have:

• demonstrated knowledge of geographic and spatial concepts
• hands-on experience using ESRI’s suite of software, ArcGIS desktop software, and ArcGIS Online
• experience in cartography and the production of digital maps
• experience maintaining and editing spatial datasets, including applying quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) measures
• the ability to develop, document, and maintain metadata in accordance with established standards
• experience interpreting and visualizing complex data to support decision-making and stakeholder engagement
• the ability to manage concurrent projects with minimal supervision in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment
• excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey technical information to non-technical audiences
• a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development in GIS, geospatial technology, and aquaculture-related domains
  

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.

Additional Information

This is a Temporary employment opportunity with anticipated end date of March 31, 2026. The appointment status (‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to learn, train and develop your skills.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.