Environmental Analyst 1(A)-(B)-2

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.

About Our Opportunity

This is an opportunity with the Aquaculture Division, part of the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSDFA). Under the supervision of the Manager of Aquaculture Operations, the Aquaculture Environmental Analyst supports the delivery of aquaculture programs and policies through fieldwork and laboratory analysis; data collection, data organization and data analysis; program development, implementation and review with a focus on environmental considerations; and assessment of environmental constraints related to aquaculture proposals and applications. The Aquaculture Environmental Analyst supports the work of Senior NSDFA Staff to meet Division objectives.

Working primarily with the Operations Unit Senior Staff, the Aquaculture Environmental Analyst provides planning, development, and operational support for the development of commercial aquaculture in Nova Scotia. The position will work closely with Division Unit Staff including Operations, Licensing, Development and Aquatic Animal Health, as well as Senior Staff across the Division. More broadly, the Aquaculture Environmental Analyst will also engage with the aquaculture industry, academic community and various provincial and federal agencies to contribute to the full development potential of aquaculture in Nova Scotia.

Primary Accountabilities

As an Aquaculture Environmental Analyst, you will:

• Assist with the development, implementation and review of Division policies and programs related to the management, monitoring, and development of commercial aquaculture in Nova Scotia. Programs include, but are not limited to, the Farm Management Plan Program and its key components such as environmental monitoring, containment management and farm operations.
• Adhere to environmental scientific standards to support program work. An understanding of the principles of various scientific disciplines and the ability to integrate this knowledge into a cohesive approach to resolving problems.
• Plan and complete field and laboratory work related to the Division’s aquaculture policies and programs. With the prerequisite training and experience, carry out field work activities such as flying drones, deploying oceanographic equipment and collecting marine benthic samples, and laboratory analysis of benthic samples from the marine environment.
• Collect, organize and analyze aquaculture related data, and information gathered by Divisional field and laboratory staff to create end-products that can be used by other staff to inform decision making and aquaculture management. Analyze data sets from external sources and interpret the data in a meaningful way and perform data analysis for Senior Staff and Management on a variety of topics as required.
• Provide project management and/or support to designated aquaculture projects and initiatives and input into strategic decision-making. Develop effective working relationships across a variety of levels/work units.
• Draw upon aquaculture knowledge and expertise, available data and research to assess aquaculture proposals and applications for alignment with the Division's strategic plan and policies and identify environmental constraints that could influence the success of such aquaculture initiatives.
• Conduct research and jurisdictional reviews to gain insights and inform program, policy and strategy development. Maintain and compile reports and briefing notes which support Division program, policy and strategy development.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this role, you will hold a Bachelor of Science degree in a related field, such as: Aquaculture, Oceanography, Marine Biology, Marine Science, Environmental Science plus 2 years of related experience in aquaculture, aquatic environmental science and/or aquatic environmental monitoring.

The successful candidate must work well under pressure, possess strong analytical skills, and demonstrate the ability to work independently to ensure the delivery of departmental programs and services. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills are essential to effectively interact and converse with diverse groups and individuals from industry stakeholders, government organizations to the general public. The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful. They must be administratively self-sufficient with strong computer skills in spreadsheets, word processing, data management and presentation packages. The incumbent will also be able to implement field and laboratory work to support departmental programs and services in a number of diverse environmental settings.  

This position will be required to travel throughout the province; therefore, the incumbent must hold a valid drivers license. 

Experience working in the aquatic environment from small vessels would be considered an asset. Experience operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) would be considered an asset. Further assets include the completion of the following training: Small Vessels Operator Proficiency, Marine Emergency Duties, Restricted Operator Certificates: Maritime Commercial (ROC-MC) and Aeronautical (ROC-A) and Pilot Certificate: Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), Visual line-of-sight (VLOS). 

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

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. 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

Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

May be required to work overtime on occasion.

Additional Information

This is a 1-year TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2026. 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