Forest Protection Specialist (Environmental Analyst 1(A)-(B)-2))

About Us

Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources – including biodiversity, forests, provincial parks and the land we manage. The Department of Natural Resources & Renewables is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, 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.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager of Risk Services, the Forest Protection Specialist is responsible for providing scientific and technical support to assess and manage environmental issues, with a focus on forest pests and wildfire management. This role involves data management and analysis, project management, and research, to support the development and implementation of fleet and forest protection programs across the province.

The Forest Protection Specialist is a member of the Risk Services Unit, a group of highly dedicated professionals that evaluate risk and hazard management systems for disturbances, including but not limited to forest pest and disease, and wildfires. The Risk Services Unit addresses emerging forest health and environmental issues that require advanced professional knowledge and technological applications/solutions, encompassing a broader focus on prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery.

Primary Accountabilities

As a Forest Protection Specialist, you will be responsible for:

• Providing scientific and technical expertise to support forest pest and wildfire management programs across the province.
• Supporting the provincial insect reference collection, forest pest identification and data collection for forest pest monitoring.
• Conducting research and data analysis using spatial and non-spatial tools; manage data systems and collection methods (e.g., Survey123, Field Maps)
• Preparing reports, presentations, and technical bulletins; develop training and educational materials; provide expert advice to inform decision-making.
• Collaborating closely with the Provincial Forest Entomologist and Fire Science Officer on projects and initiatives.
• Coordinating and managing projects, including field and lab work.
• Advising senior management on strategic decisions.
• Managing procurement for specialized equipment, supplies and services, required for forest protection programs.
• Maintaining accurate historical data on forest pests, weather, and wildfires.
• Engaging in continuous learning and networking through reviewing technical publications, attending seminars, working groups and connecting with experts to stay current with evolving scientific information and software.
• Supporting operations at the Provincial Wildfire Control Centre.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 2 years of related experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be acceptable. Some examples of equivalences include a 2 year diploma + 4 years of relevant work experience or 6 years of work experience. 

Other requirements include:

• Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro) and spatial analysis tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (excel, word, outlook, etc)
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reports, presentations, and technical bulletins.
• Experience documenting and communicating results, procedures, and program deliverables.
• Ability to manage priorities and competing demands across multiple projects.
• Proven collaboration skills.
• Proven initiative, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience supporting decision making and planning.

Assets would include:

• In-depth understanding of forest health dynamics and forest entomology.
• Strong foundation in wildland fire management.
• Proficient in utilizing data collection and mapping platforms, including Survey123, Field Maps, and other ArcGIS online ESRI products.
• Applied programming experience (Python, R, or C#) to automate data collection, processes, and perform statistical analysis and summaries.

The successful incumbent must exercise a high degree of independent judgement, decision making and initiative to provide data and information.

Please ensure that you provide the specific details of your relevant work experience in your cover letter or resume as it applies to the requirements listed above.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, 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.

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