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 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 wildfire hazards. This role involves advanced data management, analysis, and project management to support the development and implementation of specialized Fleet and Fire Management 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 wildfire disturbances. The Risk Services Unit addresses emerging wildfire issues that require advanced professional knowledge and technological solutions, encompassing a broader focus on prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery.

Primary Accountabilities

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

• Maintaining the provincial weather station network, including hardware, backend systems, and integrated software.
• Providing scientific and technical expertise to support wildfire management and fire science programs across the province.
• Collaborating closely with the Fire Science Officer and operational leads on wildfire projects and risk mitigation initiatives.
• Supporting the provincial fire data systems, data collection, and real-time monitoring of wildfire hazards.
• Conducting research and data analysis using spatial and non-spatial tools; managing data systems and collection methods (e.g., Survey123, Field Maps) to track fire behavior and occurrence.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and technical bulletins; developing training and educational materials; providing expert advice to inform strategic fire management decision-making.
• Coordinating and managing projects, including field assessments and technical equipment testing.
• Advising senior management on strategic decisions regarding wildfire risk and provincial preparedness.
• Managing procurement for specialized equipment, supplies, and services required for provincial wildfire protection programs.
• Maintaining accurate historical data on fire weather, lightning strikes, and wildfire history to support long-term trend analysis.
• Engaging in continuous learning and networking through reviewing technical publications, attending seminars, and connecting with fire behavior experts to stay current with evolving wildfire science 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.
• Comprehensive knowledge of wildland fire management and advanced fire behavior science.
• Wildfire operational experience, including field-based suppression, incident command support, or fire weather monitoring.

Assets would include:

• Proficiency in utilizing data collection and mapping platforms, including Survey123, Field Maps, and the esri ArcGIS Online/desktop ecosystem.
• Applied programming experience (Python, R, or C#) to automate data collection, streamline workflows, and perform statistical analysis.
• The successful incumbent must exercise a high degree of independent judgement, decision making and initiative to provide data and information.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application. 

Working Conditions

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

May be required to work overtime on occasion.

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