Supervisor Forest Nursery Operations
Competition # : 48195
Department: Natural Resources
Location: STRATHLORNE
Type of Employment: Term
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 22-Jun-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
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
Primary Accountabilities
Supervision and Coordination of Nursery Staff
- Works closely with the Nursery Manager to plan and coordinate daily operations.
- In the Manager’s absence, directs nursery maintenance staff and assigns daily work activities.
- Oversees and participates in tasks including operation of delivery trucks, lawn tractors, farm tractors, sprayers, irrigation pumps, and other nursery‑related equipment.
- Ensures completion of greenhouse duties essential to seedling growth, including snow removal from greenhouse roofs during winter months.
Maintenance of Nursery Facilities and Equipment
- Ensures nursery facilities and infrastructure are safe, functional, and prepared for tree seedling production.
- Identifies, prioritizes, and coordinates maintenance and improvement projects.
- Ensures required resources, materials, and tools are available for maintenance activities.
- Assigns and supervises maintenance work, including carpentry, plumbing, minor electrical repairs, welding, metal fabrication, and operation of heavy equipment.
Support of Tree Seedling Growth Operations
- Works collaboratively with greenhouse growers and irrigation staff to support optimal crop growth.
Heat, Ventilation, and Climate Control Oversight
- Oversees the operation and maintenance of the nursery’s oil‑fired boilers, wood waste boiler, and greenhouse climate control systems (VSD).
- Ensures proper temperature, ventilation, and environmental conditions to support healthy tree seedling growth.
Procurement of Nursery Supplies and Parts
- Monitors inventory levels and identifies the need for cleaning supplies, parts, and operational materials.
- Compares vendors to obtain supplies at the best possible value.
- Demonstrated experience with procurement processes, purchasing systems, and vendor management.
- Orders required parts for nursery vehicles and equipment, coordinating with DNR Shubenacadie Fleet Services as directed.
Site Access and Winter Operations
- Ensures safe and reliable access to the nursery year‑round.
- Operates heavy equipment for snow removal during winter months.
- Maintains clear access to the helipad to support EHS air ambulance landings.
Qualifications and Experience
- Grade 12 + related vocational training
- Proficiency in mathematics and record keeping
- A farm/forestry background of 3 or more years experience including one in a supervisor capacity with a demonstrated mechanical abilities.
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
- A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus
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 TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of May 28, 2027.
The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.
Pay Grade: MOS 15
Salary Range: $2,226.82 - $2,340.47 Bi-Weekly
Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.
Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.
This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:
Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.
External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.
If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more information.
Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.
