Forester, Tree Breeding and Genetics (Research & Planning Forester)
Date: May 27, 2019
Location: TRURO, NS, CA, B2N 0G9
Company: The Government of Nova Scotia
Apply By: 6/30/2019
Lands and Forestry
Forester, Tree Breeding and Genetics (Research & Planning Forester), Permanent, TRURO
Competition # 19159
About Us
Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources – including biodiversity, forests, geological resources, provincial parks and the land we manage. The Department of Lands and Forestry is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, mineral, 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
The Research and Planning Forester leads forest research and planning projects, develops management tools, and provides related advice to Department managers, Regional IRM resource professionals, technical staff, and external clients to ensure effective implementation of new and established program directions. The incumbent may also provide liaison and advice to other government departments and participate on various departmental and inter-departmental committees and/or working groups.
As a member of a provincial forest research and planning group, the Research and Planning Forester exercises professional, independent judgement and initiative in developing and applying specialized scientific knowledge to complex land and natural resource management issues and activities. Under direction of a Senior Forester, the Research and Planning Forester develops and manages forest research and planning projects, produces research reports and management tools, and facilitates related technology transfer. The Research and Planning Forester also promotes sustainable forest resource management to industry, government agencies, woodlot owners and operators, and the general public by making presentations, providing input to inquiries, and utilizing a range of outreach tools.
About You
You have a Bachelor of Science in Forestry plus 6 years of related experience; or a Masters of Science (MSc) degree in Forestry and 4 years of related experience.
As a potential member of the Department's Site Productivity and Tree Improvement Group, you must have:
- an understanding of the basic principles of quantitative genetics, including variation, inheritance, inbreeding, and response to artificial selection;
- demonstrable knowledge of operational tree improvement principles and methods, including breeding strategies, field testing, and seed orchard design;
- the ability to initiate, formulate, design and undertake complex research and investigative projects;
- a strong working knowledge of software required for database management, statistical (specifically quantitative genetic) analysis (e.g., SAS, ASReml, R), pedigree management, and GIS database management; and
- effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
Additional assets include:
- experience using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction techniques to predict clonal breeding values;
- experience analyzing tree improvement data and formulating breeding and production recommendations and growth and yield predictions; and
- knowledge and understanding of emerging trends in genomics based molecular tools having potential application to tree improvement.
You must be able to demonstrate strong organizational skills to deal with multiple, on-going projects. Excellent interpersonal skills are required with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team environment. A high level of judgement is required to provide professional assessments and recommendations regarding the probable effects of various actions or proposals upon forest resources.
Other Considerations
Travel is occasionally required throughout the province which may include field work requiring physical fitness. Infrequent overnight travel is required for field work and to attend meetings and/or conferences.
Pay Grade: PR 15
Salary Range: $2,524.89 - $3,077.78 Bi-Weekly
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.
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 Aboriginal 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 the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.
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 their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. For questions or concerns, please contact Competitions@novascotia.ca.
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