Summer Student - Parks Planning (2 positions)

About Us

The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the development, management, conservation, and protection of forests, minerals, parks, and wildlife resources. Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources – its biodiversity, forests, and ecosystems are represented throughout the provincial parks and lands we manage.  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. 

We are recruiting summer students to help our province achieve big things!

About Our Opportunity

Need a summer job but do not want to spend all day behind a desk inside? We are seeking a post-secondary student to assist the Parks and Outreach Division in provincial park management planning initiatives with a focus on biodiversity conservation measures.

As a Parks Planning Student, you will work as part of a passionate team of park professionals and technicians to enhance conservation measures and visitor experiences within Nova Scotia’s provincial park system. You will be involved in researching and compiling data on natural and built features, mapping, identifying trends and issues, and researching conservation and recreation management policy and planning in parks in other jurisdictions. You will assist staff with the preparation of provincial park management plans and policies through data collection and analysis, representation, preparing strategic direction, and documenting plans.

Qualifications and Experience

You must be a full-time post-secondary student enrolled in any of the following fields: planning, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, natural sciences, environmental science, outdoor recreation, and returning to studies in the Fall of 2025.

To be successful in this role, you must have strong verbal and written communication and analytical skills as the work requires the preparation of written manuals, technical reports and supporting documents.

You will have strong organizational skills and problem-solving ability. You can work both independently and as part of a team. You will be familiar with software for word processing, presentation, spreadsheet management, illustration, and mapping.

You will assist with a wide range of tasks such as:

• Report writing, delivery and presentations
• Public and stakeholder engagement
• Field work, data collection and analysis
• Digitizing files
• Various tasks supporting the parks program

The following are considered assets:

• Experience in interpreting statistics, resource inventories, geographical and environmental data, as well as economic and social data
• Experience using data in support of policy and project proposals
• Knowledge or experience with environmental science and ecology
• Knowledge of or experience using GPS equipment and software for navigation and data capture, data management, GIS software (ArcGIS)
• Auto Cad
• Familiarity with local area geography and the Provincial Park system of camping, day-use parks, beaches, and trails
• Standard first aid

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Working Conditions

Some travel throughout the province will be required, visiting different provincial parks. As such, a valid NS Driver’s License (or equivalent) and access to a reliable vehicle is required. Candidates will be required to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

Additional Information

This is a STUDENT employment opportunity with a season start date of April 28, 2025 and end date of August 15, 2025.

Employees are expected to provide their own CSA safety boots.

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