Landscape Forester Intern

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

Under the general and technical direction of Provincial Landscape Ecologist, the Landscape Forester Intern works within the Forestry Division to support old growth forest research, old forest policy implementation, development of the provincial forest planning tools, and producing Ecological Landscape Analysis reports.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Landscape Forester Intern, you will use your specialized research knowledge to support field data collection on old growth forest and other ecosystems of concern, statistical data analysis and research report writing. To will also use your technical skills using ArcGIS 10x or ArcPro to support department landscape planning projects. These duties will support the sustainable ecosystem based management of the provincial forest resource.

You must exhibit good judgement and work practice to independently maintain data standards, currency and integrity and ensure spatial and attribute accuracy and consistency. You will provide quality control and assurance on digital data, and occasionally prepare cartographic or other derived products upon request (digital and/or hardcopy).

As the Landscape Forester Intern, you will also maintain or ensure an accurate record of work process and progress as required and effectively communicate and coordinate with colleagues regarding issues of work quality, process and progress.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have graduated within the past 3 years with a Bachelor degree in one of the following: Forestry, Geography, Planning, Environmental Studies, or Biology; or Masters degree in Science of Forestry or Masters in Resource and Environment Management.

As the ideal candidate you have a comprehensive knowledge of forest ecology and forest management principles, practices, objectives, policies and procedures as well as regulations concerning natural resources. Must have training or experience in forest ecosystems in Nova Scotia. Must have the ability to communicate effectively (verbally and written) at all levels within government and the private industry. A comprehensive knowledge of landscape ecology principles and practices. Must have training or experience in forest ecosystems.

You possess exceptional time management skills with the ability to organize work in order to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. You are a team player who is comfortable working collaboratively and respectfully within a team to achieve shared and independent performance goals. As a self-starter, you demonstrate the ability to use good judgement and show initiative in solving problems.

You must have previous experience in ArcGIS and R statistical software.

It is considered an asset if you have training or experience related to Nova Scotia Forest Ecosystem Classification, Nova Scotia Old Forest Scoring Protocols, landscape ecology, landscape planning, or forest management planning.

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.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and Union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

Travel is required throughout the province including field work through rough terrain requiring planning and physical fitness. May be required to use helicopter, ATV, snowmobile or boat to access remote terrain. Infrequent overnight travel nationally is required to attend meetings and/or conferences.

Additional Information

This is a one-year term opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2022; however the position status (“term”, “temporary” or “casual”) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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.