Large Mammal Specialist (Program Admin Officer 3)

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.

The Sustainable Wildlife Use Program is responsible for the effective development, implementation and evaluation of management programs to maintain populations of wildlife at biologically and socially acceptable levels and to allocate appropriate and equitable uses of these wildlife resources in a manner beneficial to the people of Nova Scotia.

If you are passionate about the conservation and the sustainable and ethical use of wildlife, habitats and ecosystems in Nova Scotia, particularly large mammal wildlife populations, this may be the perfect opportunity for you!

About Our Opportunity

As the Large Mammal Specialist, you will be responsible for the planning, delivery, evaluation and monitoring of provincial wildlife and biodiversity programs and services, as related to sustainable use and management of large mammal wildlife species.

Primary Accountabilities

Working closely with others on the Sustainable Wildlife Use Team at the Wildlife Division, you will provide biological expertise, independent professional judgment, facilitation and support in the development and implementation of departmental and provincial policies, programs, plans, projects, strategies, legislation, and decisions affecting the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife and biodiversity resources. You also participate in the ongoing review, assessment, and updates of the provincial program.

You will coordinate the collection, assembly, collation, management and analyses of large mammal population and habitat data (in laboratory and field) gathered by staff and partners throughout the province. Working collaboratively with the Wildlife Resources System Administrator, you will ensure that necessary client training, licencing, and harvest reporting processes are developed and maintained to support effective management of sustainably used large mammal populations. You will also develop terms of reference for contracts and may be responsible for reviewing contract submission and monitoring of work undertaken.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to build/coordinate teams of experts and stakeholders and provide project leadership and/or supervision to implement provincial programs. This will typically require collaboration with partners that may include federal/provincial/state government departments, universities, industry, non-government organizations (NGOs), native groups and the conservation community. You will also supervise casual and term staff as well as develop and supervise budgets as required.

This position reports to the Manager, Sustainable Wildlife Use.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a Bachelor’s degree (in Biology or other wildlife related discipline from an accredited school) and five (5) years of directly related experience.

This role requires a melding of strong project management skills, professional knowledge, relevant experience and practical/specialized technical expertise in wildlife and biodiversity management and field, laboratory and computer applications.

Strong knowledge of wildlife related regulations and policies, experience in the collection, management and analysis of population and harvest data as well as experience in wildlife licensing and permitting, reporting processes and harvest allocation of consumptively used wildlife are required. A demonstrated ability to effectively conduct physically demanding field work under challenging conditions in remote locations with a minimum of basic amenities, strong demonstrated field skills including species identification and sampling methods, GPS navigation and GIS tracking and mapping are also required.

You must have demonstrated organizational and research skills including data management and analysis. You also possess strong decision-making skills and the ability to use your knowledge and expertise to develop innovative solutions and cultivate necessary partnerships to develop and deliver effective wildlife and biodiversity management.

Qualifications and Experience Continued

You are able to work independently with minimal supervision as well as successfully manage multiple tasks/projects. You also possess the ability to provide leadership to staff in a team environment and support clients at all levels of government, public and academic communities.

You have excellent written and verbal communication skills which will enable you to interact with and develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders as well as the public. You have strong client service and demonstrated conflict resolution skills particularly in communicating with upset and emotional clients/groups.

The following are considered assets:

• completion of additional science/wildlife related studies and a strong background and experience in fish and wildlife management/ biodiversity conservation;
• experience operating off highway vehicles and watercraft;
• a strong understanding of Nova Scotia provincial programs for management of wildlife species, habitats and ecosystems;
• familiarity and demonstrated skills in policy review and regulation development;
• experience in fish and wildlife management/ biodiversity conservation;
• demonstrated success in the operation and maintenance of field-based studies;
• familiarity with the Nova Scotia Wildlife Resources System.

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.

Equivalency

An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, for example, a 2 year technical diploma from a recognized school of Natural Resource Management with 7 years of related experience.

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

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

Normal work hours will be Monday to Friday, 8:30-4:30 but irregular hours including evenings and weekends may be required to accommodate meetings, travel and field work (field work frequently involves working for extensive periods under sometimes very difficult conditions in remote field camps with a minimum of basic amenities).

The successful candidate will be required to operate department vehicles, including off-road vehicles, boats and equipment, work in remote areas and travel long distances on foot over rough terrain and may include travel for extended periods in helicopters. As such, a valid Nova Scotia driver’s license (minimum Class 5) or equivalent and access to a motor vehicle are essential.

Additional Information

This is a term opportunity with an anticipated end date of September 14, 2023; the status of the opportunity (term, temporary, casual) is dependent on the start date of the successful applicant.

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.