Senior Research and Planning Forester (Forester 4)

Competition # : 49560

Department: Natural Resources

Location: TRURO

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 03-Sep-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. For more information on the department view our website: https://novascotia.ca/natr

About Our Opportunity

As the Senior Research and Planning Forester you will lead a forest research and planning program that generates science based knowledge and tools in support of sustainable forest management planning and policy development.

Primary Accountabilities

Some of the primary accountabilities of the role include:

• Leading a forest research group in the development and delivery of research plans, related projects and tasks, and resulting forest management tools, reports and guidance documents for use by government and forestry stakeholders.
• Providing scientific and/or technical expertise and advice to Department Senior Management, Directors, Managers and to various forestry stakeholders inside and outside of government in support of sustainable forest management policies and planning.
• Representing the Department on provincial, national, and international committees and working groups.
• Working with other government, university and research institute scientists to provide and promote science-based forest management decisions.
• Producing and publishing scientific papers and reports related to research projects and Department policies and guidelines.
• Leading or assisting in the development of strategic plans, management groups, and policy documents that guide administrative and operational decisions regarding provincial forest management planning.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a Bachelor of Science in Forestry along with 8 years of related experience or a Master's degree in Forestry along with 6 years of related experience.

As the ideal candidate you have:

• A strong working knowledge in forest mensuration
• An understanding of scientific methodology as it relates to experimental design, data collection and analysis
• Expertise in tree silvics of Acadian and Boreal forests
• Demonstrated knowledge in forest management planning processes
• A willingness to work in both an office and field environment.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.

To be successful in this role you must possess strong organizational skills to deal with multiple, on-going projects. You also have exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team environment.

Additional assets include:

• Experience with PSP establishment, measuring and monitoring program to produce recommendations for growth and yield predictions.
• Expert knowledge regarding national, provincial, and regional forestry issues and topics.
• An ability to effectively supervise a team of technical and professional forestry staff.
• Demonstrated experience with statistical software, resource modeling software including python, and ArcGIS software.
• A broad knowledge of forestry practices and principles as well as forestry and wildlife policies, regulations, and guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, formulate, design, and undertake complex research or investigative projects, with minimal direction and supervision often under very stringent time constraints.
• Experience using remotely piloted aircraft systems (drones) for forestry purposes.

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

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. 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 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.

Working Conditions

This position involves a mix of office and field work.

Field work involves rugged and remote locations, occasionally working alone, inclement weather, walking in hazardous conditions, use of forestry tools, sampling equipment, measuring equipment and data recorders.

Regular travel by car or truck is required along with occasional travel by ATV, helicopter and or small water craft.

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.

Pay Grade: PR 17

Salary Range: $3,410.48 - $4,005.58 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.