Seasonal Forest Inventory Technician (Forest Technician 2-3)(Forestry Technician 2(A)-(B)-3)

Government of Nova Scotia; Truro; On-site; CAD 1,000 - 3,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative team as a Forest Inventory Technician, where you will play a vital role in collecting and analyzing forest metrics across Nova Scotia. This position offers the chance to work outdoors in diverse environments, ensuring the integrity of forest inventory programs while collaborating closely with fellow technicians and supervisors. If you are passionate about forestry, enjoy working in teams, and have the physical stamina for fieldwork, this opportunity is perfect for you. Embrace the chance to contribute to sustainable forest management and make a difference in your community while enjoying a supportive work environment with ample career development opportunities.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programs

Career Development Resources

Qualifications

• Graduated from a recognized forestry technician program.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Collect forest metrics for the integrated continuous forest inventory program.
• Ensure program integrity through productivity and accuracy.

Skills

Forest Ecosystem Classification Certification

Tree and woody vegetation identification

GPS navigation

Physical fitness for fieldwork

Diameter tape and hypsometer usage

Self-motivation and quality work

Leadership and teamwork

Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, ArcGIS

Education

Graduation from a recognized forestry technician program

Tools

Garmin GPS

Digital camera

Communication radio

Job description

Competition # : 44741

Department: Natural Resources & Renewables

Location: TRURO

Type of Employment: Temporary

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 31-Dec-24 ( Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Our Opportunity

As the Forest Inventory Technician, you will be responsible for the collection of forest metrics from the Inventory PSPs for the integrated continuous forest inventory field program for the Province. The program determines the status, location and condition of the timber and non-timber resources with additional descriptions based upon the biophysical and ecological conditions of forest lands.

You will also:

• Ensure the integrity of the program through maximizing productivity, attribute precision and attribute accuracy.
• Work closely with the Supervisor Forest Inventory, Forest Inventory Data Analyst and other Forest Inventory Technicians to ensure forest inventory sampling methods and specifications along with quality control and quality assurance programs are fully understood, correctly interpreted and applied.

The position reports to the Program Administrator Officer.

About You

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have graduated from a recognized forestry technician program.

You must have sound judgement and the ability to carry out responsibilities with a minimal level of supervision for the forest inventory field program. Teamwork and communication skills are essential to be successful in this position, as you will be assigned to a team of two and working closely together in the field. There may also be times when you will be required to work alone in the field. You must exercise independent judgement, decision making and initiative in carrying out the program responsibilities to meet the production targets. You must also have the ability to respond positively to unforeseen changes and act quickly to address crisis situations; offer ideas to address current situations or issues as well as initiate and carry through on projects.

As a member of the Inventory Team you must have:

• Nova Scotia Forest Ecosystem Classification Certification.
• The ability to identify tree and woody vegetation species throughout the year and identify ground cover and soil types of Nova Scotia.
• Ability to navigate to remote locations using aerial imagery, GPS and/or compass safely and efficiently.
• The physical fitness level to carry 35-45 lbs over long distances, in rough terrain and in all weather conditions.
• Experience with the accurate use of a diameter tape, hypsometer, Garmin GPS, digital camera, and communication with a radio.
• Self-motivation and a results-based approach to quality accurate forest mensuration work.
• Good leadership skills and a positive attitude for working with the general public, landowners and colleagues.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, ArcGIS, etc.
• A valid NS driver's license (minimum Class 5) and access to a motor vehicle.

Other Assets

• Current, documented training in First Aid, WHIMIS, ATV operator certification, Chainsaw safety training, Pleasure Operator Card, Canoe use, Radio use, Respect in the workplace, Violence in the workplace, Bear Awareness, Defensive Driving.
• Knowledge of Surveying.

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

Equivalency

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

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.

Working Conditions

The successful candidate will be working in the woodlands throughout Nova Scotia and must be prepared to work and stay away from home for days at a time throughout the field season. This position is required to work outside in all weather and challenging working conditions.

Additional Information

This Temporary employment opportunity is anticipated to begin April 21, 2025, and conclude December 12, 2025. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

• Career Development with access to career guidance, tools, resources, interdepartmental mentorship program and ongoing training.
• Engaging workplace where employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in.
• Countless career paths.

Pay Grade: TE 16- TE 25

Salary Range: $1,735.60- $2,899.62 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia welcomes applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations where they are under-represented.

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 the provided link.

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant. 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 missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to [e-mail].