Forest jobs in Canada

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Competition # : 47646

Department:Natural Resources

Location:SHUBENACADIE

Type of Employment:Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date:14-Jan-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

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.

Reporting to the Manager of Risk Services, the Forest Protection Specialist is responsible for providing scientific and technical support to assess and manage environmental issues, with a focus on forest pests and wildfire management. This role involves data management and analysis, project management, and research, to support the development and implementation of fleet and forest protection programs across the province.

The Forest Protection Specialist is a member of the Risk Services Unit, a group of highly dedicated professionals that evaluate risk and hazard management systems for disturbances, including but not limited to forest pest and disease, and wildfires. The Risk Services Unit addresses emerging forest health and environmental issues that require advanced professional knowledge and technological applications/solutions, encompassing a broader focus on prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery.

As a Forest Protection Specialist, you will be responsible for:

• Providing scientific and technical expertise to support forest pest and wildfire management programs across the province.
• Supporting the provincial insect reference collection, forest pest identification and data collection for forest pest monitoring.
• Conducting research and data analysis using spatial and non-spatial tools; manage data systems and collection methods (e.g., Survey123, Field Maps)
• Preparing reports, presentations, and technical bulletins; develop training and educational materials; provide expert advice to inform decision-making.
• Collaborating closely with the Provincial Forest Entomologist and Fire Science Officer on projects and initiatives.
• Coordinating and managing projects, including field and lab work.
• Advising senior management on strategic decisions.
• Managing procurement for specialized equipment, supplies and services, required for forest protection programs.
• Maintaining accurate historical data on forest pests, weather, and wildfires.
• Engaging in continuous learning and networking through reviewing technical publications, attending seminars, working groups and connecting with experts to stay current with evolving scientific information and software.
• Supporting operations at the Provincial Wildfire Control Centre.

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 2 years of related experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be acceptable. Some examples of equivalences include a 2 year diploma + 4 years of relevant work experience or 6 years of work experience.

Other requirements include:

• Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro) and spatial analysis tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (excel, word, outlook, etc)
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reports, presentations, and technical bulletins.
• Experience documenting and communicating results, procedures, and program deliverables.
• Ability to manage priorities and competing demands across multiple projects.
• Proven initiative, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience supporting decision making and planning.

Assets would include:

• In-depth understanding of forest health dynamics and forest entomology.
• Strong foundation in wildland fire management.
• Proficient in utilizing data collection and mapping platforms, including Survey123, Field Maps, and other ArcGIS online ESRI products.
• Applied programming experience (Python, R, or C#) to automate data collection, processes, and perform statistical analysis and summaries.

The successful incumbent must exercise a high degree of independent judgement, decision making and initiative to provide data and information.

Please ensure that you provide the specific details of your relevant work experience in your cover letter or resume as it applies to the requirements listed above.

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

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 aDefined 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 .

• 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 10

Salary Range: $2,262.74- $3,364.90Bi-Weekly

Note: The salary rates shown reflect the new Civil Service Agreement, effective April 1, 2025. Implementation in our HR system will occur on February 5, 2026. Until then, the current rates will apply. Employees hired during this period will receive retroactive pay adjustments in accordance with the new agreement and applicable policies.

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 Womenin 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.

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 concernsmay be directed toCompetitions@novascotia.ca.