Regional Forester (Western Region)

Who We Are

Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources – including biodiversity, forests, geological resources, provincial parks and the land we manage. The Department of Natural Resources and Renewables is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, mineral, 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.

A Day in the Life of a Regional Forester

Reporting to the Regional Resource Manager, as the Regional Forester you are part of a multi-disciplinary Integrated Resource Management (IRM) natural resource / land use planning team. You provide expert professional and technical advice to department Senior Management, Directors, Area Mangers, and District staff. You will analyze, and interpret policy; may be required to manage budgets; review forest management plans; manage controversial public/politically sensitive issues; allocate limited resources among competing corporate and public interests; assess and deliver training and supervise casual staff. You maintain, apply, and provide expert knowledge of regional and provincial issues and situations to provide meaningful input to provincial programs.
You are an integral part of the region’s multi-disciplinary natural resource/land use planning team which develops and applies ecosystem based IRM planning for Crown land resource use. You will be required to apply resource science expertise to make complex management decisions that seek to balance the economic, environmental, and social demands on Crown lands.
You may be involved in forest management programs and related to Private Woodland Management; Crown Land Administration and Crown Land Management; Private Land Stewardship. You will liaise and provide advice to other government departments, municipal units and community groups, community forest projects and participate on community, interdepartmental and intergovernmental committees.
As the Regional Forester you develop and deliver stewardship and outreach programs and promote sustainable resource management through provision of assistance and advice to industry, public, landowners/operators, universities, youth, federal, provincial, and municipal agencies. You will deliver public presentations, lead and/or participate with various program committees and provide input to inquiries and environmental impact assessments. You may also deliver and/or assist with providing specialized training in PTA (Pre-treatment Assessment), FEC (Forest Ecosystem Classification) as well as implementation of the Silviculture Guide to the Ecological Matrix and High Production Forestry to the Department’s Regional technical and Professional staff.

What Makes a Great Regional Forester

B.Sc. in Forestry plus six years related experience; or a M.Sc. in Forestry and four years related experience.
As the Regional Forester you are required to have a comprehensive knowledge of resource management principles, practices, objectives, policies, and procedures as well as Federal and Provincial regulations concerning natural resources. You must have expert knowledge regarding provincial and regional forestry issues and topics and must be capable of responding to diverse situations requiring a broad knowledge of forestry practices and principles as well as forestry and wildlife policies, regulations, and guidelines.
You must have the ability to work as part of a team and be able to demonstrate project leadership and project management skills. You must have excellent communication (verbal and written) skills and demonstrate a high degree of independent professional judgement, decision making and initiative when addressing complex and sensitive forestry issues. The ability to undertake projects independently based on instructions given in broad outline form, with minimal direction and supervision and often under very stringent time constraints is essential.
You must have training in first aid and CPR and have safe outdoor travel and survival skills. You must possess good working knowledge of compass, global positioning systems, photo- interpretation and GIS tools. A valid driver’s license (minimum Class 5) and access to a motor vehicle suitable for woods road travel are essential.
A strong understanding of Occupational Health and Safety and a record of working safely is essential. A working knowledge of ArcGIS, computer software used in land planning, data management and communications are essential. Strong analytical skills as well as policy formulation experience are required. Experience in forest ecosystem management, delivery of extension programs and managing budgets would be considered assets. Membership with the Registered Professional Foresters Association of Nova Scotia (or equivalent) is considered an asset.
We will assess the above qualifications and competencies 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 offering and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

Working conditions is a mix of office and field work. You will be required to operate department vehicles, including off-road vehicles and equipment, work in remote areas and travel long distances on foot over rough terrain, as well as travel for extended periods in helicopters. Working hours outside normal hours may be required from time to time.

Additional Information

This is a permanent position, expected to start immediately. Lunenburg is the primary work location for new hires requiring mentorship by IRM team members. Cornwallis office will be considered an option for more experienced candidates, at the discretion of the Regional Resource Manager.

What We Offer