Hemlock Wooly Adelgid - Milton, Canada - Government of Nova Scotia

    Government of Nova Scotia
    Government of Nova Scotia Milton, Canada

    Found in: beBee S2 CA - 1 month ago

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    Full time
    Description

    Competition # : 42162

    Department: Natural Resources & Renewables

    Location: MILTON

    Type of Employment: Term

    Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

    Closing Date: 3/22/2024 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

    About Us

    Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources - including biodiversity, forests, geological resources, provincial parks, and the land we manage. The Department of Natural Resources & Renewables (NRR) 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.

    For more information:

    About Our Opportunity

    Reporting to the Manager, Forest Protection, Fleet and Forest Protection Division, the Natural Resources and Renewables(NRR) Hemlock Wooly Adelgid(HWA) Project Lead will be responsible for overseeing key assessment and forest protection elements of a four-year, multi-million-dollar, partner-based conservation project aimed at protecting high-priority hemlock stands from the hemlock woolly adelgid. This is a collaborative project supported by Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) through the Federal Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund. The purpose of this funding stream is carbon accumulation and averting carbon loss, with biodiversity conservation as a co-benefit. Work priorities related to the protection of these hemlock stands will be set by a joint project management team comprised of an overall project coordinator, and managers from NRR, and NS Environment and Climate Change.

    As the NRR HWA Project Lead, based on the work priorities identified by the joint project management team, you will be responsible for organizing, coordinating, assessing, and reporting on the work assigned to and completed by NRR's HWA strike team members. These strike team members will include a Forest Technician 2-3 (NRR HWA Project Assistant), four seasonal Assistant Forest Technician 1 A-B's, and yourself as the NRR HWA project lead.

    Primary Accountabilities

    Some of the primary accountabilities of the NRR HWA Project Lead include the following:

    • Working with the joint project management team and NRR manager to identify priority NRR HWA assessment and protection tasks.
    • Working with GIS layers and using GIS software to identify potential high-priority hemlock stands.
    • Planning and coordinating pre-assessment work to assess the eligibility of high-priority hemlock stands for treatment.
    • Pre-assessment work will include.
      • Use of ArcGIS products to navigate to and work within pre-determined locations.
      • Field work to assess and record hemlock composition and health, and the presence of hemlock woolly adelgid.
      • Identifying areas/grids to be treated within eligible stands.
      • Marking and setting up plots and trees to assess treatment success.

    Primary Accountabilities - Cont'd

    Some of the primary accountabilities of the NRR HWA Project Lead include the following:

    • Working with the joint project management team and NRR manager to identify priority NRR HWA assessment and protection tasks.
    • Working with GIS layers and using GIS software to identify potential high-priority hemlock stands.
    • Planning and coordinating pre-assessment work to assess the eligibility of high-priority hemlock stands for treatment.
    • Pre-assessment work will include.
      • Use of ArcGIS products to navigate to and work within pre-determined locations.
      • Field work to assess and record hemlock composition and health, and the presence of hemlock woolly adelgid.
      • Identifying areas/grids to be treated within eligible stands.
      • Marking and setting up plots and trees to assess treatment success.

    Qualifications and Experience

    B. Sc. in Forestry + 6 years related experience; or Masters in Forestry + 4 years related experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

    The successful candidate must be familiar with forestry and forest management practices and principles, have experience in managing forestry related projects, and have or be able to obtain a provincial pesticide applicators certificate. They must be in good physical health to conduct the field work required, and possess strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills to conduct the work efficiently and work collaboratively with other strike team members, HWA partners, and volunteers.

    Familiar with research, data collection and analysis techniques and have familiarity with and skills to utilize Microsoft Office products.

    A high standard of capability is expected in oral and written communication, time management, organizing and problem solving. This is a specialized position where the candidate must be highly motivated and have strong self-initiative and engagement to produce timely and reliable results. They must also have strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with a dedicated team of Risk Services professionals, as well as, other stakeholders. They must also be able to operate with considerable independence and a minimum of direct supervision.

    Training and experience in process improvement related methods (e.g. Lean Six-Sigma, ePIP) will be considered an asset. Additional experience related to other aspects of forest protection (climate change, wildfire or other natural disturbances) would also be considered an asset. A valid driver's license is required.

    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.

    Equivalency

    Equivalencies include:

    MSc in natural resources/environmental science and 4 years of related experience OR 2-year diploma in natural resources/environmental science with 8 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 offering and eligibility criteria.

    Working Conditions

    Field, office, and lab work as required; field work requires travel in department vehicles including aircraft to remote locations.

    Additional Information

    This is a term opportunity with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026. However, the position status ("term", "temporary" or "casual") is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

    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 15

    Salary Range: $2, $3,348.16 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.

    This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). 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 concerns may be directed to