Job Description

Competition # : 48318

Department: Natural Resources

Location: SHUBENACADIE

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 03-May-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

Designation Status

Please note that this is a designated position for candidates who belong to the following employment equity group: Indigenous Persons.
See the Nova Scotia Government's Employment Equity Policy for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.

About Us

At the department of Natural Resources, our mission is to conserve, protect and promote our fish, wildlife, natural environments and other resources through safety, education and law enforcement. We achieve this through a resource-based policing service responsible for the enforcement of wildlife, parks and fisheries laws to ensure the sustainable use of Nova Scotia’s natural resources and to ensure the continued enjoyment of our province for our present and future generations.

About Our Opportunity

As a Conservation Officer with the Department of Natural Resources, you will enforce Provincial and Federal Acts and Regulations relating to Natural Resources through advanced specialized expertise and knowledge in law enforcement and investigations. You will liaise closely with Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq to facilitate meaningful communication and exchange of information relating to compliance and enforcement programs administered by the department. You will be responsible to establish and maintain relationships with Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq and may attend association and community meetings to discuss current issues and/or concerns. You will also complete compliance checks on all fish products purchased, sold or processed within the province as well as aquaculture sites to ensure they are in accordance with provincial regulation.

Primary Accountabilities

This position will also:

• Provide public liaison and education.
• Conduct field investigations.
• Gather and secure evidence.
• Provide testimony in court proceedings and working with other Provincial, Federal and International enforcement agencies.
• Document investigations and other work using electronic and hard copy filing system.

In addition, you will ensure provisions under the Criminal Code of Canada and other related legislation is adhered to through your status as a Special Constable

Qualifications and Experience

You will have relevant post-secondary education and at least three (3) years’ relevant experience. or an acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience.
As the successful candidate, you can demonstrate with evidence experience of:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of law enforcement
• Knowledge of the statutes and regulations administered by the department relating to resource management
• Effective organizational skills and ability to set priorities
• Strong communication (verbal and written) as well as excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Sound judgement and response to crisis situations and possess excellent thoroughness when dealing with enforcement / legal / compliance issues,
• Strong computer literacy skills
• Strong initiative as well as the ability to work well within a team environment
• The position requires a good knowledge of the principles, practices and culture of Mi’kmaq communities in Nova Scotia. In addition, you must be knowledgeable of governmental structure of Mi’kmaq persons, both on and off Reserve. Further, you demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Mi'kmaq culture and presence in Nova Scotia.

Equivalency

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

Conservation Officers duties require working evenings, weekends and holidays.
You will be travelling over all types of geographical terrains found within the province via foot and operating a variety of off-highway vehicles, enforcement vehicles, boats and travel by aircraft in adverse weather conditions.
Please note, this position requires wearing a uniform and carrying/certifying on required duty equipment, including sidearm, OC spray, baton, handcuffs and portable radio. Applicants will be required to show that they have previous training and/or certification with this equipment.
A valid driver's license (minimum Class 5) is required.
Current certification in Standard First Aid and CPR would be considered an asset.
The successful candidate must undergo and pass a security clearance, psychological testing and will be required to submit a driver's abstract.

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 for Nova Scotians
• Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus

Pay Grade: TE 22 - TE 27

Salary Range: $2,403.04 - $3,420.52 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.

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.