Ecosystem Spatial Assessment Intern - Jobs in Kentville, NS

Job Description

Department: Lands and ForestryLocation: KENTVILLEType of Employment: InternshipUnion Status: NSGEU - NSPGClosing Date: 9/3/2021 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)About UsNova Scotia is rich in natural resources – including biodiversity, provincial parks, and the land we manage. The Department of Lands and Forestry is responsible for the development, management, conservation, and protection of biodiversity and the administration of the provinces parks and 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.About Our OpportunityUnder the general and technical direction, and mentorship, of a Provincial Resource Scientist, the Ecosystem Spatial Assessment Intern works within the Wildlife Division to support identification, mapping, and review of key biodiversity areas (KBAs). Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are tracts of land that support features which make them important for conserving biodiversity, including species, ecosystems, ecological processes, and other significant components of nature. A global standard for KBA identification and mapping was established by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Taskforce on Biodiversity and Protected Areas. This standard has been adopted in Canada by the Canadian KBA Coalition, formed by the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada (WCS Canada) and its partners (see http://www.kbacanada.org). KBAs will be employed to help Canada meet its wilderness protection targets (17%) and components of its commitment to Aichi Target 11 of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Over 200 KBAs of national and global importance have been identified since the Canadian project’s inception. Much of the progress has been made with KBA criteria that focus on species. Nova Scotia has been identified as an area where ecosystem KBA identification and mapping is a high conservation priority.Primary AccountabilitiesAs the Ecosystem Spatial Assessment Intern, you will use your specialized technical skills and research experience, to support mapping of ecosystems, classification of remote imagery, spatial and statistical data analysis and modelling, scripting in R, data management, and research report writing. You will also use your organizational and communication skills to help with project management and data application. These duties will support the conservation of biodiversity in Nova Scotia and contribute to development of the national portfolio of ecosystem KBAs. Outputs of this work will be used to identify candidate national and global KBAs for review by provincial, national, and international KBA teams.You must exhibit good judgement and work practices to independently maintain data standards, accuracy, and consistency. You will provide quality control and assurance of digital data, metadata, and R scripts.As the Ecosystem Spatial Assessment Intern, you will also maintain an accurate record of work progress, as required, and effectively communicate and coordinate with colleagues regarding project milestones.Qualifications and ExperienceThis may be the right opportunity for you if you have graduated from a post-secondary program such as Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, or a similar environmental discipline within the past 3 years.As the ideal candidate you have a comprehensive knowledge of terrestrial environments; ecosystem, habitat, plant, landscape, or community ecology; and, biodiversity conservation principles. You must have training or experience in spatial analyses using the R programming language and environment, as employed in environmental research and biodiversity conservation. Candidates must also have the ability to communicate effectively (verbally and written) at all levels within government and with the public and project partners.You possess exceptional time management skills with the ability to organize work in order to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. You are a team player who is comfortable working collaboratively and respectfully to achieve shared and independent performance goals. As a self-starter, you demonstrate the ability to use good judgement and show initiative solving problems.You must have previous experience using R for spatial analysis. Experience with ArcGIS is not essential but considered an asset.It is considered an asset if you have training or experience working with remote sensing data, including classification, geospatial modelling, and mapping.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.Salary InformationPR 06 -$1,805.02 - $2,213.41BenefitsBased 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 ConditionsTravel is required throughout the province. It may occasionally include field work through rough terrain requiring appropriate planning and physical fitness. The candidate may be required to travel by helicopter, ATV, snowmobile, or boat to access remote terrain. Infrequent overnight travel provincially or nationally may be required to attend meetings and/or conferences.Additional InformationThis is a two year term opportunity with an anticipated end date of July 20, 2023.What We OfferCareer 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.Department Specific Flexible working schedules and arrangements.The opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of scientists, conservation practitioners, and stakeholders, including the national KBA team and its partnersThe opportunity to co-author a scientific report; we encourage and will facilitate publication of project findings in a peer-reviewed journal.Pay Grade: PR 06Salary Range: $1,805.02 - $2,213.41 Bi-WeeklyEmployment 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). 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.Quick Apply

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