Environmental Geologist (Geologist 3)

About Us

The Geological Survey Division of the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables is responsible for acquiring, evaluating, managing, and disseminating information about the province's geology and hydrogeology. This geoscientific information is used for a wide variety of applications, including geological and water resource assessment, environmental protection, and land use planning. The Geological Survey Division provides geoscience information to support Government decision-making and policy formulation to manage geological resources and protect public health, safety, and infrastructure from geological hazards.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager of Project Operations of the Geological Survey Division, Geoscience and Mines Branch, the Environmental Geoscientist works on a wide variety of environmental geology projects targeting hydrogeology, geochemistry and geohazard issues and may provide support for coastal and surficial geology projects as needed. The Geologist 3 is responsible for leading the department's radon gas program and managing the department's real-time aquifer monitoring network. The Environmental Geoscientist collaborates with senior geoscientists and works with other stakeholders to develop and advance environmental geoscience projects and is the lead contact person in the department for expertise on radon gas. The environmental geoscientist collects and analyses geoscience data using various methods which could include but is not limited to operating X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), water well monitoring meters, modelling fracture flow associated with karst geology and related geomorphology and geohazards, and geological data acquisition through mapping and remote sensing technologies and engaging other methodologies as appropriate.

Primary Accountabilities

The primary accountabilities of the successful candidate are to lead the Department's radon gas research work, manage the Department's real-time aquifer monitoring network, develop and maintain the Department's hydrogeological information, contribute to characterizing karst geological systems across the province, and work with geoscience information teams to disseminate relevant, timely and accessible information and advice required for the management of the province's environmental geohazards.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in the role you must have at a minimum a B.Sc. in geology, hydrogeology, earth sciences or environmental geosciences plus a minimum of 5 years' experience in a geoscience related field, or an M.Sc. with 4 years of related experience. You must hold a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) Designation or be eligible for professional designation with the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Nova Scotia. You must also hold a valid driver's license.

Experience working on geochemical, water resource, and slope stability and related geohazards projects is required. You must have experience maintaining groundwater monitoring networks and building water well and geochemical databases, and you must have experience with GIS applications to build geospatial models that characterize surficial features such as slope stability and natural geochemical or sediment dispersion trends. The ideal candidate will have experience modelling karst geological systems as it pertains to geohazard identification such as sinkholes.

A hands-on approach to maintaining and operating water level monitoring equipment and troubleshooting in the field is required. This may include soldering electronic components, coding for custom-made water level meters or identifying new fit-for-purpose monitoring technology to maintain the future operability of water monitoring devices and the collection of timely water level data. A valid driver's licence is required for traveling throughout the province to complete field work and you may be required to undertake helicopter supported field activities.

To be successful in this role, you must have the ability to exercise independent judgement of the highest quality as the incumbent designs and implements self-directed initiatives. You must have a proven ability to build positive and productive relationships across government and with a broad range of external stakeholders and partners. You must have a strong ability in contributing to diverse working groups across multiple sectors and be able to represent the branch professionally while building strong working relationships to support core programs. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential as well as the ability to work both independently and in a team environment. You will also have strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

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

The position requires an individual with an ability to be self-directed. Field work may require overnight travel and/or travel by helicopter.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of October 27, 2025. The appointment 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
• Department specific flexible working schedules