Department: Natural Resources
Location: TUSKET
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 24-Jun-25 (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 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.

ABOUT OUR OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a self-assured Geomatics Engineering Technologist to provide legal property boundary, topographical and other geospatial survey functions for multiple government departments in support of provincial land management.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Some of your primary accountabilities in the role will include establishing, investigating, and re-establishing land and property boundaries, location, ownership, and preparing plans and legal descriptions for tracts of land and myriad other planning and operational strategies.
You will provide technical support and leadership by delivering expert advice and solutions on GIS mapping, modeling and research and analysis. This advice will keep in mind the strategic initiatives and on-going legislative requirements related to land management, land use and land acquisition and public inquiries or complaints related to land use violations as well as boundary, land title and/or right of way disputes.
You will plan, execute, and lead the work of survey teams for a wide range of Crown Land survey project and related operations. You will be involved in extensive research, complex geo-referencing calculations and preparation of survey plans, legal boundary descriptions and associated documents. You will conduct, supervise and coordinate the collection, computation and recording of field surveying data using the latest in electronic and satellite-based technology. You will extract, compile and interpret geoscientific data obtained from aerial photography, satellite imagery and other remote sensing equipment, using a range of specialized software such as Carlson Survey, ArcGIS, and several advanced GNSS (global navigation satellite system) processing software and firmware package.
You will also participate in all aspects of the fieldwork of the survey team. This position’s primary area of responsibility will include survey work to support the mapping and maintenance of Crown boundaries.
This position reports to the Crown Land Surveyor.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have successful completion of a two-year Geomatics Engineering Technology course plus four (4) years related work experience is required. An acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered. You will have considerable experience in geomatics, i.e.: integration of acquisition, modeling, analysis and management of spatially referenced data.
You have a strong knowledge in the use of computers and software used to digitally transform and shape spatial data, (e.g., programs such as to ArcMap, GPS processing programs, Carlson Survey and transformation/conversion software). Your thorough understanding and training in map projections, error analysis, geodetic computations, reference datums, geoids, ellipsoids, coordinate transformations and other geospatial factors will be used in this position.
You possess (or have ability to quickly acquire) a comprehensive knowledge of survey law, key provincial statutes, property law, regulatory requirements, current and past processes in land registration and historical knowledge of land transactions in Nova Scotia dating back more than 200 years.
You can interpret physical survey evidence and properly rate that evidence in the determination of legal boundaries. You are also proficient in the operation, maintenance and integration of Electronic Total Stations, all levels of GNSS equipment, and other related tools.
You are a confident and strong leader with time management skills with ability to make independent decisions and problem-solve complex issues on the ground to facilitate efficient survey operations.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills as well as tact and diplomacy to advise and consult a range of audiences is required for this position. You will use these skills to interview and extract information from landowners, to resolve issues cooperatively with internal and external stakeholders and to testify as an expert witness on matters related to legal surveys. Your attention to detail will be key in this role to extract, validate, manipulate data and reflect on information received from a variety of sources. You are a results-oriented individual with a high degree of initiative and the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
You possess experience surveying in remote locations, including the use of chainsaw to maintain and clear boundary lines.
A valid driver’s license is required. You may be required to operate department vehicles including off road vehicles, boats and equipment, work in remote areas and travel long distances on foot over rough terrain and periodic travel by helicopter.
We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Please refer the Job description for details