The Watershed Resource Technician is responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of Halifax Water’s accredited Forest Management Program on Halifax Water Lands and all associated activities. They will be responsible for maintaining Special Constable Status as appointed by the province under the Environment Act to enforce, and when required, lay charges under the Protected Water Area Regulations applicable to Halifax Water. They will inspect and audit any activities within the Protected Water Areas applicable to Halifax Water for non-conformances. They will develop and follow up with any corrective actions, charges, warnings issued as a result. Further they will participate in the development and implementation of a variety of programs related to source water protection.
You will be responsible for your personal safety and that of your co-workers by observing all Occupational Health and Safety Rules and Regulations and Halifax Water’s Occupational Health and Safety Program Manual.
- Develop, implement, maintain an environmentally accredited and sustainable forest management plan and program on lands owned by Halifax Water.
- Monitor Crown Land forest operations for regulatory compliance with Protected Water Area Regulations.
- Responsible for implementing and maintaining Best Management Practices on watershed lands owned by Halifax Water in line with the Enterprise Risk Management Program.
- Implement wildlife management strategies with the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables to ensure wildlife values are met while protecting Halifax Water infrastructure.
- Develop, coordinate, and implement property maintenance program for watershed lands owned by Halifax Water including the upkeep of watershed security and access infrastructure. Including gates, fences, signs, and watercourse crossing infrastructure.
- Responsible for enforcing Protected Water Area Regulations applicable to Halifax Water. Inspects and audits activities within the applicable Protected Water Area for non-conformances. Develop and follow up with any corrective actions, charges, warnings issued as a result. Maintains Special Constable Status as appointed by the province.
- Assist in obtaining approvals for projects, such as watercourse crossings, and permission to operate on Crown lands and Protected Areas.
- Conduct routine patrols by foot, boat or vehicle in adverse weather and terrain conditions.
- Collects and submit water quality samples in support of Water Quality programming.
- Supports the Watershed Manager and other Halifax Water staff in developing and implementing programs aimed at educating and communicating with the public on source water protection.
- Provides professional assistance and consultation to Halifax Water staff, and establishes and maintains liaison with representatives of Federal, and Provincial Departments and Agencies, industry and scientific communities, and others engaged in watershed matters.
- Implements and maintains standard operating procedures, and safe work practices for Halifax Water related activities in the watershed areas.
- Assists in the identification of land for acquisition of watershed lands considered priority for watershed protection.
- Support water quality staff in the watershed sampling program when required including emergency water quality sampling in response to water quality/quantity events within the watersheds. Perform follow up sampling if required.
- Collect, input, organize, display, analyze data, and prepare reports as they relate to the position.
- Keeps informed regarding current trends in the field, scientific studies and technical journals, etc. related to the field.
- Supervise and audits contractors hired by Halifax Water for planned watershed related activities.
- Assists in the coordination of consultants hired by Halifax Water engaged in watershed activities.
- Develop, implement and maintain a legal watershed and property boundary program to protect Halifax Water land and watershed interests.
- Implement and maintain watershed signage program to improve public awareness and protect Halifax Water land and watershed interests.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Reports to: Watershed Manager
- Supervises: n/a
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
- Technical diploma in Forestry or water quality sciences with at least 3 years in a forestry field.
Experience:
- Minimum of three years’ experience in forest management. Watershed management, watershed planning, or similar field is preferred.
Certificates/Licenses/Registrations:
- Eligible for registration as a Certified Forest Technician with the Nova Scotia Forest Technician Association.
- Valid N. S. Driver’s License.
- Eligible for Special Constable Status.
- Must be willing to undertake and maintain the following safety training:
- First Aid
- Globally Harmonized System (GHS) (Formerly WHMIS)
- Additional safety training as identified based on legislative and operational requirements
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Experience with defusing confrontational situations.
- Knowledge of Provincial Acts, Protected Water Area Regulations, Municipal By-Laws and Policies.
- Excellent knowledge of the principles, practices and objectives of forest resource management as they relate to potable water supply.
- Interest in the principles of ecosystem management.
- An interest in a municipal planning, bylaws, and policies.
- Excellent skills in dealing with landowners in related matters.
- Excellent leadership, motivation, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage change.
- An interest in environmental planning, environmental and aquatic science, etc.
- Demonstrate ability to work closely and effectively with a broad range of publics including consultants, developers, regulators, elected officials and government representatives.
- Computer literacy including GIS, GPS, Microsoft suite as well as other computer-based applications
- Experience with driving in adverse weather conditions and rough terrain.
- Experience with operating motorized vessels up to 22 ft in length and equipped up to 50hp motor. Proof of training is an asset.
- Experience with the operation of off-highway vehicles including ATVs. Proof of training is an asset.
- Experience with operating and upkeep of chainsaws, spacing saws and other similar equipment. Proof of training is an asset.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Work performed includes a combination of office and local field activities which may involve working alone in remote locations behind locked gates, exposure to dirt, noise, hazardous materials, confined spaces, adverse weather conditions and other site specific environmental conditions.
- Positions in this class typically require kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
- Medium work: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
This is a CUPE Local 1431 Unionized position.
Hours of Work: As per the Collective Agreement
Wage Rate: As per the Collective Agreement
Applicants who applied previously for this competition do not need to reapply.
Completed cover letters and application forms [PDF] or resumes, stating Competition #HW24-56E must be received by 12 noon, May 30, 2024. Please forward to:
- Halifax Water
HR Department
P.O. Box 8388, RPO CSC
Halifax, NS
B3K 5M1
Fax
-
902-490-6934
Please note: Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted.
Conditional Items Required for Employment:
- Satisfactory background check
- Satisfactory pre-employment testing
Halifax Water is an equal opportunity employer.
Halifax Water’s goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve, at all job levels. Halifax Water believes a diverse workforce positively contributes to its success, and the success of our community. We encourage applications from qualified African Nova Scotians, LGBTQ+ community, racially visible persons, women in non-traditional positions, persons with disabilities and Indigenous persons. Halifax Water encourages applicants to self-identify in the cover letter.