About Us

Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources – including biodiversity, forests, provincial parks and the land we manage. The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, 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

Primary Accountabilities

Supervision and Coordination of Nursery Staff

• Works closely with the Nursery Manager to plan and coordinate daily operations.
• In the Manager’s absence, directs nursery maintenance staff and assigns daily work activities.
• Oversees and participates in tasks including operation of delivery trucks, lawn tractors, farm tractors, sprayers, irrigation pumps, and other nursery‑related equipment.
• Ensures completion of greenhouse duties essential to seedling growth, including snow removal from greenhouse roofs during winter months.

Maintenance of Nursery Facilities and Equipment

• Ensures nursery facilities and infrastructure are safe, functional, and prepared for tree seedling production.
• Identifies, prioritizes, and coordinates maintenance and improvement projects.
• Ensures required resources, materials, and tools are available for maintenance activities.
• Assigns and supervises maintenance work, including carpentry, plumbing, minor electrical repairs, welding, metal fabrication, and operation of heavy equipment.

Support of Tree Seedling Growth Operations

• Works collaboratively with greenhouse growers and irrigation staff to support optimal crop growth.

Heat, Ventilation, and Climate Control Oversight

• Oversees the operation and maintenance of the nursery’s oil‑fired boilers, wood waste boiler, and greenhouse climate control systems (VSD).
• Ensures proper temperature, ventilation, and environmental conditions to support healthy tree seedling growth.

Procurement of Nursery Supplies and Parts

• Monitors inventory levels and identifies the need for cleaning supplies, parts, and operational materials.
• Compares vendors to obtain supplies at the best possible value.
• Demonstrated experience with procurement processes, purchasing systems, and vendor management.
• Orders required parts for nursery vehicles and equipment, coordinating with DNR Shubenacadie Fleet Services as directed.

Site Access and Winter Operations

• Ensures safe and reliable access to the nursery year‑round.
• Operates heavy equipment for snow removal during winter months.
• Maintains clear access to the helipad to support EHS air ambulance landings.

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12 + related vocational training
• Proficiency in mathematics and record keeping
• A farm/forestry background of 3 or more years experience including one in a supervisor capacity with a demonstrated mechanical abilities.

Benefits

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
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus

Working Conditions

Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

May be required to work overtime on occasion.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of May 28, 2027.

The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.