Mineral Deposits/Economic Geologist (Geologist 4)

Competition # : 50364

Department: Natural Resources

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: ​26-Nov-26 ​ (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Geoscience and Mines Branch of the Department of Natural Resources drives growth of Nova Scotia’s mineral sector by fostering an “open for business” environment, advancing resource development, and managing the full mining cycle, from exploration to reclamation. The Branch leads geoscience research, strategic analyses and regulatory work that supports responsible resource management and positions Nova Scotia as a competitive, well-informed mining jurisdiction.

Within the Branch, the Nova Scotia Geological Survey (NSGS) is Nova Scotia’s principal public geoscience institution. It delivers high-quality geological mapping, mineral systems analysis, economic and environmental geoscience, geohazards assessment, and geoscience data management. NSGS supports responsible mineral development, land-use planning, infrastructure resilience, and evidence-based decision-making for government, industry, and the public.

About Our Opportunity

The Geologist 4 is responsible for applied, high quality, field-based research and activities to:

• improve our understanding of all mineral deposits in the province and/or our knowledge of economic mineral potential, with an emphasis on critical minerals.
• provide subject matter expertise to our operational groups and offer leadership and guidance to staff.
• support the implementation of the Nova Scotia Critical Minerals Strategy.

As the successful candidate, you will be responsible for designing and executing field-based geological evaluations and assessments to identify and quantify economically viable mineral deposits in the province. You will collect, interpret, and publish scientific data, observations, interpretations, and recommendations both as a senior geologist and collaborator with internal and external teams.

You will be responsible for producing comprehensive mineral deposit models supported by thorough geoscience study and reasoning, using modern platforms and techniques as well as developing innovative approaches and solutions to a variety of geoscience challenges in Nova Scotia.

This position reports to the Manager of Critical Minerals and Resources within the Geological Survey Division.

Primary Accountabilities

Specific duties of this position include:

• Designing, executing, and managing field-based geoscience research projects throughout Nova Scotia, with the goal of identifying and quantifying the resource potential in the province, particularly for critical minerals. This includes detailed project budgeting, scheduling, reporting, administration, and deliverables.
• Collecting and interpreting, detailed, timely, high-quality geoscience data.
• Mapping, core logging, petrographic examination, lithogeochemical, and micro-analytical examination of mineral deposits.
• Integrating data to construct metallogenic models to assess mineral potential of the province at both local and regional scales and develop robust economic models.
• Publishing relevant geoscience products.
• Supervising students and project collaborators during field programs and project activities.
• Assisting in internal and external projects as collaborator, including project administration, execution, and deliverables.
• Participating in other activities including Branch outreach presentations and publications, engaging senior management on topics related to mineral deposits and economic geology, and participating on internal and/or intergovernmental committees.
• Ensuring that work is performed in accordance with health and safety standards and other government workplace policies and directives.
• Other related duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you specialize in research of mineral deposits and assessing their economic viability. You must have a BSc degree in Earth Science or Geoscience, with emphasis on mineral deposits, economic geology, geochemistry, petrology, and/or structural geology plus 7 years of related experience; or a MSc plus 6 years of related experience; or a PhD plus 4 years of related experience.

Candidates must possess superior knowledge and experience in field studies and mineral deposits/economic geology as demonstrated by a record of designing and executing successful field programs and the publication of scientific and/or technical reports. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate a knowledge of Nova Scotian geology as well as awareness of current trends in geoscience.

To be successful in this role, you must exercise a high degree of scientific skill and judgement in planning and carrying out scientific research projects, have highly developed oral and written communication skills, as well as possess and maintain a highly respected and authoritative position within your field of specialization. You will also have strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills along with a passion for field work. Computer skills in GIS and/or 3D modelling (e.g., LeapFrog Geo, Datamine) are valuable.

This position requires a high degree of self-motivation, professional independence, and the ability to work with minimal supervision, as well as demonstrated ability to collaborate with and effectively supervise, advise and/or assist other scientists. The ideal candidate will have the ability to mentor others in a professional and respectful manner while providing opportunities for professional growth.

The successful candidate must be registered with Geoscientists Nova Scotia or be immediately eligible for registration. You must possess a valid Class 5 driver's license.

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.

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

This is an office and field-based position with extended periods of field work during the summer operational window (e.g., May-September), with occasional opportunities for travel to meetings, or conferences. In-province travel (department vehicle or helicopter) to project areas or sites will be required.

Additional Information

The position requires an individual with a high degree of geoscience expertise, credibility with senior management, staff, and interested parties.

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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

Pay Grade: PR 18

Salary Range: $3,547.06 - $4,171.42 Bi-Weekly

Employment 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, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons 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.

Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected].

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.

If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more 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. Where required, candidates must provide proof that they are legally entitled to work in Canada. 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 [email protected].