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, Indigenous communities, and the public.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of the Nova Scotia Geological Survey serves as Nova Scotia’s senior public geoscience authority. This role provides strategic, scientific, and managerial leadership for the province’s geological survey programs and functions as the principal geoscience advisor to government. The Director ensures that Nova Scotia’s geological information is credible, forward-looking, digitally accessible, and aligned with provincial, national, and global priorities.

Primary Accountabilities

Strategic and Scientific Leadership

• Provide authoritative geoscience advice to senior government on mineral resources, critical minerals, geohazard, environmental and coastal geoscience.
• Set and steward a long-term vision for Nova Scotia’s public geoscience programs that aligns with public value and government priorities.

Program and Organizational Leadership

• Lead multidisciplinary geoscience programs spanning mineral systems, environmental geology, geohazards, coastal geoscience, and data stewardship.
• Oversee the development, review, and publication of geological maps, datasets, reports, and other geological products.
• Champion continuous modernization of geoscience delivery, including digital platforms, open data, and emerging analytical tools.

Stakeholder, Partnership and External Leadership

• Represent Nova Scotia nationally and internationally within Canada’s public geoscience community and global geological survey networks.
• Build strong partnerships with federal departments, other provinces, academia, First Nations, industry, and the public.
• Provide visible leadership in mineral investment promotion, public outreach, and geoscience literacy.

Governance, People and Resource Management

• Exercise accountability for human, financial, and capital resources.
• Build a high-performing, inclusive, and professionally respected geoscience team.
• Contribute to branch-wide and departmental executive leadership.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Geoscience, Geology, Geological or Mining Engineering, or a related discipline (a Master’s or PhD is an asset).
• Eligibility for registration with the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Nova Scotia or Engineers Nova Scotia.
• Significant senior leadership experience within:
• A government geological survey or public geoscience organization,
• A closely related public-sector natural resource or regulatory organization.
• A geoscience or mining, or related natural‑resource industry, with demonstrated collaboration with government and partners.
• Strong understanding of Canada’s geological survey ecosystem and current trends in minerals, critical materials, geoscience research and data systems.
• Proven excellence in managing people, budgets, and complex scientific organizations.

Leadership competencies required at this level of work are:  Decisiveness, Strategic Orientation, Developing Others, Team Leadership, Self-Awareness and Personal Impact, Effective Interactive Communication, Partnering and Relationship Building, and Intercultural and Diversity Proficiency.

Qualifications and competencies will be assessed using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

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

Most of the Director’s time is spent in an office and at a desk with frequent opportunities to move for formal and informal meetings with staff and colleagues. Visits to staff in a field environment may require highway driving, off-road travel, and walking over rough terrain with moderate exertion. Field visits will require wearing personal protective safety equipment such as goggles, hard hats, and appropriate footwear. Occasional out-of-province travel to meetings, conferences and mineral industry trade shows may be required.

Additional Information

The position requires an individual with a high degree of geoscience expertise, credibility with senior management, staff, and stakeholders. The Director functions with a high degree of independence and is the principal provider of geoscience advice to government.

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

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.