Manager, Mineral Development & Policy

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Government of Nova Scotia is seeking a Manager, Mineral Development & Policy in Halifax for a full-time term role within the Natural Resources Department. You will lead the Geoscience and Mines Branch Minerals Management unit, guiding mineral policy, development, mine project reviews, operations and mine reclamation under the Mineral Resources Act. The ideal candidate has a university degree in geoscience or mining and 10+ years in the sector, plus policy advisory and staff leadership experience, and strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills. Demonstrate a track record of managing high-profile issues and multiple initiatives, including budgeting, and collaboration with industry and cross jurisdictional partners. Apply by 11:59 PM Atlantic Time on March 10, 2026, ensuring a complete application; assessments may follow.

Competition # : 47944 

Department: Natural Resources

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG 

Closing Date: 10-Mar-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.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Minerals Management, the Manager, Mineral Development and Policy is responsible for effectively leading a professional and technical team, and for providing advice and guidance on matters related to mineral policy; mineral development; mine-project regulatory review processes; mine operations and mine reclamation matters to ensure that the Province's mineral resources are utilized in a manner which is compliant with the Mineral Resources Act.

Primary Accountabilities

• Provide operational management of the unit through the development and leadership of operational plans and programs designed to meet the mineral management priorities of the Department.
• Administer the Province’s collaborative review process for mine project proposals, engaging directly with industry to ensure timely, transparent, and well‑coordinated guidance and decision-making.
• Contribute to policy discussions and development of amendments to the Mineral Resources Act and associated regulations.
• Develop and maintain constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders and facilitate communication of the details of mine-project status and changes regarding the regulatory approval process on a regular basis.
• Collaborate with Provincial and Territorial jurisdictions to review policies, share best practices, and review coordinated approaches to mineral management.
• Lead by example to create a respectful, professional, and safe workplace.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you have:

• a university degree in geoscience (mineral economics), engineering (mining, metallurgical, geotechnical), or a technical field related to the position and 10+ years of experience in the mining sector. 
• experience in mineral economics or mineral policy development with advisory skills in order to provide policy advice to senior department officials.
• excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• strong problem‑solving skills with a track record of managing high‑profile issues with sound judgment and professionalism.
• you are detail oriented and able to simultaneously manage multiple initiatives (including budget, reporting, and timelines) and interested in generating new ideas, concepts, and initiatives.
• experience managing staff and leading senior level project and program teams is considered an asset.
• 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.

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.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience for 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.

Additional Information

This is a term, full-time position based in Halifax, Nova Scotia with a projected end date of December 10, 2027. 

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 service environment focused on team work 

Pay Grade:  EC 12 

Salary Range:  $3,852.18 - $4,815.22 Bi-Weekly   

The salary rates include an economic adjustment that has been approved.  These rates are effective April 1, 2025.  Implementation in our HR system will occur on March 5, 2026.  Until then, the current rates will apply.  Employees hired during this period will receive retroactive pay adjustments in accordance with the applicable policies.

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 and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities 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].

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing 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. 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].