An excellent opportunity for an experienced Biologist to make a difference.

The Land Use Policy, Planning and Ecosystems Division works in partnership with Indigenous governments to modernize land use planning with community, stakeholder, and public input including operating and expanding Indigenous forums and working with First Nations on collaborative stewardship of natural resources and monitoring of cumulative effects.

The Aquatic Ecosystems Biologist is an Ecosystems Section professional and technical expert on aquatic ecosystems and their health. The work for this position involves a range of functions that contributes to stewardship of ecosystems. The position supports a range of aquatic ecosystems initiatives which may include planning and objective-setting, legal habitat protection designations, aquatic habitat restoration projects, aquatic species at risk recovery, authorizations/referrals, Cumulative Effects assessments, and effectiveness monitoring.

Explore the opportunities and value working with our team can offer you: Why Work for the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

Check out this video to learn more about biology careers at the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

Job Requirements:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field, with aquatic focus.
• Minimum three years of related experience* (See Related Experience section below for accepted forms of experience - can be cumulative)
• Registered, or **eligible, as a Registered Professional Biologist (RP Bio) in B.C. with the College of Applied Biology (CAB).
  • **Note: Eligible for registration is defined as being able to transfer a current membership from an applicable jurisdiction to the CAB within six (6) months of employment.
• Recent (within the last 5 years) experience related to the stewardship of habitat and/or species within aquatic ecosystems.
• Valid B.C. driver’s licence.

Successful completion of security screening requirements of the BC Public Service, which may include a criminal records check, and/or Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) check, and/or enhanced security screening checks as required by the ministry (Note: It is important that you read the job posting carefully to understand the specific security screening requirements pertaining to the position).

*Related Experience (a combination of two or more):

• Experience conducting field assessments of aquatic species or ecosystems.
• Experience developing, interpreting and applying natural resource management legislation and policies.
• Experience in providing science and technical advice to managers mediating solutions and making decisions in natural resource management within and/or outside government.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders (e.g. environmental regulatory agencies, government and non-government agencies, public and private resource development agencies).
  

Preference may be given to applicants with the following:

• Scientific experience in a specialty area related to aquatic ecosystems, such as watershed management, aquatic habitat restoration, aquatic ecosystem modelling, environmental flow assessment or aquatic species as risk recovery.
• Recent (within 5 years) and direct experience applying BC’s natural resource regulations and/or legislation.
• Experience in project management including funding applications, budget management, and/or reporting.
• Recent experience (within 5 years) developing and promoting working relationships and collaboration with First Nations.

Willingness Statements

• Meet safety standards of Work Safe BC.
• May require the operation of a variety of equipment.
• Conducts field work which may include the following: travel to remote areas by vehicle, boat, air or foot, overnight or extended stay in rough camp conditions and outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to carry equipment and supplies in difficult terrain.

For questions regarding this position, please contact trisha.ng@gov.bc.ca

About this Position:

Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work from home a few days a week subject to an approved telework agreement.

This position can be based in any of the following Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship offices: Cranbrook, Nelson, Revelstoke, Invermere, Creston

Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

Relocation is available.

Working for the BC Public Service:

The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to applicants that self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, status or non-status, Métis, or Inuit) seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. For guidance on applying and interviewing, please contact IndigenousApplicants@gov.bc.ca or 778-405-3452.

How to Apply:

Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above.

Professional Designation: YES - Please include your registration number in your application. You must be registered (or immediately eligible for registration) as a Professional Biologist (RPBio) with the BC College of Applied Biology. Note: immediately eligible for registration is defined as being able to transfer a current membership from an applicable jurisdiction. Applicants must confirm their eligibility with the CAB. Confirmation of registration/eligibility will be required before an offer of employment can be made.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES - A resume is required as part of your application, however, it may not be used for initial shortlisting purposes.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a comprehensive questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Include all relevant information about your educational accomplishments and employment history including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and how you obtained your relevant experience. The questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes to complete.

Helpful tips, videos and more regarding the application process can be found on the Your Job Application page of MyHR. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, e-mail BCPSA.Hiring.Centre@gov.bc.ca, before the stated closing time, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Additional Information:

A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.

Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on the Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies as outlined in the attached Job Profile located at the bottom of the posting.

Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Standard Time on the closing date of the competition.