The Team
The Forest Health (FH) team is an experienced dedicated to preserving the health of British Columbia’s forests. With over 45 years of expertise, our diverse team includes specialized foresters, entomologists, and pathologists who work together to monitor and manage forest health issues. As part of this team, you’ll collaborate with forest practitioners, including ecologists and silviculture specialists, to protect our public lands and support communities, including First Nations. We’re excited to welcome new members who share our commitment to making a positive impact on our forests.

The Role
As a Data Scientist, you'll play a key role in managing and analyzing critical data, modernizing data capture tools, and enhancing our website and data hubs. While there is a vision and established priorities, this position offers the unique opportunity to shape your role based on your strengths and interests while contributing to meaningful work that impacts the health of our forests. You’ll also have the chance to step out of the office and into the field, participating in forestry-related tours and conferences, all within a role that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements

• Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, GIS, Statistics, Mathematics, or Forestry and three (3) years related experience; OR,
• Diploma in Data Science, Computer Science, GIS, Statistics, Mathematics, or Forestry and five (5) years related experience:
• Related experience may include:
  • Experience at leveraging structured and unstructured data sources to conduct quantitative analysis.
  • Experience determining appropriate use of various problem structuring methods and statistical methods for sampling, distribution assessment, bias, and error.
  • Familiarity or experience with machine learning, clustering, and classification techniques to analyze diverse sources of data.
  • Experience creating and delivering executive-level presentations for the purpose of decision making.
• Must possess and maintain a valid BC driver’s licence.

Preference may be given to applicants with one (1) or more of the following:

• Experience with Power BI
• Experience with ArcGIS
• Experience using computer system R (for statistical computing)
• Experience with the Reporting Updates and Land Status Tracking System (RESULTS)

Willingness Statements:

• Must hold or be willing to obtain Level 1 First Aid Certification.
• Willing to keep up to date with cutting-edge techniques in machine-learning and big data analytics and find ways to advance the organization’s capabilities in analytics.
• Willingness and ability to learn new technologies on the job.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Babita.Bains@gov.bc.ca

About this Position:
Amendment August 23, 2024: Closing date extended until September 5, 2024
This is a temporary opportunity until August 21, 2026. This opportunity maybe extended or become permanent.
This position can be based in a Natural Resource Sector office. The locations listed above are to assist applicants in searching for this opportunity and are not a complete list of locations.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to 2 days at home per week subject to an approved telework agreement.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

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.

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Canadian Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis, or Inuit) applicants. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

The BC Public Service is an award-winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, amazing learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development opportunities. For more information, please see What We Offer.

How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above. Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting.

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.

Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.