Posting Title: STO-RE 27R – Senior Water Resource Specialist
Position Classification: Scientific/Tech Off R27 – Res
Union: GEU
Location: Victoria, BC V9B 6X2 CA (Primary)
Salary Range: $75,552.53 – $86,175.83 annually
Close Date: 2/6/2023
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Temporary End Date:
Ministry/Organization: BC Public Service -> Ministry of Forests
Ministry Branch / Division: Water Management Branch/ Integrated Resource Operations Division
Job Summary
Bring your passion for resilient watersheds, meaningful reconciliation and integrated resource management decisions to this exciting opportunity!
The Ministry of Forests is responsible for the sustainable natural resource management of forests, range, water, land, fish and wildlife, and implementing integrated decision-making on these resources in partnership with First Nations, communities and other ministries. The Ministry also leads the proactive and collaborative management of natural hazards emergency preparedness and land base recovery to protect British Columbia’s land, water and people.
The Water Management Branch is accountable for the operational delivery of provincial water programs including managing and regulating the sustainable allocation of water resources, ensuring safe and reliable community water supplies; and protecting public health and safety through River Forecast Centre operations, flood hazard management, regulation of dikes and dams, and supporting emergency response.
The Water Allocation Section leads the provincial water allocation program in regulating complex hydropower projects and water licensing challenges, including providing expert advice to regional staff. Through the administration of the Water Sustainability Act and its regulations, as well as other related legislation, the Water Allocation Section recommends and makes statutory decisions that balance the economic, environmental, cultural and social interests of all British Columbians, in collaboration and consultation with Indigenous Nations. The Water Allocation Section also plays a key role in advancing water negotiations in the BC Treaty Process through creative solutions that advance the Ministry’s culture towards reconciliation.
The Senior Water Resource Specialist regulates (e.g. licenses, monitors) the construction and operation of major hydropower projects, conducts scientific analysis to support statutory decisions, provides expert advice to staff and clients on water management issues, and develops policy and guidance to enhance provincial stewardship of natural resources. This position also leads provincial water negotiations in the BC Treaty process and manages issues and processes related to interprovincial and international water related agreements.
Job Requirements:
Education:
- Master’s Degree or higher in natural resource management, engineering, geosciences or environmental sciences, plus three (3) years directly related experience; OR
- Bachelor’s Degree in natural resource management, engineering, geosciences or environmental sciences, plus five (5) years directly related experience.
Experience:
- Experience analyzing and evaluating complex water resource management issues.
- Experience regulating or working with feasibility assessment, design, construction, operation or maintenance of major water projects.
- Experience assessing environmental impacts of water resource projects or implementing environmental monitoring or mitigation measures.
Preference may be given to applicants with one (1) or more of the following
- Experience analyzing, researching, drafting, modifying or revising policy, guidelines, procedures or methodologies, preferably in a water resource related setting.
- Experience working directly with Indigenous Nations, consulting with Indigenous Nations or otherwise working on issues related to Indigenous rights, title or interests.
- Experience analyzing or critically reviewing complex water resource management issues, preferably related to hydropower and/or climate change.
Provisos & Willingness Statements:
- Must possess and maintain a valid BC Class 5 driver’s licence.
- May be required to work under tight deadlines on sensitive or confidential issues.
- May be required to interact with industry professionals, Indigenous Nations, the general public, clients or stakeholders with strong opinions in the course of executing regulatory responsibilities.
- Must be willing to travel and inspect construction and operation of hydropower and other large water control facilities; including travel to and over difficult terrain.
- Must be willing to travel (overnight away from home base) for up to 30 days a year.
- Must be willing to travel by boat or helicopter for field inspection of project sites and be willing to working irregular hours.
- Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends as circumstances require and sometimes be on- call/available.
For questions regarding this position, please contact Connie.Chapman@gov.bc.ca
About this Position:
There is currently one (1) permanent position available.
This position is located in Victoria.
An eligibility list for future temporary and/or permanent positions may be established.
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 can help Indigenous applicants (First Nations [status or non-status], MĂ©tis or Inuit) interested in BC Public Service job positions.
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 list above.
Cover Letter: NO – Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.
Resume: YES – Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.
Questionnaire: YES (COMPREHENSIVE) – You will be prompted to complete a comprehensive online questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Ensure you 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. Please allot approximately 60 minutes to complete the questionnaire.
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.
The BC Public Service COVID-19 Vaccination Policy defines the conditions and expectations for BC Public Service employees regarding vaccination against COVID-19. Among other possible measures, proof of vaccination will be required. It is a term of acceptance of employment that you agree to comply with all vaccination requirements that apply to the public service. More information can be found here.
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.
Job Category: Natural Resource Sector, Scientific and Technical
Additional Information: 
Job Profile_STO 27_Senior Water Resource Specialist
