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 Senior Aquatic Ecosystems Biologist leads and supports aquatic ecosystem staff, and manages financial resources for aquatic ecosystem stewardship in the region.
The position leads aquatic ecosystems initiatives which may include planning and objective-setting, legal habitat protection designations, aquatic habitat restoration projects, aquatic species at risk recovery, authorisations/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:
- Ph.D. in biological sciences or related field AND a minimum of two (2) years of related experience*, OR
- Master’s degree in biological sciences or related field AND a minimum of four (4) years of related experience*; OR,
- Bachelor’s Degree in biological sciences or related field AND a minimum of six (6) years related experience.
- Registered (or immediately eligible**) as a Registered Professional Biologist (RP Bio) in B.C. with the College of Applied Biology. Note: Immediately eligible** is defined as being able to transfer a current membership from an applicable jurisdiction to the CAB within six (6) months of employment. Confirmation of registration/eligibility will be required before an offer of employment can be confirmed. If you are not currently registered, advise how you have confirmed with the CAB that you are immediately eligible.
**Related experience must include two (2) or more of the following:
- Experience providing scientific and regulatory advice related to aquatic ecosystems to biologists, technicians, decision-makers and/or other agencies regarding potential impacts of natural resource decisions.
- Experience working in a team environment on complex and sensitive aquatic ecosystem projects or issues.
- Experience managing aquatic ecosystem projects, including project design, delivery (including budget and contract management), analysis and reporting.
- Experience assessing and monitoring aquatic ecosystems.
Preference may be given to applicants with one (1) or more of the following:
- Completion of Master’s or PhD degree in relevant field of expertise.
- Advanced scientific experience in a specialty area: related to aquatic ecosystems, such as watershed management, environmental flow needs and/or aquatic habitat restoration.
- Experience interpreting and applying natural resource management legislation and policy.
- Experience directly supervising and leading staff in project or field settings.
- Experience collaborating, engaging or consulting with Indigenous Nations or stakeholders to obtain input on policy issues OR representing an Indigenous Nation in consultations/engagements with other Indigenous Nations, stakeholders or governments.
Provisos:
- Must have or be able to obtain a valid B.C. class 5 driver’s licence.
- Must be willing to meet safety standards of Work Safe BC.
- Must be able to conduct 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.
- Must be willing to travel occasionally and stay overnight to perform work duties, such as meetings with staff, Indigenous Nations and/or stakeholders.
For questions regarding this position, please contact Tara.Szkorupa@gov.bc.ca.
About this Position:
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to 2 days at home per week as per the Telework Agreement.
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, MĂ©tis, 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.
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.
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 (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
Leadership and Management, Scientific and Technical
Additional Information
