Aquatic Invasive Fauna Specialist
Biologist R27

Amendment (December 28, 2022): Posting Date Extended to January 12, 2023
Amendment (Nov 21): The salary has been amended to reflect the 19th BCGEU Main Agreement.
Amendment (November 23, 2022): Posting Date Extended to December 29, 2022
This is a temporary opportunity until March 31, 2023 and may be extended or become permanent.
An eligibility list may be established for future temporary or permanent vacancies.
The recruitment process for this competition may take place virtually.

On November 1, 2021 the BC Public Service announced the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy that 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.

A great opportunity to take the next step in your career

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Aquatic Ecosystems Branch! Within the Branch, the Aquatic Conservation Science Section leads conservation science and research initiatives that improve the collective understanding of our province’s species and ecosystems, their status, and threats. Reporting to the Freshwater Applied Science and Programs Unit head in this position, you will be focused on mitigating the threat associated with aquatic invasive fauna through science informed policy, prevention actions, and adaptive management.

As the specialist, you will work with an extensive network of partners including inter-ministerial and non-government organizations on prioritizing provincial approaches to high-risk aquatic invasive fauna, developing and improving prevention strategies, advancing surveillance, coordinating rapid response to new incursions, and delivering community outreach for new and emerging priorities. Specifically, you will be responsible for advising on policy and procedures associated with aquatic invasive fauna and new introductions of high-risk fauna to be adopted province-wide while ensuring that related prevention and control activities are undertaken in a consistent, scientifically defensible approach. A central component of this position is serving as the Provincial Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) Aquatic Invasive Fauna Coordinator and as a member of the Provincial EDRR Advisory committee.

This position will focus exclusively on aquatic invasive fauna and collaborate and support regional biologists from across the natural resource sector ministries who are responsible for operational invasive fauna eradication and management efforts.

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.

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.

For information about the Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service please visit: Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca).

For complete details about this opportunity, including accountabilities, please refer to the attached job profile. For specific position related enquiries, please contact martina.beck@gov.bc.ca. DO NOT SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS. For more information about how to create or update your profile and how to submit your application, please refer to the Job Application page on the MyHR website. If you are still experiencing technical difficulty applying for a competition, please send an e-mail to BCPSA.Hiring.Centre@gov.bc.ca, before the stated closing time, and we will respond as soon as possible to assist you.

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

Job Requirements:
In order to be considered for this position, your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the education, experience and professional designation requirement as outlined below:

• PhD in a related science field (e.g. biological sciences, ecology, natural resources management or related discipline) and 2 years related experience OR
• Master’s Degree in a related science field (e.g. biological sciences, ecology, natural resources management or related discipline) and 3 years related experience OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a related science field (e.g. biological sciences, ecology, natural resources management or related discipline) and 4 years related experience
• Registered (or eligible) as a Registered Professional Biologist (RP Bio) in B.C. with the College of Applied Biology within six months of employment. (i.e. currently a Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio) member in good standing in another Canadian jurisdiction and can immediately transfer to the CAB).

Related Experience must include all of the following:

• Minimum two years’ experience interpreting and applying environmental management legislation, regulations and policies.
• Experience managing projects (including design, implementation and evaluation phases, not necessarily for the same project)
• Minimum two years’ experience writing and/or reviewing funding applications and/or partnership agreements.
• Minimum two years’ experience in data management, synthesis and reporting.
• Minimum two years’ experience communicating complicated scientific concepts in a simple way to the general public and/or government executives, orally and in writing.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary teams in natural resource management context.
  

Preference may be given to applicants with the following:

• Experience working in a field based environment
• Experience working with invasive species.
• Experience working with First Nations.

Provisos

• Hold and maintain a Valid B.C. driver’s licence.
• Meets and adheres to safety standards of Work Safe BC.
• May be required to operate a variety of equipment.
• 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
• May be required to carry equipment and supplies in difficult terrain

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 in the Additional Information section at the bottom of the posting.

A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

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 (COMPREHENSIVE): YES - As part of the application process, you will be prompted to complete a comprehensive online questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Please allot approximately 60 minutes to complete the questionnaire.

IMPORTANT: Comprehensive questionnaire responses will be used to shortlist applicants against the job requirements. Please 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 your accountabilities and accomplishments.