Area Supervisor
Scientific Technical Officer R24

Amendment January 3, 2023: posting closing date extended to January 12, 2023

An eligibility list may be established for future permanent and temporary opportunities at this location.

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.

BC Parks is responsible for all matters related to the effective management and stewardship of a system of parks, conservancies, ecological reserves, recreation areas, and protected areas throughout British Columbia. BC Parks’ mission is to protect important areas and their natural and cultural values, while providing outstanding recreation opportunities and to contribute to the well-being of British Columbians.

The position is responsible for managing the delivery of services and activities in the areas of conservation, recreation, outreach, and division services within a complex park or group of parks and protected areas. The Area Supervisor represents BC Parks as front-line contact to agencies, the general public, non-government organizations, community, businesses, corporate and First Nations for park and protected area specific issues.

Although the primary management area for this role is the Liard (Fort Nelson) Area, the Liard Area Supervisor has the opportunity to work as a team across the entire Peace Section which includes over 80 protected areas from the BC/Alberta border, north to the BC/Yukon border. This incredible area encompasses a wide variety of bio geoclimatic zones from Alpine tundra, Willow-Birch, Boreal and sub-boreal Spruce, and sub-alpine Fir regions. Waterfalls, fishing, hunting, horse-back riding, hot-springs, remote wilderness hikes, snowmobiling and ATVing attract visitors from across Canada and internationally.

The area is known for the wide variety of resource extraction, creating interesting challenges and opportunities with industry in the region. In contrast, the deep roots of First Nations communities and lifestyles in the region also provide learning opportunities regarding collaborative management and consultation unique to this area. Problem solving and negotiation techniques are integral and personal growth comes from working with the strong BC Parks team already in place. The scope of the position includes working with and mentoring a dynamic team, conducting front country/back country patrols, contract and Park Operator relations, providing frontline public relations and conducting enforcement. Training and certification in the operation of equipment will be provided on the job to the successful candidate. BC Parks encourages volunteer partnerships, community outreach and building relationships with the people who share the lands BC Parks is responsible for. Maintaining these valuable relationships with local guide outfitters, tourism associations, permit holders, other government ministries, the Conservation Officer Service and First Nations is an integral component of the position. Working with these parties is integral to the successful implementation of BC Parks projects in the region and requires strong interpersonal skills, planning and organizational abilities.

Fort Nelson is located on Mile 300 of the historic Alaska Highway and has over 4,900 residents. The community is on the edge of the Muskwa-Kechika region, also referred to as the “Serengeti of the North”. It rewards residents and travelers amazing outdoor opportunities with beautiful vistas and a large variety of wildlife and fauna. The community offers a newer recreation facility, theatre, library, hospital, and established businesses. Fort Nelson’s economy is diversified with tourism, oil and gas, and some forestry.

NOTE: This position is considered an isolated position with regards to BC Parks Relocation from Isolated Location Policy. The employee in this isolated location will, after thirty-six months or longer and with satisfactory performance, be given first consideration for relocation to a vacant BC Parks position at the same classification level anywhere in the province, once the vacancy has been approved for filling. Accommodation is not provided.

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 edward.hoffman@gov.bc.ca. DO NOT SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS. For more information about how to complete your job application, add/edit your resume and for more useful tips when applying for jobs, please refer to the Your 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 Standard 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 and experience as outlined below:

• Undergraduate degree in natural resource management, outdoor recreation management or a related field (biology, geology, natural resource management, recreational planning, forestry, fisheries, etc.), and three years related experience; OR
• Two-year technical diploma in any of the above fields and five years of related experience; OR
• Secondary school graduation and a minimum of seven years of related experience.

Related experience includes:

• Experience in natural resource management (such as ecosystem management, fish and/or wildlife management, forestry management, invasive species management, natural resource inventory and research, environmental impact assessment), cultural resource management (such as archaeological or cultural site management, archaeology), First Nation agreement management, and/or parks and protected area management encompassing a broad range of activities and initiatives related to the delivery of recreation and conservation programs and services including recreation facility management, natural resource management, inventory or research, park operations management, and/or compliance and enforcement; and/or,
• Experience in outdoor recreation management (such as outdoor recreation planning, outdoor recreation facility development, operation and/or maintenance of outdoor recreations facilities, outdoor recreation service delivery); and/or
• Experience in compliance and enforcement related to natural resource or recreation management.

In addition to candidates meeting the above education and experience, preference may also be given to applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Parks and protected area management encompassing a broad range of activities and initiatives related to the delivery of recreation and conservation programs and services;
• Compliance and Enforcement related to natural resource, cultural resource, or recreation management (such as enforcement of the Park Act, Wildlife Act, etc.) or development of compliance and enforcement plans to deal with non-compliance);
• Advanced negotiation experience including mediation and conflict resolution;
• Budget management (budget development, allocation, monitoring and control)
• Contract management (contract planning, tendering, award, monitoring, and evaluation);
• Human resource management (recruiting, hiring, training and supervising staff, volunteers, or project managers in program delivery).
• Destruction of wildlife by firearms (this includes professional and/or recreational/hunting experience).
• Issuing violation tickets and responding to Park Regulation and other offences and complaints.
  

Mandatory training and certification for Area Supervisors includes:

• Valid Class 5 B.C. driver’s licence or equivalent.

• Level 1 First Aid Certificate and Transportation Endorsement
• Successful completion of Criminal Records Checks (to be completed at job offer stage)
• Completion of Public Safety and Park Security Training (Law and its Administration, Parts 1 & 2)

• The courses, referred to as Law and its administration 3110 and 3120, can be obtained through the BC Institute of Technology (BCIT). Course information can be found at:

(https://www.bcit.ca/study/courses/prks1010.; https://www.bcit.ca/study/courses/prks1020.)

Note: if you have already successfully completed the BCIT PRKS 3110/3120 courses, BCIT course 1010 is not required. Successful candidates will have up to 6 months from date of hire to successfully complete these courses. Course costs will be reimbursed upon successful completion. Work time will be provided to complete these courses.

Other training that may be required depending upon location includes (on the job training provided if required):

• Firearms Possession and Acquisition Licence
• Firearms Qualification
• Advanced Wilderness Survival
• BC Parks Firearm Course Qualification with approval for use of shotgun and rifle for defence against wildlife, euthanasia of wildlife and destruction of nuisance wildlife.
• Advanced Bear Awareness training; Bear Viewing Guide training or other training in bear behaviour, threat assessment and response.
• MED A3
• Swift Water Rescue
• Fire Suppression 100 (firefighting)
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP), Advanced Boat Operation and Navigation (e.g., Power Squadron), and/or Limited Masters
• ATV Operation
• Snowmobile Operation
• Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) Avalanche Skills Training 1, CAA Avalanche Skills Training 2, CAA Avalanche Operations Level 1
• Bear Awareness
• Chainsaw Safety
• Wildlife/Danger Tree Assessment: Parks and Recreation Module
• Dangerous Wildlife Assessment training
• Emergency Vehicle Driving Regulation Certificate
• Defensive Tactics
• Verbal Judo
  

Willingness Statement

The Area Supervisor position is critical to the day to day management of the provincial parks and ecological reserves of BC. The diversity of this job requires that it is in your best interest to be aware of and willing to work in the following situations:

• Work as a team player in a fast paced and proactive yet political environment.
• Act and speak as a representative of the ministry at public functions, some of which may be with hostile audiences, in the evening or on weekends.
• Deal with potentially hostile, aggressive or intoxicated people, while working alone in isolated locations.
• Deal with representatives of diverse cultures.
• Deal with critics of government programs.
• Close facilities when potentially dangerous wildlife is present and be able to justify to the public.
• Operate 4 wheel drive, all-terrain vehicles and boats in all climatic conditions.
• Work in offices doing administrative work, preparing reports and answering public inquiries.
• Work under strict budgetary restraints which may restrict the ability to respond to issues or complete planned programs.
• Work alone with minimal direct contact with supervisor and colleagues.
• Work in extreme all season weather conditions and camp and travel (sometimes extensively) in wilderness/isolated locations.
• Travel for regional and/or provincial meetings is also required.
• Wear a uniform and meet dress standards.
• Work irregular shifts, evenings, weekends and some statutory holidays.

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.

Enhanced Security Screening will be required.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Cover Letter: YES - A cover letter is required as part of your application. The content and/or format of your cover letter may be evaluated as part of the assessment process.

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 (STANDARD): YES - You will be required to answer a standard questionnaire.