Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development, Coast Area (out of West Coast Region, Nanaimo)
Summer Research Assistant Position, Ecology and Silviculture
* One position to work with MFLNRORD Research Vegetation Ecologists and Research Silviculturist, and research project collaborators*
We are seeking an enthusiastic and conscientious individual to assist with field work, data management and analysis, and research extension this summer. This research assistant will work on multiple projects, including post wildfire restoration, biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification (BEC) and mapping, and yellow-cedar die-back research. The post wildfire restoration study sites are located in the Squamish area. This project examines structure and composition of post wildfire stands, and the potential to accelerate development of old forest attributes, carbon sequestration, and landscape resilience through climate change-informed experimental plantings. The BEC field work includes data collection on site, soil, vegetation, and stand structural features. The field data will be entered into the provincial database and will contribute to classification and mapping updates within the Coast Area. The central and north coast yellow-cedar work will examine successional dynamics of stands post decline of yellow-cedar. We will be developing an experimental design and selecting field sites; a pilot project may be undertaken near Prince Rupert. All projects will involve data entry, basic statistical analysis and summary, and written and oral extension work in addition to field support.
Field work will be conducted primarily within 3-person crews; individuals must be comfortable working under variable field conditions in remote locations over extended periods.
Term: up to 14 weeks (mid-May to August)
Salary: Dependent upon experience and current academic status and programme: $1,308.33 bi-weekly ($18.69 hourly) plus up to $52.50 per bi-weekly pay period in lieu of health & welfare benefits **Note all final employment categories are dependent on funding and position approval**
Essential Skills
familiarity with mapping, GPS, and basic navigational techniques
attention to detail in the field and in data recording
computer proficiency, e.g., MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, ArcGIS
ability to work both independently and as a member of a field team environment
enthusiastic attitude, work ethic and intuitive problem-solving skills
Class 5 (will consider 7, i.e., N) Driver’s License
willingness to perform strenuous field work in all weather conditions
Preferred Skills
ability to identify and collect vascular and nonvascular plants of coastal BEC zones
familiarity with principles and sampling procedures of the provincial BEC programme including site, soil, vegetation, tree mensuration, and coarse woody debris (CWD)
understanding of introductory statistics and ability to undertake associated analyses
proficiency driving 4-wheel drive vehicles and driving on Forest Service Roads
Level 1 First Aid (or willingness to obtain)
Education Requirements:
Qualify as a: registered in full-time studies at an accredited Canadian university or college within the past six months;
AND
Are/have been enrolled in a program whose major includes: Biology, Botany, Environmental Studies/Science, Forestry/Forest Resources, Natural Resource Management, or Physical Geography
Travel Reimbursements:
consistent with provincial government practice
possession of a valid VISA or MasterCard is a definite asset
Closing Time/Date and Application Requirements:
Please e-mail your cover letter and resume to the MFLNRORD contact below no later than April 16, 2019, outlining how your experience and education meet the qualifications above
Interview:
April 23-25 (Tuesday – Thursday)
Contact Information:
Heather Klassen (heather.a.klassen@gov.bc.ca)
Research Ecology, Coast Area
Ministry of FLNRORD
103-2100 Labieux Rd., Nanaimo, BC V9T 6E9
* Thank you for your interest! *
ALL EMPLOYMENT IS PENDING APPROVAL OF FUNDING