STO-RE 18R – Research Technician – Forest Genetics – (64617)
Posting Title: STO-RE 18R – Research Technician – Forest Genetics
Position Classification: Scientific/Tech Off R18 – Res
Union: GEU
Location: Mesachie Lake, BC V0R 2N0 CA (Primary)
Salary Range: $53,856.66 – $61,096.97 annually
Close Date: 10/25/2019
Job Type: Regular Full Time Temporary End Date
Ministry/Organization: BC Public Service -> FLNRO and Rural Development
Ministry Branch / Division: Forest Improvement and Research Management Branch
Job Summary
This position is located at the Cowichan Lake Research Station in Mesachie Lake, BC.
An eligibility list may be established.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development has the mandate to manage specified Crown land and resources in a manner that embraces the economic, environmental and social goals of government. These results are all essential to improving the global competitiveness of the BC industry and our ability to attract private investment and to stimulate economic growth and job creation across the province.
As a Research Technician – Forest Genetics, you will perform technical duties in support of a tree breeding and forest genetics research program, led by a scientific professional. Such duties include: assisting with experiments [technical and administrative support], including establishing and maintaining protocols and procedures for experiments; ensuring inventory of project equipment, supplies and materials is current and ready for use; prepares figures, graphs, photographs and schematics for presentation and publication; as well as other related duties and responsibilities.
For complete details about this opportunity, including accountabilities, please refer to the attached job profile. For specific position related enquiries, please contact Jonathan.Degner@gov.bc.ca. DO NOT SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS. Information and tips about how to complete your job application, including adding or editing your résumé and applying for jobs, are available at the following link: Your Job Application. If you still experience technical difficulties applying for a competition, please send an email to BCPSA.Hiring.Centre@gov.bc.ca before the stated closing time and we will respond as soon as possible to assist you.
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.
Mesachie Lake is a jewel in the Cowichan Valley on stunning Vancouver Island, BC with the Research Station right on the shores of Cowichan Lake. The Research Station is an easy commute to the Cowichan Valley where one of the hardest decisions you will have to make is what to enjoy. Year-round outdoor activities await: run, jog, hike or bike nearby mountain trails, camp, fish, and be amazed by the wildlife. Take in a tour [and a sample or two, of course] of the local wineries and microbreweries in the area. Boast to your Eastern friends and relatives as you golf year-round, beach comb for treasures and even mow the lawn in March. Best of all, the friendly small-town local culture and amazing forest history are yours to discover at a leisurely pace.
In addition to this unique opportunity in an amazing location, the BC Public Service is an award-winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, excellent learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with plentiful career development opportunities. For more information, please visit What the BC Public Service offers You.
NOTE: Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
To be considered for this position, your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the education and experience as outlined below:
- Diploma or equivalent from a technical institution or university of recognized standing in forestry, horticulture or agriculture and minimum one-year work experience including fieldwork* experience in a related field [forestry, horticulture or agriculture]; OR,
- Secondary school graduation and two years’ work experience [3 years preferred] including fieldwork* experience in a related field [forestry, horticulture or agriculture]. *Fieldwork experience includes test site selection and establishment, the collection of data and information through surveying, measurement of research plots, or equivalent field research tasks.
- Experience and proficiency using MS Office products; minimally, can perform basic spreadsheet tasks in MS Excel including data entry, data manipulation, data summaries and spreadsheet formatting; and, can perform basic word processing activities in MS Word including formatting of text documents and technical reports, figures and field maps.
- Must possess and maintain [or be immediately eligible to obtain] a valid BC Driver’s Licence in order to meet the transportation requirements for the position.
Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following:
- Demonstrated experience in silviculture.
- Demonstrated experience using BC’s Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification [BEC] system.
- Demonstrated experience doing fieldwork in remote locations and navigating resource roads.
- Demonstrated experience with contract administration, including writing or administering contracts, drafting contract proposals or grant applications.
- Demonstrated experience in budget tracking and financial management with work experience related to tracking expenditures and managing project budgeting.
- Demonstrated experience in geographic information systems [GIS] using ArcView to load shapefiles, perform basic data and spatial queries and format and manipulate maps.
- Demonstrated experience involving the operation of equipment specialized for making precise measurements in the field or lab.
- Experience with database management; can perform basic tasks in Microsoft Access including loading data tables and performing basic queries.
- Demonstrated experience with advanced MS Excel in data manipulation, including importing/exporting from other software applications, using macro functions, performing pivot tables and merging data from multiple datasets.
Must be willing and able to meet the following requirements:
- Conduct fieldwork which may include 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.
- Perform the required physically demanding fieldwork and carry equipment and supplies in difficult terrain. For example, carrying a 20 kg planting box 20 m over uneven ground.
- Be available to work irregular hours and overtime.
- Operate a variety of equipment and work at heights using lifts and ladders. For example, climbing a 4 m ladder.
- Wear appropriate safety gear as required.
- Be potentially exposed to hazardous materials or compounds such as bleach, fertilizers, pesticides, solvents and fuels.
- Willing to obtain Pesticide Applicator Certificate and apply pesticides when required.
- Meet safety standards of WorkSafe BC, including obtaining Level 1 first aid certification.
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.
A Criminal Record Check [CRC] will be required.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Cover Letter: NO – Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.
Résumé: YES – Ensure your résumé includes your educational accomplishments, employment history, including job titles, start and end dates [month and year] and your job-related responsibilities for each job in your employment history, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.
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 listed in the job profile. Please allow 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 job-related responsibilities, accountabilities and accomplishments.
Job Category
Natural Resource Sector, Policy, Research and Economics, Scientific and Technical, Trades and Operational