LSO AGRL 3 - Invasive Plant Specialist

Help protect BC’s ecological, social, cultural and economic values from the threat of terrestrial and aquatic invasive plant species

Preventing and managing invasive plant species in British Columbia is a highly complex, multi-jurisdictional challenge. The Ministry of Forests is responsible for the delivery of invasive plant management activities on Provincial public lands and collaborates and co-operates with all levels of government, including First Nations, and non-government agencies to accomplish this work. To learn more, visit: Invasive species - Province of British Columbia.

As part of the Range Branch Invasive Plant Team composed of Invasive Plant Specialists and technicians, this Invasive Plant Specialist position provides expert professional advisory services and program administration support, particularly on terrestrial invasive plant management and addressing challenges in restoration of negatively impacted habitats. Specific responsibilities include providing policy recommendations, developing standards, exploring new invasive plant management solutions, improving program effectiveness, assessing risk, and working with First Nations and other partners to plan and implement invasive plant management activities. The Invasive Plant Specialist leads delivery of key invasive plant management projects and provides expert advice and support to regional operations staff, other Ministries, stakeholders and partners.

As an ideal candidate, you are self-motivated, flexible, curious and have strong team building, problem solving and conflict resolution skills. You will have an extensive knowledge of integrated pest management, a strength in terrestrial ecosystems and invasive species impacts, experience in restoration of infested or disturbed habitats, and welcome the challenges and rewards of working with diverse groups towards common objectives. This is an outstanding opportunity to work with a high performing team of professionals in a supportive, dynamic environment. If you are dedicated to environmental stewardship, values and solving issues, we encourage you to apply.

Job Requirements:

• Registered, or immediately eligible for registration, as a Professional Agrologist (PAg) with the BC Institute of Agrologists (BCIA). Note: immediately eligible for registration is defined as being able to transfer a current membership from an applicable jurisdiction to the BCIA within six (6) months of employment. Confirmation of registration/eligibility is required before an offer of employment can be made. Articling Agrologists may be considered at a lower classification level until full Professional Agrologist status is obtained.
• Master of Science Degree (or higher) in Natural Resource Management or a related field (i.e. Range Sciences, Agriculture or Environmental Sciences) with at least three (3) years of related experience; or,
• Bachelor of Science Degree in one of these fields with at least five (5) years of related experience.
• Must possess at minimum a valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence that does not limit or restrict the ability to conduct the duties of the job.

Related experience includes one (1) or more of the following:

• Experience in the principles of integrated pest management and invasive plant prevention and control measures and their application under BC conditions.
• Experience in the use of invasive plant treatment methods including herbicide products, selection, and application.
• Experience in monitoring vegetation communities with advanced plant taxonomy skills.
• Experience in negotiating and mediating solutions with partners and stakeholders in natural resource management.
• Experience supervising, leading, coaching and mentoring staff.
• Experience delivering public consultation processes dealing with natural resource management.
• Experience working with Indigenous Peoples and/or Governments.
• Experience planning and directing scientific work (own and other’s) to achieve applied research objectives.

Preference may be given to those with one (1) or more of the following:

• Recent experience (in the past five (5) years) in operational invasive plant management including chemical treatments, mobile data collection, and data compilation.
• Experience in restoration of disturbed areas (e.g. post-wildfire) or heavily invasive plant infested habitats.
• Experience in planning, preparing, and delivering oral presentations and training to diverse groups inside and outside government, and experience conducting effective meetings.
• Experience successfully working with diverse groups to resolve natural resource management challenges.
• Experience in program administration and project planning including prioritizing actions, allocating resources, managing/supervising staff, and administering budgets.
• Experience working with Indigenous Peoples.

Willingness Statements/Provisos:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a BC Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate within six (6) months of employment.
• Must be willing and able to travel extensively and to remote areas by vehicle, boat, air or on foot, particularly during the field season.
• Must be willing and able to withstand the rigors of fieldwork and physically carry equipment and supplies in difficult terrain.
• Must be willing and able to conduct field work in adverse weather conditions and environments.
• Must be willing and able to work with herbicides.
• Must be willing and able to meet the safety standards of WorkSafe BC.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Val.Miller@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:
There is currently one (1) permanent, full time position available.
This position can be located in 100 Mile House, Cranbrook, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nelson, Prince George, Quesnel, Vanderhoof, or Williams Lake.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to two (2) days at home per week subject to an approved Telework Agreement.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.
Applicants who do not fully meet the required qualifications may be considered for this position, but at a lower classification.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.

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 who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, 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, great learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development options. On top of the base salary, regular, full time Professional Employee Association members are also entitled to an allowance to cover professional fees, a 7% allowance in Lieu of Overtime Shiftwork and Standby (taken as time or money), and start off with 4 weeks of annual paid vacation. For more information, visit What the BC Public Service Offers.

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 Agrologist (PAg) with the BC Institute of Agrologists (BCIA). Note: immediately eligible for registration is defined as being able to transfer a current membership from an applicable jurisdiction to the BCIA within six (6) months of employment. Articling Agrologists may be considered at a lower classification level until full Professional Agrologist status is obtained. Confirmation of registration/eligibility will be required before an offer of employment can be made.

Cover Letter: YES - A cover letter is required as part of your application. Please use your cover letter to describe how your qualifications and career interests align with this position. 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 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 this position.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.

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.

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 Time on the closing date of the competition.