BC Public Service - Internal Job Opportunities

The Team
The Forest Improvement and Research Management Branch (FIRM) team is responsible for implementing new and traditional breeding techniques to manage the genetic resource of our forests. Our work is applied research that feeds material into the seed orchard program with a direct impact on the landscape. The Genetics Group at the Kalamalka Forestry Center in Vernon is composed of a Team Lead, four research scientists and five technicians that work alongside a dedicated group of seasonal auxiliaries and contractors. We are a mix of early, mid and late-career employees that work hard but find time for the finer things in life like burger Wednesdays. We value collaboration and meet weekly during the field season to help each other with projects. Join our team and use your education and experience to make a difference to future generations through good management of our forest genetic resources. 


The Role
The Research Technician is responsible for implementing the work plans outlined by the tree breeder. The duties require a balance of office time, work on site at the Kalamalka Forestry Centre and field work at test sites planted around the province. The Technician will use their education and experience to coordinate field tasks with other on-site staff and contractors while completing many hands-on tasks themselves. This could include grafting trees, growing and caring for seedlings, planting trees, completing breeding among select trees, taking measurements, managing data and checking field sites. The work is diverse and rewarding with a good balance of indoor and outdoor time along with some travel. 


Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements

• Diploma or equivalent from a technical institution or university AND minimum (1) one year work experience including field work* experience in a related field (forestry, horticulture or agriculture); OR, 
• Secondary school graduation AND minimum (2) two years work experience including field work* experience in a related field (forestry, horticulture or agriculture).

*Field work experience is defined as test site selection and establishment, the collection of data and information through surveying, measurement of research plots, or equivalent field 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 a valid BC Driver’s Licence or equivalent in order to meet the transportation requirements for the position.

Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following:

• (1) One or more years of experience working in an operational tree breeding program**

**Tree breeding includes selection, testing and breeding for traits of interest of a commercial tree species.

• Diploma or equivalent from a technical institution or university in a field related to forestry.
• Experience in silviculture.
• Experience doing field work in remote locations and navigating resource roads.

Must be willing and able to meet the following requirements:

• Conduct field work 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 field work and carry equipment and supplies in difficult terrain. For example, carrying a 20kg planting box 20m 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 4m 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 Applicators Certificate and apply pesticides when required.
• Meet safety standards of WorkSafe BC including obtaining Level 1 first aid certification.

 

For questions regarding this position, please contact Nicholas.Ukrainetz@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:
This position is located in Vernon and has full-time on-site work requirements. 
An eligibility list may be established for future permanent vacancies.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

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.

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Canadian Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis, or Inuit) applicants. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

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.

 

How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above. Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting.

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: YES - You will need to complete a comprehensive questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. 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 how you obtained your relevant experience. The questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes to complete.

Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.