BC Public Service - Internal Job Opportunities

The Team

The Provincial Groundwater Observation Well Network (PGOWN) program—part of the Climate, Hydrology and Snow Monitoring Section—is an established, province‑wide monitoring program that collects long‑term groundwater level and chemistry data from key aquifers across B.C. The core team of approximately 12 staff includes Groundwater Technicians, Groundwater Monitoring Specialists, Network Technology Specialists and Data Specialists, all working together to maintain consistent standards for network operations and data collection. Staff in this role also collaborate closely with regional hydrogeologists, water licensing staff and local governments. The PGOWN program plays a critical role in supporting the sustainable management and protection of groundwater resources and related ecosystems. The team is known for its experienced, dedicated professionals who take pride in their work—and enjoy the unique opportunity to explore B.C.’s diverse and stunning natural landscapes.

The Role

The Groundwater Monitoring Specialist provides specialized technical services in ambient groundwater monitoring.  It is a field-based position that coordinates cross-regional operations; carries out, or assigns, applied research studies and initiatives; and contributes to program and budgetary planning for the PGOWN and associated groundwater monitoring programs. The position applies professional expertise to complex groundwater issues; coordinates tactical and operational planning; and leads installation and expansion projects. The position also provides functional supervision to field staff, including training and operational guidance and provides leadership and direction to contractors/consultants. The Specialist assesses and makes recommendations in the development and implementation of PGOWN procedures, processes, standards, and internal policies related to provincial groundwater network operations. Typical working teams and partners include: First Nations, federal and provincial representatives, ministry staff (including senior managers), local government officials, stewardship groups, non-profits, etc.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences, Earth Sciences, Civil or Water Resources Engineering with emphasis in hydrogeology, engineering or groundwater hydrology or in a similar acceptable water or natural resource field such as those stated above; AND
• A minimum two (2) years of combined experience. Must include all of the following:
  • Experience working in a water resource management field, with specific experience in planning, organizing and leading field-based surface or groundwater assessments and providing oversight to those engaged in these activities.
  • Experience planning and overseeing the drilling of observation / monitoring wells and collecting groundwater level and chemistry data.
  • Experience interpreting and analyzing maps and data related to water and resource management; and in the use of associated technology, software, and equipment.
• Possession of a valid Class 5 BC Driver's License.

Professional Registration and Certification Requirements

• Registered (or is immediately eligible for registration) as a Professional Geoscientist or Professional Engineer with Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC); or as a Professional Agrologist with the British Columbia Institute of Agrologists (BCIA).
  • Note: “Immediately eligible for registration” means meeting all requirements for full professional registration and completing the registration process with the relevant BC professional association within six (6) months of employment. Confirmation of registration/eligibility is required before an offer of employment can be made. Under-implementation of the position at an LSO 1A level may be considered, provided an applicant is registered with a British Columbia professional association and is actively articling / in-training (GIT, EIT, or AAg) by the time of the offer of employment and can achieve their full professional designation within two (2) years of employment.

Preference may be given to applicants with the following:

• Experience establishing collaborative working relationships with scientific/technical/industry professionals, community leaders, First Nations, and others.

Willingness Statements

• Willingness to conduct field work which may include travel to remote areas by vehicle or other means of transportation (e.g., boats, small planes, or foot).  Such work may involve overnight or extended stays away from home and in outdoor camps and in all weather conditions. 

Provisos

• May require the operation of a variety of equipment.

For questions regarding this position, please contact bryan.jackson@gov.bc.ca

About this Position:

This position can be based in any of the following Ministry of Environment and Parks offices :Nanaimo, Surrey, Penticton, Kamloops, Smithers, Prince George, Fort St John.

Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to 4 days at home per week subject to an approved telework agreement. Applicants who do not fully meet the required qualifications may be considered for this position, but a lower classification.

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

A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required

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 Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Inuit or Métis) applicants originating from the land now known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

How to Apply:
Your resume and/or cover letter must clearly show that you meet the education and experience requirements. Highlight the required qualifications and support them with specific examples, such as your responsibilities, projects you've worked on, or accomplishments. Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR.

Professional Designation: YES - Please include your registration number in your application. You must be registered, or immediately eligible for registration, as a Registered Professional Forester with Forest Professionals BC (FPBC), OR a Professional Agrologist with the British Columbia Institute of Agrologists (BCIA), OR a Professional Engineer or Professional Geoscientist with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC). Note: "Immediately eligible for registration" means meeting all requirements for full professional registration and completing the process of obtaining full registration with the relevant BC professional association within six (6) months of employment. Confirmation of registration/eligibility is required before an offer of employment can be made. Under-implementation of the position at an LSO 1A level may be considered, provided an applicant is registered with a British Columbia professional association and is actively articling / in-training (GIT, EIT, or AAg) by the time of the offer of employment and can achieve their full professional designation within two (2) years of employment.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

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

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. 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.