BC Public Service - Internal Job Opportunities

BC Timber Sales (BCTS) is a unique program of the Ministry of Forests (MOF). Working collaboratively with regional and district operations, BCTS plans, develops, and auctions a substantial portion of the province’s annual available timber volume. BCTS operates as a for profit entity within a government organization.  Its goal is to provide credible representative price and cost benchmark data for the Market Pricing System through auctions of timber harvested from British Columbia’s public land. BCTS operations are guided by three overarching principles, forest sector safety, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and sustainable forest management.

A career path in BC Timber Sales offers exceptional opportunities to develop new solutions to complex problems, and to learn and grow personally and professionally. Existing and future BCTS employees have the opportunity to impact public and private forests, communities, the economy and the lives of British Columbians in positive and unique ways

The Team

The Arrow Field Team is a multidisciplinary group of planning, development, engineering, harvesting, silviculture, and resource professionals working together to deliver sustainable forest management and timber development programs across the Arrow operating area. Based in either Castlegar or Nakusp, you'll join an experienced and collaborative team that values initiative, innovation, and practical problem-solving. Staff are empowered to take ownership of their work, contribute to meaningful outcomes, and continue building rewarding careers in a supportive environment.

Working in the Arrow Lakes region offers the opportunity to be part of a team managing some of British Columbia's most diverse and dynamic forest landscapes. From the Columbia River corridor and Arrow Lakes to the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains, you'll work across a variety of ecosystems while collaborating with Indigenous Nations, local communities, stakeholders, and resource specialists. The region is known for its strong forestry tradition, spectacular natural surroundings, and exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities, making it an outstanding place to live, work, and explore.

The Role

The Planning Forester plays a key role in shaping sustainable forest management across the Arrow operating areas. Based in either Castlegar or Nakusp, you'll lead the development timber sales planning initiatives and forest stewardship while working closely with stakeholders, government agencies, technical specialists, and Indigenous Nations. The position involves balancing economic, environmental, cultural, and community values to support responsible resource management and successful business outcomes.

This role offers an engaging mix of strategic planning, collaboration, and field-based work. You may spend one day developing operational plans, coordinating with specialists, and addressing complex resource management challenges, and the next day visiting proposed or active cutblocks, roads, and silviculture projects in the field. The position provides excellent opportunities for professional growth, relationship-building, and hands-on leadership in one of British Columbia's most scenic forest landscapes. If you're looking for meaningful work, a supportive team environment, and the chance to make a lasting impact on public forest management while enjoying an exceptional lifestyle, this is an outstanding career opportunity

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements

• A Registered Professional Forester (RPF) or be eligible for registration as an RPF with the Forest Professionals of British Columbia (FPBC) and two years of experience in operational field forestry activities.
• Operational field forestry activities include the following:
  • Timber harvesting monitoring/conformance
  • Cut-block development
  • Forest road engineering
  • Silviculture
  • Timber tenure development and administration
  • Planning integrated resource management
• Must possess at minimum a valid Class 5 B.C. Driver’s License that does not limit or restrict the ability to conduct the duties of the job

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

• Directly related planning and integrated resource management experience
• Experience working with Indigenous Peoples
• Coursework or experience in contract or financial administration

Provisos: 

• Must be willing and able to withstand the rigors of fieldwork.
• Must be willing to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Must be willing and able to travel to meet job requirements.
• Must be willing and able to travel in fixed and or rotary winged aircraft and or watercraft. 
• Must be able to maintain membership with the Forest Professionals of BC as a member in good standing

For questions regarding this position, please contact peter.jansen@gov.bc.ca

About this Position:
There is currently one (1) vacancy available in Castlegar or Nakusp.
An eligibility list may be established for similar vacancies within the BC Timber Sales Kootenay Business Area (Cranbrook, Nelson, Castlegar, Grand Forks, Nakusp)
Flexible work options may be available; successful candidate can work up to 2 days a week remotely subject to an approved telework agreement.
Applicants who do not fully meet the required qualifications may be considered for this position, but at a lower classification.
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.

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.

The BC Public Service offers a healthy work/life balance, excellent benefits, including one of the best pension plans available, and a variety of opportunities for career learning and development. Regular, full time Professional Employee Association members are also entitled to 7% allowance in Lieu of Overtime Shiftwork and Standby (taken as time or money), have a 35 hour work week, and 4 weeks’ annual paid leave entitlement. To find out more, explore What the BC Public Service offers You.

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. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation.

Professional Designation: YES - Please include your registration number in your application. You must be registered (or immediately eligible for registration) as a Professional Forester with Forest Professionals British Columbia (FPBC). Note: immediately eligible for registration is defined as being able to transfer a current membership from an applicable jurisdiction. Applicants must confirm their eligibility with FPBC. Confirmation of registration/eligibility will be required before an offer of employment can be made. 

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.

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:
CRC - A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.

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.