JOB PROFILE Position #00039185
TITLE: WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST CLASSIFICATION: BIO R24
MINISTRY: MINISTRY OF FORESTS, LANDS, NATURAL RESOURCES, OPERATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
WORK UNIT: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, FISH AND WILDLIFE BRANCH
SUPERVISOR TITLE: SENIOR WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST SUPERVISOR POSITION #: 110185
CONTEXT The Wildlife Program manages, conserves, enhances, restores and allocates all wildlife resources in the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development of the Province of British Columbia. The Fish and Wildlife Branch is responsible for establishing a regional fish and wildlife conservation, management and recreational use program focusing on species conservation, recovery, monitoring and establishing a range of recreational use programs for fish and wildlife. JOB OVERVIEW
The regional wildlife biologist position applies biological theory, methodology and technical knowledge of wildlife, wildlife habitat conservation and management, current research, techniques and technologies, to analyze, assess and determine environmental impacts of regional wildlife proposals and permits. Guided by the Provincial Wildlife Act and associated federal legislation, policy and regulations the position develops and evaluates wildlife, wildlife habitat and species management and inventory projects to meet ministry wildlife objectives. This position must apply sound scientific judgment, creativity, ingenuity and critical reasoning to determine and develop effective management strategies, mitigation proposals, stewardship programs and conservation objectives. The position contributes to acquisition of new knowledge and methodologies on population analysis, population modelling, evaluation of population viability, evaluation of causes of population change (both anthropogenic and natural) and of population management options. The position supports the Resource Management Divisions mandate to manage for sustainable use of fish and wildlife resources through strategies focused on achieving an appropriate balance of recreational and economic benefits with conservation of species/populations and supporting habitats. The position provides scientific information, advice, leadership, and recommendations to scientists and resource managers in the ministry and other provincial and federal regulatory agencies, First Nations, international organizations, universities, private and non-government organizations, and the general public in the areas of wildlife populations and their habitats.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
1. Plans, directs, coordinates and implements components of the regional wildlife program including game, non-game and furbearer species management, wildlife research, wildlife habitat enhancement, and management and allocation of sustenance, commercial and recreational uses of wildlife by: a. formulating and developing wildlife species and habitat management strategies/plans to assist the Fish & Wildlife Section Head in setting long range wildlife management priorities;
Date: April 7, 2018 b. assessing wildlife population parameters such as size and condition, productivity, structure and distribution by designing, planning, conducting and supervising inventories, surveys, transplants, capture and tagging operations and radio telemetry monitoring, collection of biological samples: data analysis and report findings; c. directing and performing complex data analyses, including structured decision making and computer simulation modeling, to quantify the implications of various interests and management options and to assess the implications of recruitment and mortality on wildlife populations; d. reviewing, formulating and recommending Region annual allowable harvest levels for hunting and trapping of assigned species based on biological capability, public demand and social acceptance; e. initiating and facilitating wildlife species harvest allocation and management for user groups such as resident and non-resident hunters by preparing and interpreting technical information on wildlife populations and with First Nations by assisting in the development and implementation of harvest surveys and harvest management plans; f. liaising and developing cooperative working agreements with First Nations in setting population management objectives, developing wildlife species inventory and monitoring programs; g. monitoring and maintaining the health of wildlife populations by directing, developing and managing studies on wildlife health through the collection of specimens and samples for disease analysis; h. Directing and conducting compulsory inspections and collecting biological specimens to assess the impacts of hunting and trapping on wildlife populations; i. Assisting in all aspects of the development of regional hunting and trapping regulations proposals and support Fish and Wildlife Branch staff in Headquarters with the updating and publishing of the Hunting and Trapping and Limited Entry Hunting Synopses; j. Manages human-wildlife issues; such as problem wildlife and bear-human interaction; k. Develops and writes scientific papers, including some as principal author, published in peer- reviewed scientific journals on subjects related to ecology, population biology, conservation ecology and similar fields.
2. Communicates and engages with the public about wildlife by: a. working with the Communication Officers of the Government Communication and Public Engagement agency by developing news releases, giving media interviews, appearing on radio/television programs, writing species brochures, preparing information signs, population status reports and hunting forecasts; b. meeting with individuals and groups such as guides, naturalists, hunters, trappers, First Nations groups, and other members of the public to provide information on wildlife management through participation in regional engagement processes (Hunter Advisory Committee); c. Preparing and presenting information to educational institutions and public groups on topics related to wildlife management; d. Fielding inquiries from the public about wildlife issues.
3. Provides professional and technical expertise on resource management issues in the Region as a regional and provincial specialist for a wide range of wildlife species by: a. editing and advising on research experiments, enhancement proposals and correspondence and technical reports prepared by subordinates and contractors; b. providing input to Ministry policy and procedures related to wildlife management; c. liaising with other professionals (e.g. foresters, agrologists, engineers) about wildlife management issues; d. developing and conducting wildlife research projects in conjunction with post-secondary educational institutes including input to graduate-level studies; i. drafting and recommending changes to regional operational procedures (e.g. regional elk management); ii. Administering wildlife related permits, including applying delegated decision authority under the Wildlife Act; Date: April 7, 2018 e. Acts as expert witness when required; f. Assists the Director of Resource Management and Fish and Wildlife Section Head with the preparation and presentation of data summaries and other materials pertaining to administrative (Section 61) hearings and Environmental Appeal Board hearings.
4. Manages budget, contract, human resources and performs wildlife section administrative duties by: a. initiating and managing contracts for consultants or non-profit conservation organizations (e.g. Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Land Based Investment Funds and program budgets), including inspecting the performance of contractors; b. initiating, planning and directing volunteer effort from a wide variety of public groups (i.e. rod and gun clubs, students, naturalist groups) toward the achievement of specific project goals; securing outside funding for application to approved projects (e.g., Guide Outfitters Association, Nature Trust); c. interviewing, hiring and supervising auxiliary employees, cooperative education students and volunteers; d. planning, managing, and reporting on wildlife survey and research budgets.
5. Represents the Region and Wildlife Program on international/federal/provincial/regional committees, councils, task forces and working groups responsible for addressing policy, species conservation and management, wildlife education and public and commercial users of wildlife by: a. working with the public on various levels of planning (includes work on joint planning teams, public advisory committees and special task groups); b. participating on provincial technical committees that provide expert advice to the wildlife program; c. working with staff from other ministries in the development and implementation of government to government agreements with First Nations, including Strategic Engagement Agreements, collaborative fish and wildlife management plans and working groups.
6. Provides advice to senior management, other Ministry staff and government staff from other Ministries as a regional wildlife specialist by: a. drafting Minister’s and Executive briefing notes and letters related to wildlife management; b. advising the Section Head on wildlife management needs; c. recommending operational procedures to resolve regional wildlife issues; d. advising and assisting other regional or headquarters staff regarding wildlife management issues and activities; e. acting for senior wildlife biologist, as required; f. reviewing licenses and preparing terms and conditions of permit applications from other government, non-government agencies and individuals consistent with regional and Ministry policies and procedures.
7. Maintains professional competence and specialized knowledge of keeping current with legislation and scientific information and developments in the field of wildlife biology and ecology. 8. Financial Responsibility a. Develops and recommends annual project budgets and monitors expenditures. Writes terms of reference for contracts; reviews and evaluates tenders and recommends payment based on satisfactory completion of project. b. Administers multiple contracts as contract monitor, providing technical guidance and review of contractor work for quality and conformity with policy, procedure and standards. Develops, prepares and implements wildlife/species inventory plans, budgets and contracts.
Date: April 7, 2018 JOB REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences, including ecosystem and species biology, plus 1 year of recent, related experience.
Related Experience: Experience in designing, developing and delivering wildlife species and habitat management strategies, including population and habitat inventories and assessments. Experience in methodologies used to assess wildlife population and habitat parameters and collecting, analyzing and reporting biological data. Experience as a science specialist or advisor to a large government or private resource management organization. Experience engaging, communicating and partnering with First Nations, stakeholder, university and NGO groups.
Preference may be given to applicants with: A Master of Science degree in biological sciences, including wildlife, ecosystem and/or species biology, plus 2 years of recent, related experience. Registered or eligible to be registered (or immediately eligible to be registered) as a Registered Professional Biologist (RP Bio) in BC with the College of Applied Biology within six months of employment. Firearms Acquisition Certificate (FAC) or Possession and Acquisition License (PAL), 4x4 vehicle operation, ATV operation, and snow machine operation. May include carrying a long gun firearm. Experience in game and harvest management. Experience in interpretation, and application of a resource management program under government legislation and policy.
WILLINGNESS STATEMENTS Must be able to work in regular office or boardroom conditions with some conflicting interest groups. Must be willing to fly in small fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Must be willing to work long hours during the field season, under adverse environmental conditions. This position conducts field work approximately 30% of the time, as it is often project-driven and seasonal.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES Advanced and current scientific knowledge relevant to the specialty. Extensive knowledge of methods and standards for determining status of species and ecosystems (including population assessment). Knowledge of population dynamics and tools to model these complex systems. Broad knowledge of conservation and recovery principles and techniques for wildlife species. Knowledge of current natural resource management and land use issues. Knowledge of wildlife management issues in the Cariboo Region. Knowledge of First Nations wildlife issues. Knowledge of federal and provincial legislation and policy regarding natural resource management. Knowledge of scientific and literature research methods. Knowledge of field classification and identification of provincial species and ecosystems. Knowledge of laboratory procedures relating to analysis of wildlife species. Knowledge of capabilities of Geographic Information Systems as an analytical tool. Knowledge of database applications and statistical analyses. Ability to use a range of biological and inventory field equipment, computer systems and applications, including database, presentation and mapping software.
Date: April 7, 2018 Ability to use instrumentation and equipment (GPS units, digital cameras, range finders) as well as all Microsoft Office and GIS and Oracle Access Tool (iMAP), mapping and data management programs. Ability to plan, manage, conduct, co-ordinate, implement and evaluate programs, policies, and research. Ability to generate team-work, negotiates agreements, achieve consensus, maintain credibility, and co-operate effectively with diverse peers, agencies, non-government organizations, contractors and subordinates. Ability to chair and participate in complex and controversial natural resource management processes involving peers, other agencies, and non-government organizations. Ability to develop recommendations for, and evaluate, innovative legislation, regulations, policy and standards. Ability to develop and implement innovative and complex programs, work plans, projects, budgets, and contracts, within assigned fiscal levels. Ability to determine financial and staff requirements to meet objectives. Ability to research, summarize and communicate specialist scientific information effectively both orally and in writing to gain understanding of experts and non-experts. Ability to perform well under pressure in sensitive, emotional, and rapidly changing circumstances. Ability to give media interviews on controversial issues. Ability to appear in court as a material or expert witness. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Must exhibit a high degree of tact, judgment, and initiative. Ability to plan, organize, and work independently and effectively. Ability to supervise professional consultants. Ability to use standard government computer applications.
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES Analytical Thinking is the ability to comprehend a situation by breaking it down into its components and identifying key or underlying complex issues. It implies the ability to systematically organize and compare the various aspects of a problem or situation, and determine cause-and-effect relationships ("if...then…") to resolve problems in a sound, decisive manner. Checks to ensure the validity or accuracy of all information. Planning, Organizing and Coordinating involves proactively planning, establishing priorities and allocating resources. It is expressed by developing and implementing increasingly complex plans. It also involves monitoring and adjusting work to accomplish goals and deliver to the organization's mandate. Problem Solving/Judgement is the ability to analyze problems systematically, organize information, identify key factors, identify underlying causes and generate solutions. Teamwork and Co-operation is the ability to work co-operatively within diverse teams, work groups and across the organization to achieve group and organizational goals. It includes the desire and ability to understand and respond effectively to other people from diverse backgrounds with diverse views. Expertise includes the motivation to expand and use technical knowledge or to distribute work-related knowledge to others. Conflict Management is the ability to develop working relationships that facilitate the prevention and/or resolution of conflicts within the organization. Initiative involves identifying a problem, obstacle or opportunity and taking appropriate action to address current or future problems or opportunities. As such, initiative can be seen in the context of proactively doing things and not simply thinking about future actions. Formal strategic planning is not included in this competency. Service Orientation is understanding the service needs of a client/customer (internal or external) and actively focusing on anticipating, meeting and exceeding the needs in a timely and appropriate manner. Results Focus is taking action to achieve challenging goals or high standards. It is focusing on the desired outcomes, setting challenging goals, and taking action to meet or exceed them.
Date: April 7, 2018 Conceptual Thinking is the ability to identify patterns or connections between situations that are not obviously related, and to identify key or underlying issues in complex situations. It includes using creative, conceptual or inductive reasoning or thought processes that are not necessarily categorized by linear thinking.
Date: April 7, 2018 INDIGENOUS RELATIONS BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES Cultural agility is the ability to work respectfully, knowledgeably and effectively with Indigenous people. It is noticing and readily adapting to cultural uniqueness in order to create a sense of safety for all. It is openness to unfamiliar experiences, transforming feelings of nervousness or anxiety into curiosity and appreciation. It is examining one's own culture and worldview and the culture of the BC Public Service, and to notice their commonalities and distinctions with Indigenous cultures and worldviews. It is recognition of the ways that personal and professional values may conflict or align with those of Indigenous people. It is the capacity to relate to or allow for differing cultural perspectives and being willing to experience a personal shift in perspective.
Sustained learning and development means continually increasing your ability to build and maintain respectful and effective relationships with Indigenous peoples. Central to this competency is appreciating that there are many other cultural understandings of knowledge and ways of working that have legitimacy and deserve respect—and therefore require our continual learning and development, including direct exposure to cultural and community ways. It includes an eagerness to continually reflect upon and assess your own level of cultural agility and competence, self-awareness and expertise. It means being willing to learn in new and different ways and appreciating how diverse ways of thinking and acting can ensure the success of the BC Public Service in supporting Indigenous self-determination.
Date: April 7, 2018