SUPERVISOR S TITLE: District Recreation Officer SUPERVISOR S POSITION

Job Profile

TITLE: RECREATION TECHNICIAN CLASSIFICATION: Scientific Technical Officer (Resource) 18

MINISTRY: Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations WORK UNIT: Recreation Sites and Trails SUPERVISOR’S TITLE: District Recreation Officer SUPERVISOR’S POSITION #:

JOB OVERVIEW The Recreation Technician is a key front-line and on-site resource with a primary objective to ensure the efficient management and maintenance of a diverse system of recreation sites (campgrounds, cabins and other recreation facilities) and trails throughout British Columbia. The position provides a broad range of services and functions associated with recreation infrastructure and inventory requirements; site maintenance; environmental and wildlife protection and risk management; and the safety and positive experience of the public while they are recreating in BC’s sites, campgrounds and trails.

Essentially the work of the Recreation Technician can be grouped into three key areas: Recreation Site and Trail Maintenance; Partnership Building and Public Liaison; and Scientific/Technical/Administrative Support. The position may also assist the District Recreation Officer with contracted operational services and planning activities focused on achieving provincial, regional and district targets which are set out in the Branch and Ministry’s service plans.

Associated with all functions and activities performed by the Recreation Technician is a strong focus on interpersonal communications, relationship-building, and community liaison with a broad range of public and private sector representatives, First Nations, and members of the general public.

ACCOUNTABILITIES Recreation Site and Trail Maintenance: 1. Conducts regular and ad hoc inspections at recreation sites and trails, in accordance with a pre-determined inspection plan, in order to address public health/safety and environmental risks (e.g., hazard tree abatement; toilet pumping and structure replacement; site or trail rehabilitation). 2. Assesses public safety and environmental risks at sites and trails and takes appropriate action when necessary (e.g., closes sites and trails and posts notices where immediate safety risk is found); recommends decommissioning sites or trails where warranted; reports and assists in resolving public injury and/or property damage incidents at sites and trails. 3. Oversees or actively engages in the repair and maintenance of site and trail infrastructure; provides technical advice on contract specifications regarding the construction of various infrastructures (e.g., picnic tables, boardwalks, foot bridges). 4. Participates in the recreation patrols with Compliance and Enforcement Branch staff or RCMP and provides support for investigations related to recreation sites and trails incidents or issues.

Partnership Building and Public Liaison 5. Provides a key front-line contact and communications liaison between the Branch and members of the public; informs members of the public of the rules and regulations associated with the use of recreation sites and trails (e.g., camping and trail fees, environmental and wildlife risks) and responds to questions, enquiries and concerns. 6. Fosters and maintains links with recreation partners for the efficient maintenance of sites and trails; meets with partners to clarify responsibilities, resolve conflicts, and deal with onsite issues; reports on partnership maintenance activities. 7. Addresses and resolves user conflicts which may be encountered while on a site or trail; records and reports back to the District Recreation Officer, or other agencies, comments or concerns expressed by members of the public. 8. Leads volunteer groups and others participating in district recreation activities. 9. Represents the Branch at the district level, and on behalf of the District Recreation Officer, at meetings, partnership negotiations, conflict resolution sessions, First Nations negotiations, and participates in other similar public liaison activities when required.

Administrative, Scientific/Technical, Contract Administration, and Systems Support 10. Maintains and enters information to the Recreation Sites and Trails Facilities Inventory (attribute database) describing recreation assets including structures, facilities and improvements at sites and trails, as well as recreation

Page 1 features which link to other systems; maintains warehouse inventories of recreation tools, infrastructure, hardware and other goods required for site and trail maintenance activities. 11. Identifies need for contracted services (e.g., for campsite infrastructure repairs) and develops proposed workplans and cost estimates; drafts service and equipment rental agreements; monitors contracts, receives and confirms goods and services received, and recommends release of payment on satisfactory performance. 12. Produces statistical information and reports for inventory and/or budgetary purposes; works with user groups and service agreement holders to collect district user statistics; reports findings to District Recreation Officer. 13. Sets up and maintains district communications links and information networks (e.g., facebook page, website input)

JOB REQUIREMENTS  University Degree or Diploma in Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, Geography, or other discipline which is related to the focus of the position  Experience working in a national, provincial or municipal parks setting, or in a similar environment consisting of diverse outdoor recreational facilities (experience in a Canadian outdoor recreational environment is an asset)  Experience conducting inspections and maintenance of campgrounds, sites and trails  Experience establishing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with clients, customers or stakeholders  Experience in data collection, analysis, maintenance and reporting and in the use of related computerized programs including spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and the Internet  Experience resolving problems, disagreements, or other issues between parties with conflicting interests or perspectives  Experience providing leadership and guidance to working teams, contractors, or volunteers

Note: A complete listing of selection criteria (i.e., Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) as well as Competencies is included in the Profile Addendum. See below.

Page 2 Job Profile Addendum

TITLE: RECREATION TECHNICIAN (VARIOUS POSITIONS ACROSS THE PROVINCE)

This Addendum provides detailed information with respect to the topic position to assist in recruitment by providing a full description of the position’s role, scope, dimensions and responsibilities. Information in the Addendum may also be of value in performance planning.

PROGRAM OR WORK UNIT IN WHICH POSITION EXISTS Recreation Sites and Trails is one of the core business areas identified in the strategic and service plans of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. The Recreation Sites and Trails Branch is a provincial program delivered through a headquarters office in Victoria, four regions, and 18 districts across the province. The purpose of the Branch is to plan, develop, maintain, and market a significant, diverse, and valuable network of 1300+ recreation sites and 800+ recreation trails to provide safe, quality recreational opportunities for the public, including residents and visitors to British Columbia. In addition the Branch is responsible for managing over 600 km of rail trails. In collaboration with other agencies and a wide variety of stakeholders, the Branch manages public recreation use on Crown lands outside recreation sites and trail; and protects present and future recreation resources on Crown lands outside of Parks and settled areas (80% of the provincial land base) using service contracts and partnership agreements.

The provincial recreation sites system is a world class network presenting a varied and appealing array of benefits and opportunities for multiple stakeholders, partners and users. The recreation sites and trails system includes a wide variety of locations, features, purposes, services, and amenities.

Core unit functions include: managing recreation sites and trails; protecting recreation resources on Crown land; maintaining the recreation resources inventory; developing strategic and operational policies and plans for public recreation; conducting recreation use analysis; and business and program planning and administration.

There are 4 regions across the province (as listed below); each region is managed by a Regional Manager, Recreation Sites and Trails who is accountable for overall recreation sites and trails planning and operations. The Regional Manager delegates “district level” planning and operational accountability to the District Recreation Officer, who in turn delegates accountability and degrees of authority to the Recreation Technician. Below are listed the Recreation Sites and Trails regions. Recreation Technicians are located in all four regions, though not necessarily in each district.

 Coast Region: HQ located in Powell River – with 4 Districts as follows: Discovery Coast; South Coast; Sea to Sky; and Chilliwack  Northern Interior Region: HQ located in Prince George – with 5 Districts as follows: Kalum/Cassiar; Nadina/Skeena/Stikine; Vanderhoof/Fort St. James; Prince George/Mackenzie; and Peace/Fort Nelson  Southern Interior West: HQ located in Kamloops – with 5 Districts as follows: Kamloops; Cascades; Headwaters; Quesnel/Central Cariboo; and 100 Mile/Chilcotin  Southern Interior East: HQ located in Vernon – with 4 Districts as follows: Okanagan; Columbia; Rocky Mountain; and Kootenay/Boundary

At the time of this document’s completion, 9 (Regular) Recreation Technicians are located in various regional and district locales throughout the Province. Auxiliary staff (currently 3) also perform the accountabilities of the Recreation Technician role on an as required basis.

POSITION SCOPE AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Each of the 18 districts listed above presents its own unique set of challenges, characteristics, opportunities and requirements. The diversity of the Provincial map is characterized, in part, by terrain features, environmental sensitivities, community and partner expectations, political priorities, First Nations prominence, etc. It is this geographic diversity which, in part, governs the nature, scope, priorities and activities of each Recreation Technician. While the position is expected to consistently carry out the mandate and objectives of the Branch, the actual day-to-day activities and expectations may vary significantly, based on regional and district distinctions. Work priorities and assignments are established by the District Recreation Officer and direction and supervision is provided accordingly. The Recreation Technician is expected, however, to carry out responsibilities with a high degree of Page 3 independence and discretion. Depending on the locale and circumstance, the Recreation Technician can be in a situation where he/she has no recourse to communication or direction from a superior; hence good judgement and the ability to take decisive action are essential.

The Recreation Technician works approximately 80% of the time, onsite, in the management and maintenance of a diverse system of campgrounds and trails. Under the general guidance of the District Recreation Officer, the Recreation Technician is responsible to ensure that recreation sites and trails within the district are accessible, conflicts are minimized, legislation is enforced, and public safety is paramount. On-the-ground accountabilities include the inspection, maintenance and repair of recreation sites (campgrounds) and trails infrastructure. This works requires the position to have physical strength, resourcefulness and dexterity; as well as experience with, and the ability to use a variety of hand and power tools and other heavy equipment (e.g., snow removal machinery, all-terrain vehicles, forklift, chainsaw). The position has the accountability and authority to effect decisions or take actions in order to ensure the safety and protection of recreation users. For example, the position may take steps to deal with danger trees; arrange for the removal of hazardous materials or dangerous animals; and can make recommendations (to the District Recreation Officer) for the closure or decommissioning of particular sites or trails.

The Recreation Technician is a key and primary front-line contact and important liaison between the Branch and its stakeholder partners and the public. The position establishes and maintains positive and productive relationships and/or partnerships with stakeholders, community representatives, recreation/forestry professionals, law enforcement agencies, employees from other government ministries and organizations, recreation users, and the general public. Typically, as the first point of contact for stakeholders and recreation users, the Recreation Technician provides information, advice, guidance, problem-solving and diffuses and resolves conflict. Accordingly, the position must demonstrate exemplary communication skills and the ability to use good judgement and discretion in assessing challenges and potentially problematic situations and determining options for solution.

The position provides technical, administrative and systems support to the District Recreation Officer. The role requires technical knowledge and expertise in order to collect, record, and analyze statistical data for the Recreation Sites and Trails Facilities Inventory (attribute database). Knowledge of various computerized programs and applications are also required to create spreadsheets, develop correspondence, and develop or contribute to web-based communications or social media (e.g., the district website or facebook page). The Recreation Technician inspects or oversees the provision of goods or services provided by partners or contractors, and recommends payment; and may also be asked to assess and forecast the need for these services on an annual basis in order to formulate the district budget.

KEY POSITION CONTACTS  District Recreation Officer: to receive direct supervision pertaining to the scope and extent of authority and accountability assigned to the role; and to engage in performance planning discussion and receive feedback on performance including discipline if deemed appropriate.  Regional Manager, Recreation Sites and Trails as well as Branch Director and Headquarters Managers: to receive broad direction or oversight on corporate objectives and program goals as well as direction and leadership in special project, activities or issues which are pertinent to the region or district in which the position is situated.  Other District Recreation Technicians: to communicate and collaborate on issues of shared district concern and relevance, and to participate in tasks, projects and activities which span the pertinent geographic locale.  Local Government Representatives and Elected Officials: to act as the front line contact, responding to concerns which arise in the respective district, particularly those which occur, onsite, at recreation sites and trails.  Law Enforcement Representatives, Agencies, and Organizations (e.g., RCPM, Conservation Officers): to participate in patrols; and to deal with incident and issues management which pose danger to health or safety.  Stakeholders and Partners (e.g., the Outdoor Recreation Council, the BC Wildlife Federation, community organizations, forest companies, First Nations, and special interest groups): to establish trust; build and maintain on-the-ground working relationships which are imperative to the effective management and operation of recreation sites and trails.  Consultants, Contractors and other Service Providers: to inspect work and the provision of goods or services; to provide information, answer questions and advise on contract provisions and terms and service agreements.

FINANCIAL AUTHORITY, DIMENSIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITIES  Inspects and confirms goods and services received, and recommends release of payment on satisfactory performance.  Acts as expense authority for purchasing supplies and materials, and for contracted services, in the absence of the District Recreation Officer.

Page 4 WORK EXAMPLES (FOR PURPOSES OF JOB EVALUATION) N/A

COMMENTS This Addendum augments the summarized Job Profile for the Recreation Technician and provides an update on the working environment, accountabilities and deliverables of the position.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Page 5 Page 6 SELECTION CRITERIA (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA) AND COMPETENCIES)

Education:  University Degree or Diploma in Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, Geography, or other discipline which is related to the focus of the position

Experience:  Experience working in a national, provincial or municipal parks setting, or in a similar environment consisting of diverse outdoor recreational facilities (experience in a Canadian outdoor recreational environment is an asset)  Experience conducting inspections and maintenance of campgrounds, sites and trails  Experience establishing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with clients, customers or stakeholders  Experience in data collection, analysis, maintenance and reporting and in the use of related computerized programs including spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and the Internet  Experience resolving problems, disagreements, or other issues between parties with conflicting interests or perspectives  Experience providing leadership and guidance to working teams, contractors, or volunteers

Knowledge of:  BC’s outdoor recreation environment  Scientific, professional, technical, and operational standards, principles and practices associated with campground and trail management and maintenance (e.g., field hazards such as danger trees)  public safety standards and environment risks associated with the management and maintenance of campsites, trails or other similar field sites (e.g., wildlife control)  contract administration and monitoring requirements  and working familiarity with, a variety of computer applications and software including MS Office, for the purposes of retrieving data, creating spreadsheets and statistical/technical reports and preferred knowledge of and GIS applications such as Mapview and Arcview. Knowledge of social media functionality and application (e.g., facebook) would be advantageous.

Abilities and Skills: Ability to:  work in a field environment in all weather conditions and potential environmental hazards  work with a high degree of independence, using initiative and resourcefulness  establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse realm of partners and stakeholders in the recreation environment  demonstrate effective conflict management skills by dealing quickly with the situation and focusing on objectives, not behaviour  react quickly and efficiently to urgencies or unexpected events which have an impact on safety or environmental conditions  use computer applications (such as spreadsheets, databases, electronic mail, and word processing) to accurately and effectively collect, enter and retrieve data, create and edit a variety of correspondences, create tables, spreadsheets and statistical/technical reports  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 Skills:  written communications skills required for the development of reports, statistical summaries, and other related documentation;  oral communications skills required to interact effectively with a diverse array of individuals including recreation partners and the general public;  teambuilding skills and the ability to provide leadership to work teams (e.g., volunteer groups)  time and workload organizations skills including working on concurrent projects with competing deadlines;  Skills in construction or carpentry (demonstrated when making routine repairs to buildings or equipment) would be an asset.

Additional Requirements Incumbents in this position must:

Page 7  be able to demonstrate that they are physically able to handle all responsibilities associated with conducting field activities;  hold a BC Drivers’ License in good standing;  operate and be responsible for equipment and instruments required for field activities (e.g., 4x4 vehicles, snowmobiles, all- terrain vehicles, brush saw, small power saw, hop-chains, clinometers and altimeters, etc.);  spend a minimum of 80% of time in the field carrying out or monitoring on-the-ground recreation sites and trail maintenance which includes exposure to field and/or wildlife hazards such as bears and cougars, working in all weather and road conditions, and a requirement to work irregular hours;  agree to completion of security screening requirements of the BC Public Service which may include a Criminal records check, and/or Criminal records Review Act (CCRA) check and/or enhanced screening checks as required by the Ministry.

COMPETENCIES

Job-specific Competencies Planning, Organizing and Coordinating – plans for self to organize and complete assigned work effectively  Efficiently uses time and completes tasks/projects on time through effective planning of own work with available resources  Develops personal workplans which are in alignment with Branch and district goals  Establishes measures to assess progress against workplan; and keeps others informed of progress of tasks/projects  Recognizes programs which may impede the attainment of goals or targets and takes corrective/preventative actions Relationship Building – builds a network of external relationships to further shard interests  Identifies key stakeholder contacts within and outside the organization with whom relationships must be established and identifies shared interests as a means of establishing a relationship  Meets or communicates regularly with stakeholders (or partners) to sustain the relationship and/or build trust even when no specific project/initiative is underway  Uses a network of external relationships (partnerships) to solicit involvement in problem solving, share resources, achieve common goals, etc. Problem-Solving/Judgement – analyzes problems systematically and generates solutions  Recognizes likely causes or events, or multiple consequences and undertakes activities accordingly  Acquires information and applies knowledge and experience to analyze issues and resolve problems  Identifies options and potential solutions and weighs the value or impact of each before determining a course of action Flexibility – demonstrates flexibility by adapting approaches to accommodate others or other circumstances  Is able to accept others’ opinions or perspectives  Clearly demonstrates a willingness to adapt and work effectively within diverse situations  Understands policies and regulation and either finds ways to work within, or identifies solutions or compromises outside existing policy or practice Conflict Management – reduces and/or resolves conflict in a proactive manner  Anticipates where conflict may erupt and takes action to reduce, mitigate or prevent the conflict from occurring  Works to resolve conflict when directly involved, by actively listening and promoting mutual understanding  Encourages open two-way communication  Promotes constructive conflict management by involving others, using interest-based approaches, considering mediation, etc.

Competencies applicable to all Public Service positions:  Results Orientation - is a concern for surpassing a standard of excellence. The standard may be one's own past performance; an objective measure; challenging goals that one has set; or improving what has already been done.  Service Orientation - implies a desire to identify and serve customers/clients, who may include the public, colleagues, partners, co-workers, peers, branches, ministries/agencies and other government organizations. It means focusing one's efforts on discovering and meeting the needs of the customer/client.  Teamwork and Cooperation - is the ability to work co-operatively within diverse teams, work groups and across the organization to achieve group and organizational goals.

Page 8 Note: Please see the Appendix which follows.

This Appendix is the Applicant Questionnaire which serves as the primary document for application to this Competition

Page 9 Appendix

Applicant Questionnaire

MINISTRY OF FORESTS, LANDS & NATURAL RESOURCE OPERATIONS Recreation Sites and Trails Branch

Recreation Technician - Temporary/Auxiliary Appointment Northern Interior Region

Applications for this position are made through the completion and submission of the attached Applicant Questionnaire. The Applicant Questionnaire is the only acceptable expression of interest for the position. You may choose to include a resume; however a resume, without an accompanying completed Applicant Questionnaire, will not be considered.

Please submit your completed Applicant Questionnaire, by return email, to Carel Adank, our Human Resources Consultant: [email protected]

If you have any questions about this document, please contact Carel Adank at the above email id; or Megan Simmons, Recreation Sites and Trails Branch Administrator, at:

[email protected]

Submissions will be accepted until midnight on May 27, 2016

Applicant Questionnaire for 11 Recreation Technician Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Recreation Sites and Trails Branch

Recreation Technician

The information that is provided in this package addresses the Education and Experience required for the position of Recreation Technician. The information that you provide in this package will be reviewed by the selection team to determine whether or not your application will be considered further in the competition process.

To be considered for this competition, you must complete this Applicant Questionnaire. A resume is optional.

Name

Street Address

City

Postal Code

Work Phone Number

Home Phone Number

Email Address

Are you currently an employee in the Public Service of British Columbia? If yes, please provide your Employee Number.

NO: YES: Employee #

I certify that the information provided in this application package is true and complete. I understand that if any information in this application package is found to be untrue or incomplete, my application may be rejected or I may be dismissed in the event that I am the successful applicant.

Applicant Signature (or acknowledgement):

Applicant Questionnaire for 12 Recreation Technician Date: PART 1 – WORK HISTORY

Please provide employment information starting with your most recent experience. Include the name(s) of reference(s) who can be contacted to confirm your experience. You will be asked to refer to the information on this page throughout this package.

Employer/Work Situation #1 POSITION EMPLOYER/LOCATION FROM/TO TITLE/CLASSIFICATION