Download Biologist Specialist

JOB PROFILE
Position #00092038
TITLE: AQUATIC RESOURCE BIOLOGIST
CLASSIFICATION: BIOLOGIST 27
JOB OVERVIEW
This position provides provincial-level expertise in the field of biological monitoring and aquatic ecology and
expert advice that directly informs natural resource development decisions affecting water quality and
ecosystem health. Responsibilities include the continued development and co-ordination of the provincial
freshwater benthic invertebrate biomonitoring program.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Required:

Co-ordinates and leads the provincial freshwater benthic invertebrate biomonitoring program.
Provides specialist advice to professional staff in the analysis and interpretation of aquatic
biomonitoring data and reports.

Leads the development and update of standards for conducting biomonitoring sampling and analysis.
Audits regional biomonitoring sampling practices to ensure consistency in monitoring and data
collection procedures. Supports regional field sampling programs by participating in monitoring
activities, as required.

Participates in the development and update of analytical models. Develops innovative tools (e.g. GIS)
and new analytical methods to continually improve the provincial biomonitoring program.

Conducts and/or oversees scientific research studies related to the implementation of the
biomonitoring program (e.g. evaluate the long-term impact of climate change on benthic
communities). Adjusts monitoring programs appropriately to maintain the effectiveness.

Prepares science-based technical reports to support biomonitoring tool development and application
(e.g. models, provincial biomonitoring objectives).

Represents the ministry on inter-jurisdictional working groups.

Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of the technical and scientific literature in the area of aquatic
ecology and biomonitoring, including CABIN certification.

Provides expert scientific advice on: water quality related policy initiatives and develops
recommendations for regulations, policy, and standards; and biological monitoring and aquatic ecology
in support of key Branch priorities (e.g., cumulative effects assessments, water quality guidelines, and
objectives).

Provides expert advice to internal staff and external stakeholders on freshwater biological monitoring
and aquatic ecology related issues.

Communicates technical information through written materials, oral presentations, webinars, and
other outreach opportunities.
Career Group:
Job Family:
Job Stream:
Role:
Revised Date:
Scientific/Technical
Resource Management
Biology
Professional
July 2015

Develops and promotes working relationships with internal and external partners, stakeholders, and
government agencies in support of meeting program goals.

Prepares documents to support Branch activities, as required, (e.g., ministry submissions, briefing
notes, evaluation reports, and project management documents).

Prepares and/or negotiates contracts, monitors performance and authorizes payment.
JOB REQUIREMENTS

Degree in biological sciences or equivalent with related experience.
a. Bachelors degree and 4 years related experience, or
b. Masters degree and 2 years related experience, or
c. PhD and 6 months related experience.

Registered (or eligible) as a Registered Professional Biologist (RP Bio) in B.C. with the College of Applied
Biology within six months of employment.

Advanced experience in scientific data analysis (including statistical techniques) and interpretation.

Experience in the application of biomonitoring techniques in freshwater ecosystems.

Demonstrated advanced scientific knowledge of aquatic ecology and water quality.

Experience communicating scientific information, including writing technical reports and making oral
presentations.

Experience interpreting and applying environmental management legislation, regulations and policies.

Meet safety standards of Work Safe BC.

May require the operation of a variety of equipment.

Conducts field work which may include the following: 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.

Ability to carry equipment and supplies in difficult terrain.

Successful completion of security screening requirements of the BC Public Service, which may include a
criminal records check, and/or Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) check, and/or enhanced security
screening checks as required by the ministry (Note: It is important that you read the job posting
carefully to understand the specific security screening requirements pertaining to the position).
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
 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.

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.
Career Group:
Job Family:
Job Stream:
Role:
Revised Date:
Scientific/Technical
Resource Management
Biology
Professional
July 2015

Expertise includes the motivation to expand and use technical knowledge or to distribute work-related
information to others.

Results Orientation is a concern for surpassing a standard of excellence. The standard may be one’s
own past performance (striving improvement); an objective measure (achievement orientation);
challenging goals that one has set; or even improving or surpassing what has already been done
(continuous improvement). Thus, a unique accomplishment also indicates a Results Orientation.

Engaging External Partners identifies and involves external stakeholders in order to foster long term
partnerships.

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.
Career Group:
Job Family:
Job Stream:
Role:
Revised Date:
Scientific/Technical
Resource Management
Biology
Professional
July 2015