Download Research Vegetation Ecologist

JOB PROFILE
Position #:00065098
TITLE: VEGETATION ECOLOGIST (BIOLOGIST)
MINISTRY:
ENVIRONMENT
SUPERVISOR TITLE:
CLASSIFICATION: BIOLOGIST 24
WORK UNIT: CONSERVATION DATA CENTRE
PROGRAM ECOLOGIST, CONSERVATION DATA CENTRE
SUPERVISOR POSITION #: 00038458
JOB OVERVIEW
This position in vegetation ecology contributes to conservation status ranking, mapping, and data
management for ecological communities at risk in British Columbia. The Vegetation Ecologist contributes to
the compilation, analyses, and maintenance of data and information on ecological communities in British
Columbia from multiple sources. They maintain and update the list of ecosystems at risk in B.C., map their
locations, conduct status assessments, conduct ecosystem inventory, and communicate results of their work to
scientific and technical personnel and Conservation Data Centre clients. The position provides expert
professional advice relating to ecosystems at risk and works with staff of other disciplines within the
Conservation Data Centre, with contractors, and with other provincial, national and international vegetation
ecologists. The position reports to the Program Ecologist, Conservation Data Centre who maintains overall
responsibility for the work of the Ecology program.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Required:

Conducts conservation status ranking and mapping of ecosystems in British Columbia.

Manages the vegetation ecology component of program databases, maintains data management
standards and data application tools, and provides interpretation of ecological data.

Provides specialist advice on ecosystems at risk to support natural resource decision making and
corporate database development and management.

Trains and instructs ministry staff, consultants, and academia in interpretation of ecosystems at risk
data and findings.

Develops, and negotiates contracts and monitors contract performance.

Collaborates, develops, and maintains partnerships with provincial government staff and external
partners such as Industry, Universities, the Federal Government, First Nations, NGO’s, and the
NatureServe network.

Maintains up-to-date knowledge of scientific and technological advances in ecosystem ecology.

Maintains awareness of and/or researches emerging issues, technologies and approaches related to
the conservation status ranking, inventory, mapping, classification, and analysis methodologies and
applications in vegetation ecology.

Presents status ranking, mapping and characterization of ecosystems at risk at workshops, conferences
and symposiums.
JOB REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in the natural resource field, preferably with a specialization in vegetation ecology
with at least 3 years directly related experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.

Experience with inventory, vegetation classification, mapping, and interpretation of ecosystems.

Experience developing, analyzing, and managing large spatial and attribute data sets and performing
geospatial analyses using ArcGIS.

Experience managing and applying ecosystem and habitat related information.

Registered (or eligible) as a Registered Professional Biologist (RP Bio) in B.C. with the College of Applied
Biology within six months of employment.
Willingness Statements

Must have a valid driver’s licence.

Must hold, or be willing to obtain Level 1 First Aid Certification.

Must be willing to travel for work related business.

Must be willing and physically able to work outdoors in remote areas and in a variety of conditions,
including a willingness to fly in small planes and helicopters.

Successful 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 (Note: It is important that you read the job posting carefully to
understand the specific security screening requirements pertaining to the position).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent knowledge of the foundational principles of vegetation ecology.

Knowledge of the ecological characteristics used to define B.C. ecosystems with a sound understanding
of the overall ecological diversity found throughout the province.

Knowledge of terrestrial ecosystems inventory, mapping and classification methodologies used in BC.

Good working knowledge of the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) system, its conceptual
basis and its application in the field.

Knowledge of the management and application of ecosystem related information to natural resource
decisions.

Working knowledge of the taxonomy and identification of BC flora.

Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and direct own work, and the work of other less qualified staff
and students.

Demonstrated ability to provide professional and technical direction to other staff and contractors.

Demonstrated ability to produce technical reports and/or publications.

Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

Planning, Organizing and Co-ordinating 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.

Expertise includes the motivation to expand and use technical knowledge or to distribute work-related
knowledge to others.

Results Orientation is a concern for surpassing a standard of excellence. The standard may be one’s
own past performance (striving for 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

Initiative is the ability to identify a problem, obstacles or opportunity and take 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.

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.

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.

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.