Summary
Description
The Team:
Join the Environmental Impact Assessment Section within the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy’s Southeast Coal Mining Team, where we focus on assessing and managing the environmental impacts of coal mining in British Columbia’s Elk Valley. This dedicated team, part of a unique and innovative cross-agency Secretariat formed in 2024, collaborates with specialists across agencies to advance environmental protection and sustainable mining practices. The Secretariat is working across ministries to support responsible coal mining while promoting environmental quality, cumulative impact management, and shared decision-making with First Nations. As part of this team, you’ll work alongside other biologists, Environmental Protection Officers, and subject matter experts from all Natural Resource Sector ministries, tackling complex issues with creativity and a collaborative spirit. This supportive environment emphasizes mentorship, teamwork, and inclusivity, empowering you to make meaningful contributions to environmental stewardship in British Columbia’s Southeast Coal Block.
The Role:
As an Environmental Impact Assessment Biologist, you will play an essential role in helping decision-makers understand and manage the biological, chemical, and environmental effects of mining activities across British Columbia. Your work will primarily focus on reviewing reports and studies prepared by other professionals, with an emphasis on assessing impacts to water quality and associated ecosystems, and advising on waste discharge permitting. With limited fieldwork and travel required and flexible work locations available, this role supports a good work-life balance and offers a great opportunity to contribute to environmentally sustainable development while working with a multidisciplinary team who values your expertise and creativity in tackling complex issues.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio) in BC and in good standing with the College of Applied Biology (CAB), or immediately eligible to transfer a current membership from an applicable jurisdiction to the CAB within six months of employment.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Environmental Studies or various multi-disciplinary resource management studies, or other related fields, and three (3) years of related experience; OR,
- Other relevant combinations of education and experience such as a Master’s Degree in a related field, and two (2) years of related experience may be considered.
- Must be able to meet the transportation needs of the position, i.e. maintain a valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
Related Experience includes:
- Experience managing complex and sensitive projects (project proposals, budget management, implementation analysis and recommendations).
- Experience managing and conducting environmental monitoring, assessments and reporting.
- Experience liaising with environmental regulatory agencies and non-government agencies.
- Experience conducting aquatic or marine environmental impact assessments and making recommendations.
- Experience conducting scientific assessment and using data evaluation techniques including use of statistics in EIA data analysis.
- Preference may be given to those with:
- experience directly related to aquatic environmental impact assessment; and/or,
- EIA experience in the metal and/or coal mining sector(s).
Provisos:
- Some field work required, occasionally in remote locations only accessed by foot, 4×4 or helicopter, to review resource development proposals. Field work may be strenuous.
- May deal with confrontational situations with industry professionals, water suppliers, the general public, clients or stakeholders at public events or in the course of conducting site investigations, monitoring and compliance duties.
- Must be physically able to conduct field work, including the ability to carry equipment and supplies in difficult terrain.
- May require the operation of a variety of equipment.
- Meet safety standards of WorkSafe BC.
- Willing and able to travel, occasionally outside of the Region to attend Ministry meetings.
- Willing and able to work in adverse weather conditions.
- Willing and able to work evenings, weekends and holidays, when required to represent the program at public meetings and events.
For questions regarding this position, please contact AJ.Downie@gov.bc.ca.
About this Position:
Amendment November 19th, 2024: posting closing date extended to November 27th, 2024.
There is currently one (1) permanent, full time position available.
This position can be based in a Natural Resource Sector office. The locations listed above are to assist applicants in searching for this opportunity and are not a complete list of locations.
Depending on the successful candidate’s location, a bi-weekly isolation allowance may apply.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to five (5) days at home per week subject to an approved Telework Agreement.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.
Applicants who do not fully meet the required qualifications may be considered for this position, but at a lower classification.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.
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.
We are committed to ensuring reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.
The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Canadian Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis, or Inuit) applicants. 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 is an award winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, great learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development options. In addition to the base salary, Registered Professional Biologists are also entitled to an allowance to cover professional fees. For more information, visit What the BC Public Service Offers.
How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above. 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.
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 job titles, start and end dates (month and year) and your job related responsibilities for each job in your employment history, and any relevant information that relates to this position.
Questionnaire: YES – You will need to complete a comprehensive questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Include all relevant information about your educational accomplishments and employment history including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and how you obtained your relevant experience. The questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes to complete.
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. 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.
