LSO OTHR 3 – Researcher – Fire Ecologist

The Team
The Planning Assessment and Research team is a dedicated group of of five (5) forestry researchers and a team lead, driving impactful work in the Cariboo region and across British Columbia. This established team collaborates with operational staff to guide forestry practices and research initiatives that support sustainable development. Known for their intelligence, hard work, and great personalities, the team fosters a positive and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives contribute to meaningful outcomes for BC’s forests and communities.

The Role
The Researcher – Fire Ecologist role offers an exciting opportunity for a scientist to lead field research, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and establish a fire ecology research program that directly informs wildfire response and proactive land management. By turning scientific findings into actionable policies, you’ll contribute to sustainable practices and cultural fire initiatives across the Cariboo region and BC. We’re looking for someone passionate about fieldwork, publishing research, and engaging with the public, an individual ready to be a positive force for change within a supportive and collaborative team environment.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements

• A  Thesis-based M.Sc. in Biological Sciences, specializing in Fire Ecology, Disturbance Ecology, Community Ecology, Ecosystem Ecology or Applied Ecology and three (3) years experience; OR
• A Thesis-based Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, specializing in Fire Ecology, Disturbance Ecology, Community Ecology, Ecosystem Ecology or Applied Ecology and one (1) year experience; OR
• A Bachelor of Biology, Forestry or Natural Resource Management Degree with equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Registered, or eligible for registration, as a professional with the British Columbia association as required by the specialty area, or able to immediately transfer a current membership from an applicable jurisdiction (within 6 months of employment). Confirmation of registration/eligibility with a professional association will be required before an offer of employment can be made.
• Must have a valid Class 5 BC driver’s licence.

Related Experience must include the following:

• Experience leading project design and delivery, complex analyses and reporting, and providing advice within a regulatory regime.
• Experience assessing and monitoring natural resources.
• Experience applying advanced knowledge of ecology related to fire, and other disturbance agents that drive ecosystem dynamics.

Preference may be given to applicants with the following experience:

• Experience in ecological modeling and development of wildfire impact projections for ecosystems.
• Experience as a lead author on research publications in an ecology-related field in the last 5 years.
• Experience directing others’ scientific work to achieve research objectives.
• Experience in collaboration with First Nations on ecological research projects.
• Experience leading staff in project or field settings.
• Experience interpreting and applying natural resource management legislation and policy.
• Supervisory experience.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Debra.Wytrykush@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:
This position is also posted as a STO-RE 27R under REQ 117781. 
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work from home up to 2 days a week subject to an approved telework agreement.
This position can be based out of any of the location(s) listed above.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

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 that 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.

Working for BC Public Service offers a competitive salary, diverse work environment, a healthy work/life balance, and excellent benefits. In addition to the base salary for Professional Employee Association members, there is an allowance to cover professional fees, strong dental and medical plans and much more. Salary listed does not include the additional 7% Overtime Shift Standby (OSS) provision that can be taken as taken as time off or salary on an annual basis which is on top of four (4) weeks annual leave.

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.

Professional Designation: YES – Please include your registration number in your application. You must be registered (or immediately eligible for registration) as a Professional Forester with Forest Professionals BC (FPBC); OR, a Professional Agrologist with the British Columbia Institute of Agrologists (BCIA); OR, a Professional Engineer/Geoscientist with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC). Note: immediately eligible for registration is defined as being able to transfer a current membership from an applicable jurisdiction to the relevant BC association within six (6) months of employment. Confirmation of registration/eligibility is required before an offer of employment can be made.  If you do not meet this requirement, apply to the Scientific Technical Officer 27R opportunity via Requisition 117781.

Cover Letter: NO – Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES – A resume is required as part of your application, however, it may not be used for initial shortlisting purposes.

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.