STO 18R - Research Technician

Posting Title STO 18R - Research Technician Position Classification Scientific/Technical Off R18 Union GEU Work Options On-Site Location Vernon, BC V1T 9V2 CA (Primary) Salary Range $64,123.59 - $72,674.35 annually Close Date 5/8/2024 Job Type Temporary (Auxiliary) Temporary End Date 12/20/2024 Ministry/Organization BC Public Service -> Ministry of Forests Ministry Branch / Division Forest Improvement and Research Management Job Summary Apply your expertise and passion for innovation to this rewarding career opportunity The Ministry of Forests is responsible for stewardship of Provincial Crown land and natural resources, and protection of B.C.s archaeological and heritage resources. Overseeing a land base of 94.8 million hectares, the Ministry supports the sustainable management of forest, mineral and land resources, the prosperity, viability and competitiveness of industries that use them, and public access for a wide range of activities such as hunting, fishing and recreation. The Ministry is responsible for research, policy development, and operational management and policy implementation. This position within the Forest Genetics Section of the Forest Improvement and Research Management Branch (FIRM) of the Office of the Chief Forester is intended to support research on the breeding populations for various tree species. It is responsible for growing and organizing all growing stock in the greenhouses which requires coordination with scientists and technicians. The growing stock includes seedlings, stecklings and grafted trees as well as a variety of plants that support the breeding and research programs. The position is also responsible for establishing and maintaining the health of trees growing in clone banks which include a variety of species and age classes, and will be involved in the maintenance of irrigation systems in greenhouses and clone banks. Explore the opportunities and value working with our team can offer you: Why Work for the Ministry of Forests. Job Requirements: Education and Experience Post-secondary diploma or equivalent from a technical institution or university in a natural resources field AND minimum two (2) growing seasons* of experience working as a grower in an operational nursery growing trees ; OR, Secondary School graduation AND three (3) growing seasons of experience working as a grower in an operational nursery growing trees. *Growing season is defined as 8 consecutive months from April to November. Experience and proficiency using MS Office products; minimally, can perform basic spreadsheet tasks in MS Excel including data entry, data manipulation, data summaries and spreadsheet formatting; and, can perform basic word processing activities in MS Word including formatting of text documents and technical reports, figures and field maps. Must possess and maintain [or be immediately eligible to obtain] a valid BC Drivers Licence in order to meet the transportation requirements for the position. Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following: Experience as a grower growing conifer tree seedlings for the forestry industry. Post secondary diploma or certificate in a horticulture program Experience with irrigation design and repairs. Demonstrated experience of 6 consecutive months supervising a work crew. (1) One or more years of experience working in an operational tree breeding program** **Tree breeding includes selection, testing and breeding for traits of interest of a commercial tree species. Experience with advanced MS Excel in data manipulation, including importing/exporting from other software applications, using macro functions, performing pivot tables and merging data from multiple datasets. Provisos /Willingness statement(s): 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. Perform the required physically demanding field work and carry equipment and supplies in difficult terrain. For example, carrying a 20kg planting box 20m over uneven ground. Be available to work irregular hours and overtime. Operate a variety of equipment and work at heights using lifts and ladders. For example, climbing a 4m ladder. Wear appropriate safety gear as required. Apply fertilizers and pesticides Be potentially exposed to hazardous materials or compounds such as bleach, fertilizers, pesticides, solvents and fuels. Willing to obtain Pesticide Applicators Certificate and apply pesticides when required. Meet safety standards of WorkSafe BC including obtaining Level 1 first aid certification. For questions regarding this position, please contact Nicholas.Ukrainetz@gov.bc.ca. About this Position: This position has full time on-site requirements. This is a temporary opportunity until Dec. 20, 2024. We would like to recall this person annually. An eligibility list may be established for future similar temporary opportunities. Vernon is Surrounded by rolling grasslands with rocky outcrops and stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, its three lakes and mountain views in every direction command attention. Nature remains Vernon's biggest asset. Famous champagne powder at Silver Star Mountain Resort, just 22km/13mi from downtown, attracts skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and snowmobilers. In summer, countless hiking and cycling trails to explore every area from the historic Grey Canal within the city to the nearby provincial parks and the rugged Monashee Mountain Range. Mountain biking is also a big draw at Silver Star. 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. The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to applicants that self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, status or non-status, Mtis, or Inuit) seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. For guidance on applying and interviewing, please contact IndigenousApplicants@gov.bc.ca or 778-405-3452. With over 200 different occupations available in 280 communities across the province, we offer exciting opportunities for your career. Come be a part of the BC Public Service, a Top 100 Employer that embraces diversity, health and career growth. For more information, please see What We Offer. How to Apply: Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements list above. 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. Helpful tips, videos and more regarding the application process can be found on the Your Job Application page of MyHR. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, e-mail BCPSA.Hiring.Centre@gov.bc.ca, before the stated closing time, and we will respond as soon as possible. Additional Information: A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required. Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on the Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies as outlined in the attached Job Profile located at the bottom of the posting. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Standard Time on the closing date of the competition. Job Category Scientific and Technical