STO-RE 27R - Research Scientist, Tree Breeder

The Team:
This position is part of the Forest Genetics section. The section comprises a dedicated group of around 30 scientists and technical staff who are responsible for developing genetically selected stock of important reforestation species, carrying forward research programs that in some cases have been continuously operated since the 1950s. They are primarily split between two research stations, located on Vancouver Island and in the southern interior of BC. You will be based out of the historic Cowichan Lake Research Station, nestled in the heart of Vancouver Island. This charming, peaceful, and scenic facility houses a tight-knit team of other forest geneticists, research technicians, nursery crew, and support staff.

Between permanent and auxiliary staff, you will be regularly working with 10-15 people in the coastal team on site, as well as colleagues in Victoria and Vernon. You will be one of six tree breeders throughout the province, who all command research programs with a similar scope to yours. They possess a wealth of knowledge and are always happy to help. You will constantly lean on one another for advice on experimental design, data analysis, and café recommendations. You will work closely with a forest health scientist to advance disease tolerance and climate resilience traits in your species programs and have dedicated technical staff to assist with fieldwork and on-site program management. Aside from tree breeders, you will have other scientific colleagues who are experts in forest health, genetic conservation, climate change adaptation, and bioinformatics, as well as support staff throughout the province to assist with the administration of your research.

The Role:
This research scientist will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the coastal western redcedar forest genetics program, as well as other species programs as directed. The coastal western redcedar program is an established research program with 125 field trial sites, multiple breeding traits, and a genomic selection program. As British Columbia’s provincial tree species, western redcedar holds an important spot in the hearts of all, especially for the many First Nations inhabiting the coast. In this position, you can make an outsized impact towards ensuring our reforestation stock of this iconic species is adapted to the climate of today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Every week in this position is different, dancing between data analysis, fieldwork throughout the beautiful BC coast, scientific presentation and publication, nursery management, tree breeding, and more. If you are looking for an opportunity to apply your expertise in quantitative or evolutionary genetics and express your love of BC’s forests in a career that is never monotonous, this may be the position for you!

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements

• Doctorate in Forest, Plant or Animal Genetics which includes research experience* in tree improvement, breeding, population or quantitative genetics., OR
• Master's degree in Forest, Plant or Animal Genetics plus one or more years experience with tree breeding or tree seed production program(s)** which includes research experience* in tree improvement, breeding, population or quantitative genetics.
  • *Research experience includes an understanding of sound experimental design, the collection of data and information through the measurement and assessment of research trials, and statistical analysis of the data with statistical packages such as R and ASReml, SAS or equivalent.
  • **Tree breeding includes selection, testing and breeding for traits of interest (e.g., volume or pest/pathogen resistance, etc.) of a commercial tree species.
• Demonstrated experience planning and implementing research projects related to genetic improvement in traits of interest and/or generate information that leads to genetic resource management decisions.

Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following:

• One or more years’ experience with basic forestry or silviculture of commercial tree species.
• Experience in scientific research, publishing, participation, and presentations in scientific meetings.
• Experience in collection of forest health data (pests, diseases, and abiotic stressors).
• Experience with physiological testing of forest trees.
• Half a year or more years’ experience doing field work in remote locations and navigating resource roads.
• One or more years’ field-related research experience*** in tree improvement
  • ***Field-related research experience includes test site selection and establishment, the collection of data and information through surveying, measurement of research plots, or equivalent field research tasks.
• One or more years’ experience in quantitative genetics modelling
• One or more years’ experience in using ASReml, ASReml-R or DWReml
• Experience working with Indigenous Peoples and other communities, specifically engaging in open dialogue
• Experience with contract management including writing contracts and the full procurement cycle

For questions regarding this position, please contact Lise.vanderMerwe@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:
This position has full time on-site requirements.
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.
This position is also posted as a Licensed Science Officer 3 - Resource under Requisition 121200.

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 Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Inuit or Métis) applicants originating from the land now known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

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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 start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a standard questionnaire (current employment status, eligibility to apply, etc.).

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.