Applied Ecologist

British Columbia Energy Regulator; Fort St. John; On-site; CAD 83,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial energy regulatory agency is seeking an Applied Ecologist to support the analysis and development of innovative cumulative effects approaches. The candidate will provide technical expertise in regulatory reviews, collaborate with various stakeholders, and ensure that restoration considerations are effectively integrated into decision-making processes. A Master's degree and a Registered Professional Biologist status are mandatory. Applicants should have a strong background in ecological projects and stakeholder engagement. This is a permanent full-time position based in Fort St. John.

Qualifications

• Registered Professional Biologist (R.P.Bio.) status required.
• Demonstrated experience in natural resource management.
• Experience in public consultation processes with Indigenous issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop guidance and policy on cumulative effects.
• Provide expert ecological advice for decision-making.
• Evaluate effectiveness of cumulative effects processes.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master’s degree in Biological Sciences, Ecology, or Natural Resource Management

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Job description

Description

Classification: Grid 27, BCGEU Membership

Office Location: Dawson Creek / Fort Nelson / Fort St John / Kelowna / Prince George / Terrace / Victoria

Salary: $83,312.49 – $94,991.51 – Permanent Full-Time, based on a 35‑hour work week. An additional 10.75% Job Family Market Multiplier will be added to the posted salary. An additional 3% Location Allowance will be added to posted salary for employees based in northern location.

The BCER’s cumulative effects and restoration implementation work drives innovation and continuous improvement while operating in a complex, rapidly evolving environment under significant public and political scrutiny. This program area is accountable to lead the implementation of new stewardship, and application review and decision‑making processes, through the development of innovative programs, policies, processes, and operational procedures.

The Applied Ecologist (Ecologist) coordinates and supports the analysis, development and implementation of new cumulative effects approaches to align with BCER’s expanding mandate. This includes the development of related operational policies, procedures, and legislation within the BCER’s Responsible Development & Indigenous Relations team.

The Ecologist provides technical and professional expertise to energy applicants and decision makers, ensuring that cumulative effects and restoration considerations are effectively integrated into regulatory reviews and operational decisions. This role collaborates with government specialists, BCER staff and industry to integrate cumulative effects management and support reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in BCER’s decision‑making processes.

Organization Chart

• Commissioner, Chief Executive Officer
• Executive Vice President, Resource Management & Stewardship
• Vice President, Responsible Development & Indigenous Relations
• Director, Cumulative Effects Implementation
• Applied Ecologist (Topic Position)

Responsibilities

Contribute to the development and implementation of guidance, policy, processes and procedures essential to the BCER’s role for cumulative effects, and restoration implementation in relation to the Energy Resource Activities Act, the Renewable Energy Projects (Streamlined Permitting) Act, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Act, Environmental Protection and Management Regulation, Water Sustainability Act and other relevant acts and regulations.

Provide expert recommendations and technical advice in response to inquiries, complaints, and compliance issues, including recommendations for field‑ and office‑based reviews and assessments.

Provide expert ecological and cumulative effects advice to support decision‑making regarding strategic direction, permit applications, compliance and enforcement actions, and other BCER decisions related to cumulative effects.

Maintain up to date knowledge of emerging cumulative effects, restoration, related technologies, advancements, best practices, and practical applications to support the effective regulation of energy resources regulated by BCER.

Support BCER in review and discussion of First Nations’ traditional knowledge, Indigenous laws, and assessments to develop and coordinate clear and effective guidance and requirements for interim tools, final products, and the overall program deliverables.

Build and maintain collaborative relationships with government agencies (including the Ministry of Environment and Parks, Ministry of Land and Water Resource Stewardship, and Ministry of Energy & Climate Solutions) to coordinate cross‑agency approaches and responsibilities related to cumulative effects management.

Collaborate with BCER staff to identify regulatory or policy changes, and ensure accountability and enforceability are embedded throughout development and implementation.

Build organizational understanding and capacity by supporting BCER staff throughout the development and implementation phases, ensuring cumulative effects, restoration, and planning processes are clearly understood and applied.

Evaluate the effectiveness of cumulative effects and restoration processes and recommend improvements.

Contribute to organizational change management initiatives, supporting senior decision makers, energy applicants, and BCER staff in adopting new cumulative effects processes and practices.

Implement new processes and tools, ensuring that methodology, goals, and outcomes are clearly and effectively communicated and applied across internal and external audiences.

Qualifications

Education

Master’s degree from a recognized post‑secondary institution in a related field such as Biological Sciences, Ecology, Natural Resource Management and four (4) years of relevant experience; or

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized post‑secondary institution in a relevant field such as Biological Sciences, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, and five (5) years of relevant experience; or

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Candidates must be registered and in good standing as a Registered Professional Biologist (R.P.Bio.) with the B.C. College of Applied Biologists.

Experience

Demonstrated experience providing scientific and technical advice to decision‑makers, leadership, and other agencies in natural resource management, to inform regulatory decisions, policy development, or compliance and enforcement actions.

Demonstrated experience coordinating or leading complex and sensitive ecological projects and/or energy activities in a team environment.

Demonstrated experience designing, developing, or implementing ecological, energy and/or cumulative effects frameworks, tools, guidance, or policy.

Demonstrated experience collaborating and mediating solutions with external and internal stakeholder groups.

Demonstrated experience preparing concise and persuasive documents and content, including reports, policy, or technical analyses.

Demonstrated experience conducting public consultation processes dealing with Indigenous and/or environmental management issues.

Demonstrated experience in regulatory, application support, processing and reporting.

Demonstrated experience with cumulative effects or natural resource management spatial data utilized in BC an asset.

Demonstrated experience developing provincial, federal, and/or local government natural resource legislation and policy.

Demonstrated experience in First Nations strategic engagement, collaboration, consultation, and relationship building.

Key Competencies

Communicating Effectively – The ability to convey information clearly, accurately, and appropriately to the intended audience. It involves utilizing multiple forms of communication channels and techniques, such as verbal and written communication, active listening, and nonverbal cues, to ensure a message is understood and received as intended. It involves being mindful of the audience’s needs, preferences, and cultural backgrounds, adapting the message and delivery style accordingly to facilitate mutual understanding and engagement.

Execution and Driving Results – The ability to align activities and resources to deliver on planned actions, meeting or surpassing high standards or excellence and achievement orientation. This includes keeping commitments, following through on objectives, and continuously striving for improvement.

Problem Solving and Judgement – The ability to systematically analyze problems, identify root causes, evaluate potential solutions, and make sound decisions to address challenges and achieve desired outcomes.

Service Orientation – The ability to identify and serve customers/clients, who may include the public, coworkers, other branches/divisions, other ministries/agencies, other government organizations and non‑government organizations. It means focusing one’s efforts on discovering and meeting the needs of the customer/client.

Stakeholder Engagement – The ability to establish and maintain long‑term relationships with internal and external stakeholders, focused on respectful engagement. It involves a collaborative approach to working towards shared goals, grounded in trust and mutual understanding, which contribute to the success of the BCER.

If you are interested in applying for this role and meet the minimum selection criteria, please select “Apply Now” and submit your cover letter and resume prior to the closing date. Applicants should review the education and experience listed in the job requisition and clearly articulate how their work experience and skills are aligned with the requirements. Please note, applicants will only be contacted if they are selected to proceed further in the process. An eligibility list with a duration of 6 months may be established.