Associate Biologist - Tmxwulaxw

Syilx Forestry Working Group; Castlegar; On-site; CAD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) seeks an Associate Biologist – Tmxwulaxw to be based in the Castlegar Office. The role involves conducting plant and ecosystem surveys, data analysis, and reporting to support ecosystem management and conservation planning.

Work is outdoors with potential for extended hours, weekends, and travel. Applicants should have a biology-related degree and field safety certifications, plus experience with GIS tools and environmental monitoring.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Natural Resources, or related field; 1 year of experience or equivalent.
• First Aid, Swift Water and related safety certifications are an asset.
• Experience with First Nations fisheries or natural resources programs is preferred.
• Knowledge of ecosystem assessment, habitat restoration, and invasive species management.
• Familiarity with field equipment, GPS/GNSS, GIS applications, wildlife monitoring tools, environmental sampling.
• Ability to perform physical fieldwork and travel; valid BC driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct plant and ecosystem inventories, assessments, mapping, and monitoring.
• Analyze environmental data related to wildlife populations, vegetation, habitat conditions, and ecosystem function.
• Assess ecosystem health and environmental changes; support restoration and invasive species management.
• Prepare technical documentation, project reports, and funding records.
• Provide training and work with Elders, communities, and partners.

Skills

Plant and ecosystem inventories

Data analysis

Field safety

Leadership/ supervision

Technical writing

GPS/GIS

Environmental monitoring tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries or Natural Resources

Tools

GIS software

GPS devices

Job description

The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) is the Tribal Council for the Syilx Okanagan Nation. The ONA’s mandate is to advance, assert, support and preserve the Syilx Okanagan Nation title and rights. Further, the ONA is charged with providing members with a forum to discuss and form positions of common concern.

The ONA is seeking to employ a skilled and experienced individual to work as a full‑time Associate Biologist – Tmxwulaxw based out of the Castlegar Office. Responsibilities include conducting plant and ecosystem assessments, inventory, mapping, and monitoring. The role also involves assisting in evaluating ecosystem health, habitat restoration, nursery duties, invasive species management, conservation planning, and analyzing environmental data to support ecosystem management and reporting.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct plant and ecosystem inventories, assessments, mapping, and monitoring.
• Collect, analyze, and report biotic and abiotic environmental data related to wildlife populations vegetation communities, habitat condition, soil characteristics, and ecosystem function.
• Assess ecosystem health, habitat conditions, and environmental changes.
• Support habitat restoration, reclamation, and invasive species management.
• Assist with nursery duties, conservation planning and ecosystem management.
• Occasionally assist with wildlife surveys, inventory, monitoring, and habitat assessments.
• Monitor nursery plant health, ecosystem processes, climate change impacts, and cumulative effects.
• Operate field equipment, GPS/GIS, off‑road vehicle and environmental monitoring tools.
• Apply safe field practices and environmental stewardship protocols.
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control for assigned projects.
• Prepare technical documentation, project reports, and funding records.
• Identify technical issues and recommend project improvements.
• Assist with developing annual work plans.
• Support team human resources, administrative, and financial activities.
• Provide regular project and activity updates to the Lead.
• Supervise staff as required.
• Other duties as discussed and agreed upon.

Work will primarily occur outdoors and may include weekends, extended hours (up to 12 hours), extended periods (up to 12 days) out of town, and night work.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Natural Resources, or related field, with one year of experience or equivalent combination.
• First Aid, Swift Water, and other safety certifications are an asset.
• Experience in First Nations fisheries or natural resources programs preferred.
• Knowledge of plant and ecosystem assessment and management, including an understanding of factors that influence ecosystem health and function.
• Knowledge of habitat restoration, ecological reclamation, invasive species management, and conservation planning.
• Knowledge of landscape‑level ecosystem management, cumulative effects assessment, climate change impacts, and adaptive management approaches.
• Knowledge and experience with the use of field equipment, GPS/GNSS systems, GIS applications, wildlife monitoring equipment, and environmental sampling tools.
• Understanding of field safety procedures, wildlife encounter protocols, backcountry operations, and environmental stewardship practices.
• Knowledge and experience in project management, budgets, contracts, and administrative duties.
• Strong time management, leadership, communication, technical writing, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prepare draft reports, proposals, plans, and policies.
• Ability to provide training and work collaboratively with Elders, communities, and partners.
• Proficient in computer software and data management.
• Ability to perform physical fieldwork, work safely in various conditions, travel, and maintain flexible hours.
• Valid BC driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Other Duties as discussed and agreed upon.

Hours:

Full Time 40 hours per week, with flexible work hours (e.g. some evenings and weekends).

Wage:

$25.95 – $35.11 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.