Antelope brush ecosystem Research Affiliate - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

ONLY APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED ON-LINE USING THE 'APPLY ON-LINE' BUTTON ABOVE WILL BE CONSIDERED.

Duties

The successful candidate will undertake field-based research in the southern Okanagan valley, and laboratory work or studies at University of British Columbia – Okanagan in Kelowna BC. The work will involve collecting field data on the occurrence, condition, survival, productivity, and habitat conditions in which antelope brush (Purshia tridentata) occurs in protected areas. Descriptive studies of existing conditions and experimental studies for restoration of antelope brush populations will be undertaken to help conserve this ecosystem at risk and the many wildlife species at risk dependent upon this ecosystem. The successful candidate will work with a network of conservation non-governmental groups, Indigenous organizations, government regulators and planners, and university researchers to accomplish the work.

Specifically:
• Gather and compile data into clear and organized datasets.
• Analyze data and present results in public meetings and a manuscript for publication in a peer reviewed journal
• Fulfill any requirements to complete MSc at UBC Okanagan, including taking courses, participating in committee meetings, and writing and defending MSc thesis.

Work environment

Indoors, the Canadian Wildlife Service office is on the University of British Columbia – Okanagan campus in Kelowna, British Columbia. Outdoors we manage the Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area near Okanagan Falls, British Columbia and financially support conservation land trusts and the Province of British Columbia with additional protected areas in the south Okanagan valley. English is the essential language for working at this location.

The Pacific Region of Canadian Wildlife Service includes more than 100 staff involved in migratory bird and species at risk research and monitoring, regulatory reviews, funding programs, and protected areas management. This work will be a collaboration between ECCC, UBC Okanagan, The Nature Trust of BC, The Province of British Columbia Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Sustainability, and the Osoyoos Desert Society.

Time will be divided between coursework, writing, and participation in educational activities at UBC Okanagan, and research will be conducted in the laboratory and the field at ECCC Canadian Wildlife Service offices, protected areas, and partners whom we financially support for antelope brush conservation. Prerequisite safety training will be required at both locations.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Education:
• Completed an undergraduate degree in biology or a related science relevant to the position.
• Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by January 1, 2023 in a Master’s program with the Faculty of Science (Biology) at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan in Kelowna BC.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
• Minimum 1 year (12 months cumulatively) of field experience working outdoors in the dry southern interior of British Columbia.
• Experience* collecting scientific data on vegetation or wildlife.
• Experience* reviewing scientific literature and writing reports.

*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, this experience can be acquired through studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of conservation biology and restoration ecology principles
• Knowledge of species and ecosystems at risk and threats they face in southern interior British Columbia
• Knowledge of natural hazards encountered while working in the southern interior of British Columbia

Competencies:
• Judgement
• Planning and organizing
• Initiative

Abilities:
• Written communication in English.
• Oral communication in English.
• Ability to organize and present information.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

• Category 3 health assessment for field work.
• Class 5 driver’s license
• Willing to work on the University of British Columbia – Okanagan campus in Kelowna, British Columbia.
• Willing to travel to field locations in the southern Okanagan valley of British Columbia.
• Willing to do field work involving exposure to environmental hazards, walking over uneven ground, carrying equipment, and loading and unloading vehicles

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

Preference

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.