Seed Orchard Pest and Plant Health Biologist
(Arborist & Tree Care)
Full Time
Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
BC Public Service
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development
Vernon
Seed Orchard Pest and Plant Health Biologist
A unique opportunity to apply your expertise to ensure the health and productivity of BC's forests
The Forest Improvement and Research Management Branch’s (FIRM) mission includes enhancing the value, resilience and conservation of BC’s forest genetic resources. FIRM conducts research to identify the potential growth, health and adaptability of BC’s tree species. This scientific information guides the establishment of ministry and private seed orchards and the Chief Forester’s Standards For Seed Use. FIRM manages five seed orchards, two research stations and the Provincial Tree Seed Centre, where all seed used for Crown land reforestation is registered, tested, stored and distributed.
The Seed Orchard Pest and Plant Health Biologist is responsible for coordinating the operational pest and plant health management programs at Ministry Seed Orchards (coast and interior) including monitoring and assessing pest and plant health issues and resultant damage, and prescribing prevention, control or treatment solutions. This position is an expert resource for all provincial seed orchards, wild-stand seed harvesters and for the Tree Seed Centre (TSC) regarding the protection of seed and seed producing trees from damage by pests (insects, pathogens, wildlife, weeds and other cultural factors). The Biologist is responsible for providing pest management and plant health extension and education services for internal (Ministry) and external clients in BC’s seed orchard industry (coast and interior), and delivers information on relevant scientific research to these stakeholder groups. The Biologist conducts pest management and plant health research and communicates relevant results to the BC seed orchard community.
Qualifications for this role include:
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M.Sc. Biology, or Master of Pest Management, or in Plant Health. Specialization in the fields of forest entomology, forest health, forest pathology or pest management preferred.
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Minimum three years’ experience as a biologist in plant health or forest pest management. Prefer experience in managing or researching cone and seed insect and disease problems in BC.
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Experience in agricultural pest management situations would be an asset (fruit orchard, vineyards, etc.).
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Demonstrated experience in integrating, analyzing and interpreting scientific or technical data and data modeling.
For more information and to apply by February 19, 2018, please go to:
https://search.employment.gov.bc.ca/cgi-bin/a/highlightjob.cgi?jobid=47334
Attention: only applications submitted through the BC Public Service’s employment website will be accepted.
Compensation
Salary $60,531.87 - $69,104.56 annually