Position #Various
Title: District Range Agrologist Classification: LSO 2 Agrologist
Ministry: Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations Work Unit: District Range Program
Supervisor Title: District Range Officer Supervisor Position #: various
JOB OVERVIEW
Reporting to the District Range Officer, the District Range Agrologist acts as an expert for the District’s Range Program. Key range activities include: operational planning, inventory (plant species composition, forage productivity and usability, livestock limiting factors, range use levels and stocking rates), range tenure administration (grazing and hay cutting, grazing leases), range developments and practices, effectiveness evaluations, and ecosystem restoration.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
· Determines potential carrying capacity while ensuring a sustainable range resource.
· Applies knowledge of grazing systems and their application to different range ecosystems.
· Determines required range improvements to achieve desired level of use. Evaluates sites requiring rehabilitation and enhancement. Designs and lays out appropriate rehabilitation and enhancements.
· Determines the allowable turnout dates through range readiness criteria.
· Monitors the range to determine if plans are meeting district objectives.
· Conducts data gathering using mobile data collection devices and mobile GIS Applications. Uses advanced software (e.g. ArcGIS) to analyze spatial and attribute data and make recommendations.
· Promotes sound range management and integrated use to ministry personnel, user groups, other agencies, and the general public. Provides a clear explanation of range management objectives.
· Educates range users through discussions at Stock Association meetings, coordinated resource management plan meetings, field days and workshops.
· Establishes positive working relations among agencies, resource users and First Nations to minimize resource user conflict.
· Provides District Range Program expert input into the district FN consultation process.
· Participates in intra-ministry working groups and/or committees on initiatives and projects.
· Adjudicates applications for grazing rights and makes recommendations to the Range Officer for final decision.
· Prepares and/or negotiates contracts, monitors performance and authorizes payment.
· Participates in Invasive Plant Management.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience:
· Bachelor of Science in range management, plant ecology, natural resource management science or agriculture or a related field that includes range science.
· Registered member in good standing as Professional Agrologist (P.AG) with the BC Institute of Agrologists (BCIA) or immediate eligible registration as a Professional Agrologist with BCIA. Note: Immediate eligible registration means you have a professional designation in good standing with another provincial institute of agrology and you can transfer your membership to BCIA. It is the responsibility of the applicants to ensure eligibility.
· Applicants who do not meet the professional requirement may be considered at a lower level, subject to confirmation of eligibility for registration as an Articling Agrologist (A.Ag) immediately upon employment with the Ministry. Note. It is the responsibility of the applicants to ensure eligibility. A.AGs or AITs who are members in good standing with another provincial institute of agrology can transfer their membership to BCIA
Preference may be given to applicants with:
· One (1) year or more of experience in range management, range administration or BC Livestock Industry.
· One (1) year or more of experience in Invasive Plant Management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
· Knowledge of the Forest and Range Practices Act and its Regulations, the Range Act and its Regulations, the Land Act, the Forest Act, and other legislation relating to integrated management of rangelands and livestock on Crown Range.
· Thorough theoretical and specialist knowledge and expertise in the principles of range management, remediation, invasive plant management, ecosystem restoration, and their application under BC conditions. Good understanding of livestock behaviour as it relates to range management.
· Working knowledge of contract management policies, principles and practices.
· Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
· Ability to communicate and successfully establish and maintain respectful, productive and co-operative working relationships with clients, the public, and other agencies including NGOs and Government.
· Ability to identify, gather, interpret and analyse technical and subjective information in order to verify and/or reach conclusions and provide advice and/or recommendations.
· Ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
· Ability to plan, prepare and deliver oral presentations and training to diverse groups inside and outside government and experience conducting effective meetings.
· Ability to plan, organise and manage activities and projects under the direction of the District Range Officer.
WILLINGNESS STATEMENTS
· Willingness to be physically fit as the position requires extensive field work which involves strenuous walking and field evaluations in difficult terrain and under all weather conditions.
· Willing to use off road vehicles or horseback as required.
· Willingness to possess and maintain First Aid Certification.
PROVISIOS
· A valid British Columbia Class 5 Drivers License with no restrictions or equivalent.
· Successful completion of security screening requirements of the BC Public Service, which may include a criminal records check, and/or Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) check, and/or enhanced security screening checks as required by the ministry (Note: It is important that you read the job posting carefully to understand the specific security screening requirements pertaining to the position).
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES: Relationship Building, Teamwork and Co-operation, Conflict Management Planning, Organizing and Co-ordinating, Problem Solving/Judgement, Flexibility, Self-Confidence, Service Orientation
Competencies listed above complement the required accountabilities for this job profile. For more information about behavioural interviews, competency definitions, and to watch interview videos please visit: Competencies in the BC Public Service