Forest Hydrologist

Role Responsibilities

Do you have a background in Forest Hydrology and the ability to work independently? Are you interested in coordinating research initiatives and subsequent knowledge transfer related to sustainable water resource and forest management practices? Then this is the position for you!

This position will play a key role in defining provincial roles and responsibilities regarding jurisdiction over the administration of the Forests Act and associated regulations in the province. 

As the Ministry’s specialist, the Forest Hydrologist will take on a provincial scope and focus on the entirety of the forest management system and interrelationship between forests and water across the province, with a focus on operational implementation and monitoring. The forest Hydrologist is the division's lead subject matter expert on forest hydrology, and plays a key role not only within the division but coordinating within the department and across the ministry. 

Your responsibilities are, but not limited to:
•    Being the provincial authority in the areas of forest hydrology, watershed management, and the impacts to water quantity and quality from forestry activities, including but not limited to timber operations and wildfire.
•    This position is the subject matter expert (SME) and provides input into Forest Management Plans including the assessment of impacts from proposed forestry activities on water such as streamflow, sedimentation, drinking water and fisheries values.
•    The position is responsible to represent the division in cross ministry, departmental and federal policy committees for the integration of forestry division activities related to watershed management and hydrology across jurisdiction (federal and provincial) and programs, including but not limited to engagement with both federal and provincial ministries on forestry activities as well as linkages to fish and fish habitat.
•    The position also works with the Senior Forester Compliance and Enforcement in the development and assessment of field protocols in the implementation and monitoring of timber operations to ensure compliance with Alberta’s regulatory requirements, in support of the Forest Operations Monitoring Program.
•    Effective collaborative partnerships are maintained with relevant agencies regarding resource management issues providing leadership to research initiatives and ensuring transfer of scientific knowledge to sustainable water resource and forest management practices.

Please click this link to view the job description.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Creative Problem Solving: Use a wide range of techniques to break down problems to identify solutions.

Systems Thinking: Consider the changing environment, recognize the work impacts a vast network of stakeholders.

Agility: Identify alternative approaches in uncertain, complex situations while supporting others in determining and assessing strategy.

Build Collaborative Environments: Takes a collaborative approach to foster open communication and leverage team skills.

Develop Networks: Build networks and trusting relationships with different stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirement:
•    University degree in a related field such as Forestry or Natural Resource Management with a focus on forest hydrology plus 6 years related experience. 

Equivalency: 
•    A related two-year diploma plus 8 years related experience. 
•    Additional related education considered in lieu of experience on one year of experience for one year of education.

Additional Requirements:
•    Valid Alberta class 5 driver license or equivalent.
•    Membership or eligibility for membership with Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals (AAFMP).

Assets:
•    Preference given to Master of Science degree in forestry, forest hydrology.
•    Highly developed working knowledge of forest hydrology and watershed management principals in reference to rocky mountain and boreal coniferous and deciduous landscapes, augmented by directly applicable and related experience in forestry and forest hydrology.
•    Computer modeling/statistical analysis skills and proficiency in ArcGIS/ArcPro inputs, outputs, and analysis.
•    Ability to conduct field and office-based watershed assessments and investigate complicated cumulative effects issues including the design and execution of monitoring as well as science-based programs.
•    Strong and effective communication, conflict resolution and facilitation skills.
•    Ability to work in a fast-paced multi-issue environment, serving a wide range of varied internal and external interests.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity located in Edmonton or Calgary (preferred). This position works Monday to Friday, 8:15AM - 4:30PM, 36.25 hours a week.

This position may require final candidates to undergo a security clearance. 

Candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment as a part of the interview process.
 

Travel within the area and throughout the province will be required as part of your responsibilities to coordinate with Ministry staff and colleagues, other government departments, clients, and other external stakeholders.

Application Information:
•    In your application, please a include cover letter detailing your interest, and role related experience. In your resume include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time, or full time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three, 8 hour shifts/week).
•    Three (3) work-related references are required for those selected for an interview.
•    Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

What we offer:
•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.