Genetics and Tree Improvement Technologist

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about sustainable forest management and ensuring Alberta's forests thrive for future generations? Join the Genetics and Tree Improvement Unit in a leadership role where you'll oversee critical reforestation seed programs, provincial genetics assets, and operational initiatives that directly support Alberta's reforestation and forest conservation objectives. This is an exciting opportunity to combine technical expertise, operational leadership, and strategic problem-solving while working at the forefront of forest genetic resource management.

Reporting to the Provincial Seed Officer, the Genetics & Tree Improvement Technologist is responsible for the operational implementation and delivery of provincial programs related to reforestation seed management, tree improvement assets, genetic trials, and site operations at the Alberta Tree Improvement & Seed Centre and sites across Alberta. The position provides leadership to a team of staff, coordinates annual operational workflows, ensures compliance with provincial standards, and supports the long-term sustainability of Alberta's forest genetic resources. The role also serves as the backup to the Provincial Seed Officer during periods of absence.

Your key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Managing the provincial tree and shrub seed inventory, including storage, security, facility improvements, and distribution to forest nurseries.
• Ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of reforestation seed to support annual seedling production programs.
• Maintaining and enhancing the Nursery Seed Information Management System (NSIMS) and associated operational seed databases and records.
• Applying and supporting the implementation of Alberta’s Forest Genetic Resource Management and Conservation Standards (FGRMS) in operational activities.
• Reviewing, coordinating, and supporting responses to industry submissions related to forest genetic resource management requirements.
• Facilitating seed transfer variance requests and addressing self-reported planting compliance issues.
• Coordinating provincial genetics and tree improvement operational activities, including seed orchards, clone banks, provenance trials, and progeny trials.
• Assessing operational requirements and developing recommendations regarding priorities, resource allocation, maintenance strategies, and work plans.
• Identifying, evaluating, and resolving operational issues affecting provincial genetics and tree improvement assets.
• Conducting research and analysis to support long-term program sustainability and effectiveness.
• Representing operational interests on internal committees, working groups, and inter-jurisdictional initiatives.
• Managing site operations, including warehouse and cold storage facilities, asset management, equipment maintenance, and tenant coordination.
• Supervising staff, organizing work schedules, and ensuring annual operational requirements are completed effectively.
• Participating in training, technology transfer, outreach, and education initiatives related to reforestation seed and tree improvement.
• Supporting organizational health and safety initiatives and wildfire operations based on certification and operational requirements.
• Collaborating with internal partners to reconcile and maintain accurate provincial seed and regeneration information.

Join a team dedicated to advancing Alberta's reforestation and forest genetic resource programs while helping ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of our forests.

The Job Description is provided for Further details on this position.

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.

• Agility: Adapts to change by improving processes, staying resilient under pressure, and finding creative solutions within established guidelines.
• Drive for Results: Achieves results through proactive planning, accountability, collaboration, and a commitment to exceeding expectations.
• Creative Problem Solving: Demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement by seeking diverse perspectives, identifying opportunities for innovation, and applying lessons learned to achieve better results.
• Develop self and Others: Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning by seeking development opportunities, staying current, sharing knowledge, and mentoring others.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
A university degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Agriculture, or a related field, plus a minimum of 2 years of directly related experience.

OR

A two-year diploma in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Agriculture, or a related field, plus a minimum of 4 years of directly related experience.

Equivalency:
Directly related education and experience may be considered on an equivalent basis. Equivalencies will be assessed as:

• one year of related experience for one year of education, or
• one year of related education for one year of experience.

Special Requirement:

• A valid, unrestricted Alberta Class 5 drivers license or an equivalent Canadian license.
• A minimum 3-year Driver’s Abstract, showing a record of seven (7) demerits of less (obtained within 30 days of your commencement date and presented to management prior to commencement)
• Ability to work at heights (ladders and aerial platforms).

Assets

• Eligibility for registration with the Alberta Association of Forest Management Professionals (AAFMP), Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) or equivalent.
• Experience with reforestation seed programs, seed inventory management, or nursery operations.
• Knowledge of Alberta Forest Genetic Resource Management and Conservation Standards (FGRMS).
• Experience with genetic trial management, tree improvement assets, or forest genetics programs.
• Experience with information management systems such as SIMS, ARIS, or comparable enterprise databases.
• Experience managing operational budgets, contracts, equipment, or site operations.
• Chainsaw certification.
• Training or certification related to project management, supervision, health and safety, or wildfire operations.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

This is a permanent, full-time position for 36.25 hours a week, Monday to Friday. There is the possibility for overtime as needed, primarily during the summer field season.

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.

Links and information on what we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) 
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
• Professional learning and development
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.