Technologist (Temporary)

Forest Technologist
5,964.75 - $8,573.08 CAD Monthly
Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
UBC’s Alex Fraser Research Forest is part of the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Stewardship, and is responsible for managing the University’s obligations and opportunities on a 9,800 ha public forest tenure generating an annual gross revenue of up to $2 million. Because of the size of operations, the Alex Fraser Research Forest is managed with a close-knit team of individuals who are responsible for a large diversity of tasks.
Under the supervision of the Director, the Forest Technologist will be responsible for all operational aspects of managing UBC’s forest license, including data collection and management, contractor supervision, GIS mapping, reporting and making recommendations related to forest harvesting, regeneration and research. This role also provides guidance and technical consultation to researchers, faculty, students and visiting scientists to support research conducted within the Research Forest and throughout the region.
Assists in the selection, negotiates terms and reviews work of external service providers, contractors and vendors. Student Interns, term employees and contractors report to this position.
Post-Harvest Regeneration Obligations
Plans and implements all forest regeneration activities required to meet management objectives and legal requirements of the Alex Fraser Research Forest.
Manages all contracts relating to tree planting, surveying, stand tending and brushing programs. Researches and selects contractors. Reviews work performed and determines when contract requirements have been met.
Plans, schedules and implements a forest monitoring program, including monitoring of young stands beyond statutory obligation.
Harvesting Operations
Provides input into pre-harvest planning; assists in design, layout and information collection.
Supports the development of timber harvesting prescriptions and implements timber harvesting operations by making complex social, economic and environmental decisions and trade-offs. Selects and supervises harvesting systems, contractors and equipment in order to achieve objectives for each site.
Assists with log quality control and marketing of logs. Provides quality assurance and timely deliveries of logs to customers.
Performs post-harvest assessments in a timely fashion to facilitate management of contractor performance, including fire hazard assessments and waste and residue surveys for reporting to government.
Prepares operations program budgets, production schedules, and reports.
Provides technical guidance to Research Forest visitors (i.e. international students, researchers, visiting scientists, educational and tour groups), including advising on field sites, forest ecosystems, and operational considerations.
Participates in teaching to support field education programs both within the Alex Fraser Research Forest, and other sites in BC.
Presents at and participates in public, technical and professional educational events, serving as a expert on operational forestry practices, innovative forest management approaches and their practical implementation.
Works with the Director to protect research and teaching installations.
Communicates operational program information to a wide range of audiences and forest users (technical, professional, research and management forestry staff, government, industry, students, public).
Monitors contract worker safety, identifies unsafe work conditions and modifies work procedures to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Identifies and resolves work and contract compliance problems. Recommends policies and procedures to improve methods and results.
Keeps current in techniques, technology and regulations and ensures operational activities meet regulatory requirements.
Recruits, trains and supervises temporary field staff, including seasonal Student Interns.
Provides consultation and technical support on field site selection, sampling approaches, operational constraints, forest ecosystems and applicable forestry practices to support research projects.
Manages application of prescriptions and harvesting to ensure that they meet forestry standards and policies, legislation, best practices, financial requirements and contributes to the strategic goals of the Research Forest. Failure to execute plans and prescriptions in a timely way threatens the financial viability of the unit. Application of inappropriate plans or prescriptions presents the University with environmental, legal, and financial liabilities. Safety and security of all persons and projects working on the Research Forest is a primary responsibility of this position. Decisions affect the health and risk of loss of the Research Forest.
Supervision Received
Participates in planning meetings with other management positions. Matters involving policy or liability are referred to the Director with suggested courses of action. Supervision Given
The position trains and supervises seasonal and temporary staff and volunteers. The position supervises professional and technical contracts to ensure compliance with performance and legal standards.
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Completion of a forestry diploma program plus a minimum of five years of related experience including specific practical and theoretical knowledge of forest planning and operations and related legislation and reporting systems (e.g. Accreditation as a Silviculture Surveyor and / or Registration as a Forest Technologist is required. Class V Driver’s License, Level II First Aid Certificate, and S100 Fire Suppression Training Certificate is required.
Computer literacy, including word processing, spreadsheets, GIS/GPS and database applications is required.
Proven abilities in written and oral communications with contractors, government and industry staff, and UBC faculty, staff and students.
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person.
however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.