COMPETITION NO.: 14/092
SERVICE AREA: Parks & Environmental Services
(Regional Parks)
POSITION: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
SPECIALIST
SALARY: $33.19 – $37.65 (2013 rates)
HOURS OF WORK: 70 hours bi-weekly
STATUS: Regular Full Time
SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Manager, Planning, Resource Management & Development, the Environmental
Conservation Specialist is responsible for providing expertise in the development and implementation of
programs, and provision of scientific information to support Regional Parks’ decision-making. The key
areas of responsibility are environmental conservation policy, ecological conservation and restoration
program and project development and implementation, ecological inventories, and environmental
impact assessment. The position provides guidance and information to CRD Parks staff on conserving
the natural environment in regional parks and works with internal and external clients on programs and
projects relating to the protection, conservation, management and monitoring of regionally significant
natural areas in the CRD and environmental resources within regional parks and trails.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Links the CRD Parks Master Plan with environmental management and conservation work.
• Assesses and identifies conservation priorities, provides recommendations and develops and oversees
programs and projects to address the priorities.
• Prepares and oversees implementation of the Regional Parks Conservation Strategy.
• Prepares or coordinates the preparation of ecological management and restoration plans and oversees
implementation of these plans.
• Prepares project terms of reference,
• Prepares and controls program and project budgets.
• Works collaboratively with partners to coordinates project teams.
• Oversees consultant contracts, including preparation of terms of reference, review of proposals,
development of contracts, oversight of contractor activities and budget, review of deliverables, and
approval of payments,
• Prepares draft staff reports.
• Prepares ecological inventories and studies or coordinates the work of consultants
• Prepares or coordinates the preparation of environmental impact assessments of activities and/or
facility development within CRD Parks or for activities outside regional parks and trails and drafts
policies, procedures and makes recommendations to minimize such impacts on regional parks and
trails.
• Assembles, evaluates, interprets and summarizes all environment related information, and other
information as required, for the conservation and maintenance of green and blue spaces in the CRD,
the update of the CRD Parks Master Plan, the assessment of potential regional parkland, park
management plans and site development plans and land acquisition.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY• Ensures that CRD Parks activities and/or facility development are consistent with all environmental
legislation and regulations.
• Conducts research and prepares issue papers and technical reports.
• Coordinates and collaborates on database selection or development and the collection, assembly,
management and quality control of environmental data and mapping.
• Identifies environmental research needs, coordinates research projects and reviews and approves
research permits.
• Project manages environmental and restoration projects and sits on project teams, including park
management planning, facility development, visitor services and community development, and other
projects.
• Works with internal stakeholders on projects relating to the conservation and monitoring of regional
green/blue space, parks and environmental conservation and protection.
• Acts as a liaison in cooperative programs and projects with;
• federal/provincial municipal/First Nations environmental protection and management agencies.
• advisory groups and non-governmental organizations regarding the protection and
management of environmental resources in CRD Parks.
• Responds to inquiries on matters relating to natural areas conservation in the CRD and environmental
protection and resource management in CRD Parks.
• Follows all policies, procedures and standards of the CRD
• Performs other related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• A Masters Degree in biology, ecology, geography, resource management, environmental studies or
related field together with two years of experience in environmental conservation, preferably in a park
setting; or a Bachelors Degree in biology, ecology, geography, resource management, environmental
studies or related field plus 3 to 5 years of experience in environmental conservation, preferably in a
park setting.
• Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio).
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and customer service skills are required.
• Experience conducting ecological research.
• Experience with project management from initiation to implementation with a proven track record for
completing projects on time and budget.
• Knowledge of the concepts of park and environmental conservation planning in a park setting.
• Knowledge of ecosystem-based management, regional flora and fauna and the use of environmental
information in park planning.
• Ability to conduct ecological inventories and environmental impact assessments.
• Knowledge of Federal and provincial conservation agencies and initiatives and environmental
protection legislation and regulation.
• Ability to apply geographic information systems in spatial analysis and digital mapping.
• Proficiency and experience with word processing (MS Word), spreadsheets (MS Excel) and
presentation (MS PowerPoint) software.
• Ability to evaluate, interpret and summarize complex and technical environmental and land use issues
• clearly and concisely and to clearly present this information to non-technical people.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, identify and solve problems, organize, prioritize work and
produce results.
• Ability to strategically identify, analyze and evaluate complex issues and propose solutions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with internal and
external clients and work cooperatively and as part of a team.
• Ability to work effectively, efficiently and economically and perform well under pressure while dealing
with complicated and contentious matters and competing interests.
• Must possess a valid BC Driver’s Licence.
APPLICATIONS:
Resumes with covering letter quoting competition number 14/092 will be received in the Human
Resources Department, Capital Regional District until 4:00pm July 9, 2014. Please apply online at
www.crd.bc.ca, “Careers”. Applications may also be received at Capital Regional District, Human
Resources, PO Box 1000, 625 Fisgard Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2S6, fax (250) 360-3076.
The Capital Regional District wishes to thank you for your interest and advises that only those
candidates under active consideration will be contacted.