Field Education Forester

Staff - Non UnionJob CategoryM&P - AAPSJob ProfileAAPS Salaried - Educational Programming, Level BJob TitleField Education ForesterDepartmentMalcolm Knapp Research ForestsCompensation Range$6, $8,986.00 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End DateJuly 12, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

Oct 1, 2025

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. 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.

Job Summary

UBC's Malcolm Knapp Research Forest (MKRF) is part of the Faculty of Forestry, and is responsible for managing the University's obligations and opportunities on 5,157 hectares of private forest located in Maple Ridge, BC. The MKRF provides a world class environment for research and education in forestry. It supports business partnerships within the forest, generating an annual gross revenue of up to $7- 9 million, including: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, a year-round meeting and accommodation facility located 6.5km from the main entrance to the forest; Gallant Enterprises Ltd., a custom-cut sawmill; and Wild & Immersive, an outdoor education program for children, youth and adults. In addition, the MKRF is a working forest, with annual logging and forest management activities operations. Because of the numerous operations that take place in the forest, the MKRF is managed by a close-knit team of individuals who are responsible for a large diversity of projects and tasks. This position will be based at the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest in Maple Ridge, BC. Some weekend and evening work, with travel to the Alex Fraser Research Forest will be required as part of the Field School programs. The position will be on the 24/7 call-out list and is to respond in the event of emergencies.

The Field Education Forester will be dividing their time on:

• Developing and managing multi-year UBC Field School programs with a training curriculum that supports the strategic goals of the Research Forests and the Faculty of Forestry.
• Developing and implementing the strategic forest development plan for future harvest and management objectives.

Organizational Status
Reports under the general direction of the Manager, MKRF (Manager). The position works closely with a broad range of stakeholders, including the Resident Forester and staff at both Research Forests, faculty and staff within the Faculty of Forestry as well as other academic units at UBC, and external entities including vendors, regulatory agencies and partner institutions. May supervise student employees, interns, volunteers and contractors.

Work Performed

Field Education 50%

Develop and manage multi-year undergraduate and graduate Field School programs that includes:

• Designing, developing and implementing high-quality field based experiential learning courses - which may also include blended learning, incorporating digital, self-directed, and face-to-face programs.
• Working with Faculty of Forestry team of content experts to support development of learning programs.
• Encourages, supports and trains UBC Faculty in development and delivery of safe and effective field-based curriculum. Works closely with UBC Faculty to develop safety protocols for UBC Field Schools.
• Develops funding proposals for extension training activities offered to and outside of UBC programs as needed in the learning community.
• Oversee and manager budget of approved funding proposals.
• Seeks partnerships with external agencies and stakeholders for new educational program opportunities.
• Curates and/or modifies existing content and various source materials for different learning styles and accessibility needs.

Research Forest Planning 50%

Works closely with Manager and Resident Forester on leading the strategic planning of future timber harvests (5-50 years), including:

• Reviewing and analyzing forest inventory and harvesting constraints - and spatially identifying all potential harvest locations by species composition, stand quality and marketability.
• Determining appropriate sequence of harvest patterns and silviculture system targets associated with management objectives and within management constraints.
• Documenting methodology and provide recommendations for updating strategic plan after subsequent inventory updates and potential future constraints.
• Seeks input with relevant research forest staff, Faculty members, researchers and other parties. This may also include participating in engagement processes with First Nations.
• Leads the restructuring and implementation of forest management data using a digital tracking systems database.
• Performs other forestry related activities in the office and field (e.g., supervising logging or silviculture operations and contractors, planning or executing survey or layout work).

Both Areas

• Support senior management with recruiting, selecting, evaluating, supervising, and if necessary, terminating service providers, vendors, and contractors.
• Supervise and train student employees, interns, and volunteers and may be provide input with hiring and performance.
• Performs other related duties as required by the UBC Research Forests.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Ensuring the safety of students and instructors during field training is of the utmost importance to the success of this position. Both the impact of decisions made and the consequences of error in this respect is critical.

Field training at the UBC Research Forests is intended to transform and improve the ways students, staff and faculty interact and work, provide opportunities for experimental learning and application of classroom instruction, and enable the Faculty of Forestry to achieve its goal of becoming the world's leading post-secondary forestry training provider.

Manages formulation and implementation of plans and prescriptions to ensure that they meet current professional forestry standards and policies, legislation, best practices, financial requirements and contribute to the strategic goals of MKRF. 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. Exercises professional judgment and initiative in the overall coordination and management of projects. Accountable for the safe and effective execution of all activities under direction.

Supervision Received
General supervision from Manager. Work independently as well as contribute actively and collaborate openly as a team member.

Supervision Given
May supervise student employees, interns, volunteers and contractors.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of four years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own

Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in related field
• Experience teaching at a post-secondary
• 4 years of work experience in forest management
• Registered Professional Forester (RPF) with good standing with the Forest Professionals of BC (FPBC)
• OFA Level 1 and wilderness first aid
• Class 4 driver's license

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