This position
involves a variety of planning and technical activities and/or projects including; developing and/or interpreting mapping, assisting with the development and implementation of environmental bylaws and other regulatory or policy processes, undertaking a biological review of development applications and environmental assessments, field work and high-level environmental assessments where required, assisting with strategic responses and approaches, implementation plans, policies and procedures relating to environmental issues, as well as technical, regulatory and administrative advice and assistance, as required.

The main objectives of this contracted position are:
Assist SOSCP with the implementation of the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy including support to, and engagement of, key local government decision makers, stakeholder groups and public.
Work with SOSCP local government partners to establish, improve or implement Environmentally Sensitive and Watercourse Development Permit Areas (ESDP and WDPs) and accompanying bylaw provisions, language, policies, guidelines, including Terms of Reference and/or Development Procedures bylaws.
Recommend land use and environmental policy development for long range and special planning projects such as Official Community Plans, zoning bylaws, regional growth strategies, neighbourhood and sector plans.
Review and evaluate development applications, environmental assessments and other referrals in accordance with bylaws, policies and regulations and provide ongoing monitoring for compliance.
Provides environmental screening, field environmental assessments for small lots, and on-site monitoring of development permit provisions.
Liaise with developers and public regarding the protection of environmentally sensitive areas and land use policy and direction.
Develop reports on development applications and specific assignments.
Advise staff and public of matters relating to land use and environmental conservation and integrity.
Deliver outreach and extension to local government public works, parks and engineering departments to increase knowledge, awareness and skills related to planning and managing for ecological values including biological, technical and regulatory advice.
Work with senior and local governments to enhance local park strategies, including stewardship agreements and management plans for parks, trails and right of ways to conserve ecological values.
Assist SOSCP Program Manager with environmental advice, mapping and technical information where required.
Assist the SOSCP Program Manager with the administration aspects of this contract including reporting and grant writing

Qualifications:
Post-Secondary degree in biological sciences (including terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, conservation biology, fish and wildlife management and biodiversity) Natural Resources Management, Environmental Planning, or equivalent combination of education, experience and training.
3 to 5 years of increasingly responsible professional environmental management experience.
Valid BC Driver’s Licence – Class 5.
Registered as Professional Biologist (RPBio) in B.C. with the College of Applied Biology, or eligible to become a Professional Biologist within 6 months.
Experience in a professional biological capacity including: development or review of development proposals, subdivisions, development permits, and environmental assessments.
Experience with geospatial analysis and environmental data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and thorough working knowledge of species and ecosystems databases.
Thorough knowledge of South Okanagan Similkameen terrestrial and aquatic species and ecosystems.
Detailed knowledge of municipal, provincial and federal environmental regulations, reporting requirements, standards and codes of practice.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of the planning and land use legislation applicable to Municipal and other local governments in British Columbia.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a commitment to teamwork and customer service.
Strong presentation and public speaking abilities, with experience and/or training in facilitation methods.

Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Knowledge of MS Office and related software, general office equipment.
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to analyze data, prepare written correspondence and reports, prepare and make presentations to staff, the public, and elected officials.
This is a full-time contract. Contract renews annually until March 31, 2023 pending satisfactory performance review
Annual contract value is $85,500 annually, or $46.32/hour up to 154 hours per month (exclusive of GST, plus some travel and other expenses) and is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The SOSCP Land Use Biologist will be retained as an independent contractor by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and contract delivery will be based in the South Okanagan. The contractor is required to have at contract signing; WCB coverage in good standing, current insurance (Comprehensive General Liability Insurance no less than $5 million, and or Professional Liability Insurance/Errors and Omissions) and Automobile Insurance for business use.
Qualified applicants may submit a detailed resume, with cover letter, by Monday October 26th 2020 before 9 am to:
SOSCP Program Manager at sophie.fillion@usherbrooke.ca
Inquiries can also be directed to the Program Manager via phone at 1-819-238-2407