Applied Tree Physiologist

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Smoky Lake. Approximately 75 million seedlings are planted each year on public land in Alberta. Fifteen percent of the seed used to grow seedlings for reforestation is produced by seed orchard programs.

Staff at the Alberta Tree Improvement and Seed Centre (ATISC), located in Smoky Lake, manage multiple tree improvement programs as a cooperator or sole owner, and has provincial reforestation tree seed responsibilities including registration and storage.

The Alberta Tree Improvement and Seed Centre is seeking knowledgeable and qualified candidates to serve as the Applied Tree Physiologist.

As the specialist you will oversee the application of tree reproductive biology to seed orchard production programs for tree species used in reforestation; building collaborative environments you will work with staff in forest genetics and plant propagation to advance that work and the related research. You will coordinate Alberta tree gene conservation work within provincial teams and work with other agencies to undertake endangered tree species work.

As a technical expert you will have the drive to obtain results through the advice you provide on plant physiology and tree seed orchard management to ATISC staff, and industry clients and stakeholders.

Using creative problem solving skills, you will investigate underperforming tree seed orchard and seed crop production issues, implement monitoring and management of ATISC seed orchards and plantations for forest insect, disease and health conditions, as well as recommend management changes necessary to increase program effectiveness.

Your expertise in seed orchard research will enable you to provide extension services within the tree improvement community on tree seed orchard and seed crop management.

As a strong systems thinker, you will provide input to the Alberta Forest Genetics Resources Management and Conservation Standards regarding requirements and procedures for seed orchard management and conduct the ATISC seed orchard programs in a manner to conform to the provincial standards.

The position is based in Smoky Lake, with opportunity to travel throughout the province.

What we offer:

– Comprehensive benefits plan: http://www.chr.alberta.ca/Employees/DocList7.cfm

– Pension plan: http://www.pspp.ca/

– Leadership and mentorship programs; Professional learning and development

– Positive workplace culture and work-life balance

For more information on APS Competencies please visit: http://www.chr.alberta.ca/Practitioners/?file=learning/apscompetencies/titlepage&cf=9

Salary: $2,707.94 – $3,549.74 biweekly.

Qualifications: Master’s degree in tree physiology, plant biology, horticulture or a related discipline from a recognized university, plus 2 years related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency:

– Ph.D. in a scientific discipline related to the position or

– University graduation in a related field, plus 4 years related experience.

Related experience:

– Advanced applied experience in plant physiology, in particular tree reproductive biology and phenology.

– Seasoned level of experience in applied research and working with biometrics, experimental design and data analysis.

– Experience in plant breeding.

– Knowledge in tree and cone pest and diseases is preferred.

– Experience with written communications including the preparation of research papers, reports, and work plans.

– Experience with technical transfer and outreach education.

Candidates that do not meet the minimum recruitment standards may be considered at a lower classification and salary. This job advertisement may be used to fill future vacancies at the same level.

Online applications are preferred. If you are unable to apply online, please submit your cover letter and resume, quoting the Job ID, to: Human Resource Services, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, #304, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 – 113 Street, Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6. Phone: (780) 427-2111; Fax: (780) 427-3398. Applicants who apply online will be able to track the status of this competition. Note: As only one file can be uploaded, please ensure your cover letter, resume and any other related documents are submitted in one file.

If you require any further information on this job posting, please contact Human Resources at (780) 427-2111. We thank all applicants for their interest. All applicants will be reviewed to determine which candidates’ education and experience best meets the needs of the position. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.