JOB PROFILE
POSITION #00003916
TITLE: MANAGER, PROVINCIAL TREE IMPROVEMENT RESEARCH DATA
CLASSIFICATION: SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL OFFICER 24
MINISTRY: FORESTS, LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCE OPERATIONS
WORK UNIT: TREE IMPROVEMENT BRANCH
SUPERVISORS TITLE: RESEARCH LEADER, FOREST GENETICS
SUPERVISORS POSITION #: 00003923
JOB OVERVIEW
To provide specialist advice to senior ministry decision makers, to program area leads, and to technical and professional
research staff in the natural resource sector on the development, use and interpretation of the data obtained from the
provinces 1400+ genetic research installations, and other in- and ex-situ genetic resources, in support of the provincial
tree improvement program.
To maximize the analysis capability & security of current and future databases in the tree improvement program, by 1)
improving meta-data tabular access, 2) developing program-wide data standards, 3) supporting development of
program-wide trait assessment criteria, 4) performing genetic evaluation analyses for specialty traits, programs and
other research purposes, and 5) developing related geospatial data and analyses, and other genetic information
technologies (e.g., molecular markers databases).
ACCOUNTABILITIES

Consults with interdisciplinary stakeholders and clients on data management priorities and risks in the
development and improvement of current provincial data management system.

Works with other related government agencies (e.g. Forest Analysis and Inventory Branch, Forest Tenures
Branch, Resource Practices Branch) and Tree Improvement Branch staff to ensure provincial tree breeding data
informs operational requirements (e.g. SPAR) and provincial policy development.

Negotiates information or data sharing agreements and material transfer agreements and ensures the delivery
of data to stakeholders (e.g. Universities, other jurisdictions) and receipt of data in accordance with agreements.

Oversees a centralized data management system to ensure the acquisition, integrity (storage and back-up),
quality (QA/QC), and overall management of all Forest Genetics Section research data sets. Ensures quality and
data integrity of annual upload of local/ regional data sets to provincial database.

Acts as data custodian of all Forest Genetics Section research data sets (spatial, tabular, pedigreed trait-based
files, and genomic information).

Provides advice to Research Scientists and Technicians in the maintenance of data sets to ensure seamless
integration into the provincial data system.

Builds and provides specialized technical advisory services to Research Scientists and Technicians on data base
design and structure, data capture and integration with related specialized applications to support natural
resource decision-making.

Oversees the development, updating and ensures delivery of the Forest Genetics Section Data Management
Plan to reflect ongoing data management activities.

Manages data coordination and delivery of projects of provincial scope consistent with the Forest Genetics
Section Data Management Plan and proper project management principles.

Develops and delivers annual Data Management Report to the Research Leader and Director, Tree Improvement
Branch, and Forest Genetics Council on behalf of the Chief Forester.

Establishes and maintains partnerships with other agencies, private sector, clients, contractors and universities
to collaborate on studies and projects and acts as the section/branch liaison throughout the life of the project.
Career Group:
Job Family:
Role:
Revised:
Science & Technical
Bio-Geomatics
Professional
Sept 5, 2016

Establishes, or participates in, a community of practice with the data management community of government
(e.g. Knowledge Management Branch, etc.) and/or partnerships with academics to collaborate on projects (e.g.
genomics research community, Genome BC, Genome Canada) and ensure best practices in data management
and analysis.

Performs complex spatial and statistical analysis projects for scientific, strategic and legislative decision makers,
and develops and/or delivers training for clients and staff on geo-technical, GIS and web-mapping products,
methods and standards.

Undertakes system-wide review and analysis of emerging technology (e.g. LIDAR) to determine potential costs
and benefits, and makes recommendations on approaches for integrating that technology including linkage to
ongoing data collection.

Develops special applications for merging different data attributes within and across programs, for quantitative
genetics application.

Performs basic (or advanced) quantitative genetics analyses using software in breeding applications, for the
calculations of breeding values and other related genetic parameters.

Represents the Ministry by addressing professional organizations at meetings, workshops and conferences.

Develops new tools for data collection and analysis of climate-based data for western North America and forest
pathology data.

Develops and negotiates systems maintenance contracts, monitors performance of system updates.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
MANDATORIES

At least a Master’s Degree in biology, forestry, resource management science, statistics or computer science or
related area.

Experience in database management (e.g. linking test site and parent tree information with phenotypic and
genetic data).

Experience with providing verbal and written progress updates and effectively communicate orally and in writing
to a broad range of audiences.

Successful completion of security screening requirements of the BC Public Service, which may include a criminal
records check, and/or Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) check, and/or enhanced security screening checks as
required by the ministry (Note: It is important that you read the job posting carefully to understand the
specific security screening requirements pertaining to the position).
PREFERRED

Experience in analysis of quantitative-, population-, or ecological-genetics data.

Demonstrated experience using appropriate software in data manipulation (e.g. Linux or other operating
system). Preference may be given to candidates with 2 or more years’ experience.

Demonstrated experience with data analysis tools (e.g. R, SAS, Visual Basic). Preference may be given to
candidates with 2 or more years’ experience.

Demonstrated experience in quantitative techniques (i.e. transfer functions, multiple regression).

Demonstrated experience in the development of summary and genetic evaluation statistics (e.g. using ASReml).

Demonstrated experience developing methodologies, and performing custom geo-spatial data modelling and
complex analysis and interpretations using ARC View/ARC GIS based software.

Demonstrated ability to perform complex data manipulation or queries using python programming or equivalent
for GIS applications.

Experience in producing complex figures and maps from spatial data for reports and presentations.
Career Group:
Job Family:
Role:
Revised:
Science & Technical
Bio-Geomatics
Professional
Sept 5, 2016

Experience with forestry-type field work which may include travel to remote areas by vehicle, boat, air or foot,
overnight or extended stay in conditions and outdoor work in all weather conditions.

Valid B.C. driver’s licence or eligible to drive in BC.
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

Problem Solving/Judgement is the ability to analyze problems systematically, organize information, identify key
factors, identify underlying causes and generate solutions.

Analytical Thinking is the ability to comprehend a situation by breaking it down into its components and
identifying key or underlying complex issues. It implies the ability to systematically organize and compare the
various aspects of a problem or situation, and determine cause-and-effect relationships (“if...then...”) to resolve
problems in a sound, decisive manner. Checks to ensure the validity or accuracy of all information.

Expertise includes the motivation to expand and use technical knowledge or to distribute work-related
knowledge to others.

Planning, Organizing and Coordinating involves proactively planning, establishing priorities and allocating
resources. It is expressed by developing and implementing increasingly complex plans. It also involves
monitoring and adjusting work to accomplish goals and deliver to the organization's mandate.

Commitment to Continuous Learning involves a commitment to think about the ongoing and evolving needs of
the organization and to learn how new and different solutions can be utilized to ensure success and move the
organization forward.

Teamwork and Co-operation is the ability to work co-operatively within diverse teams, work groups and across
the organization to achieve group and organizational goals. It includes the desire and ability to understand and
respond effectively to other people from diverse backgrounds with diverse views.
For more information about behavioural interviews, competency definitions, and to watch interview videos
please visit: Competencies for Interviews & Hiring
ORGANIZATION CHART
Director, Tree Improvement Branch
Manager, Forest Genetics
Research Leader, Forest Genetics
Climate Adaptation Research Scientist
Manager, Provincial Tree Improvement Research Data
Career Group:
Job Family:
Role:
Revised:
Science & Technical
Bio-Geomatics
Professional
Sept 5, 2016