Infrastructure Projects Act Survey

The government of BC recently passed the Infrastructure Projects Act intended to expedite the approval of “projects of provincial significance”. A key component is the expansion of the professional reliance model. The province has launched a survey to get feedback from registered professionals and the public prior to drafting the regulations. Please take the time to provide your expertise.

Professional Practice Guidelines Related to Riparian Area Assessments

Change to legislation now in effect

As of July 16, 2025 all versions (i.e., V1.0, V.1.1) of the Legislated Riparian Assessments in BC have been rescinded and are no longer supported by the College of Applied Biologists, Engineers and Geoscientists BC, and Forest Professionals BC for use as Professional Practice Guidelines. The document should no longer be referred to when conducting riparian area assessments pursuant to the Riparian Area Protection Regulation and/or associated enacted municipal zoning and land use bylaws. Registrants are instructed to please contact their respective professional regulatory body for inquiries and additional information.

For current guidance, please refer to the Professional Practice Notice: Professional Practice Guidelines Related to Riparian Area Assessment.

College seeking volunteers for the Conference Planning Working Group

The College is looking for applicants for the Conference Planning Working Group, the committee responsible for organizing the 2026 Annual Conference in Victoria, April 9-10.

The College's annual conference is a key communication tool for advancing registrants' understanding of the profession and what it means to be a regulated professional. It also provides valuable opportunities for networking. Outcomes from the Conference Planning Working Group's work will be engaging conference content and a worthwhile experience for all guests.

Further requirements, duties and responsibilities are listed in the Conference Planning Working Group terms of reference.

To apply, please complete the Volunteer Application form on the College's website by 11:59pm on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Participation on a committee or other working group with the College can be claimed for continuing professional development (CPD) points. If you have any questions about applying, please contact College Manager of Executive Operations and Communications Tory Davis.

Regulatory Updates and Other Resource Information

Province supports community efforts to protect against climate hazards
From the Government of BC - More people in B.C. will be better protected from natural and climate-driven hazards as the Province invests more than $6 million for 11 community projects.

Engagement begins to support implementation of Infrastructure Projects Act
From the Government of BC - Public engagement is open to support implementation of the Infrastructure Projects Act, which aims to get shovels in the ground quicker for critical projects that people need in their communities.

B.C., First Nations advance long-term water planning for Nicola watershed
From the Government of BC - The Province and the Coldwater, Lower Nicola, Nooaitch, Shackan and Upper Nicola Indian Bands (the Nicola 5 First Nations) are taking the next step to protect healthy and abundant water for people, fish and ecosystems in the Nicola watershed.

New habitat-protection measures support caribou in northeastern B.C.
From the Government of BC - The B.C. government, Fort Nelson First Nation and the B.C. Energy Regulator (BCER) are working collaboratively to implement new protection measures to support boreal caribou recovery in northeastern B.C.

New wildlife management area protects more of Great Bear Sea
From the Government of BC - The Province, in collaboration with partner First Nations, has protected 1,450 hectares of critical ecosystems in the Great Bear Sea.

Freshwater fishing licence sales streamlined to B.C.’s WILD system
From the Government of BC - Recreational freshwater anglers will soon be able to buy B.C. freshwater fishing licences through the Wildlife Information and Licensing Data system (WILD), bringing fishing and hunting licensing into one convenient online platform.

Parks Canada and British Columbia invest more than $8 M to improve ecological connectivity
From the Government of Canada - The initiative will help conserve biodiversity and improve connections between important natural areas in British Columbia

Expansion of the emerald ash borer regulated areas in British Columbia
From the Government of Canada - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated its regulated areas for emerald ash borer (EAB - Agrilus planipennis) in British Columbia (BC) to help slow the spread of this invasive insect.

Climate scientists calculate role human-caused climate change plays in shifting weather extremes
From the Government of Canada - Environment and Climate Change Canada is committed to climate research into how and why the country’s climate has changed over the decades.

Canada Invests in Wildfire Innovation and Resilience Through New Centre of Excellence
With wildfires impacting Canadians across the country, the federal government is taking action to prevent wildfires, mitigate their effects and boost resilience. The Government of Canada’s first priority is protecting Canadians and supporting those affected by wildfire.

The Government of Canada invests over $14.4 million to empower young Canadians to address climate change and support a healthy environment
From the Government of Canada - From protecting our wildlife to conserving our forested areas, young Canadians play a big part in tackling climate change.

Canada advances initiatives to protect the right to a healthy environment and enhance chemicals management
From the Government of Canada - To protect human health and the environment for future generations, the federal government is taking decisive action. Recognizing the deep interconnection between Canadian health and the environment, these sustainable efforts will create a clean and safe environment for all.

British Columbia commercial rockfish harvester fined $25,312 for multiple violations
From the Government of Canada - On July 9, 2025, in Prince Rupert provincial court, Roger Atchison, onboard captain and co-owner of the commercial fishing vessel Savage Eagle, pled guilty to multiple violations of Canada’s Fisheries Act.

British Columbia harvester fined over a million dollars and receives a six-year jail sentence for illegal fishing and sale of sea cucumber
From the Government of Canada - The Honourable Justice Crerar of the British Columbia Supreme Court has sentenced Scott Steer, a repeat offender with a history of serious violations under the Fisheries Act, for illegal sea cucumber harvesting and sale.

Consultation on the listing of Atlin Warm Springs and Liard Hot Springs Lake Chub under the Species at Risk Act
From the Government of Canada - The Government of Canada is engaging with Canadians on whether Atlin Warm Springs and Liard Hot Springs Lake Chub should be added to the List of Wildlife Species at Risk. Online survey and comments invited.

If you are aware of a regulatory update or resource, please let us know. All contributors will be acknowledged.
Resources for registrants: State of Salmon 2024 Report
Resources for registrants: State of Canada's Birds 2024 Report
Resources for registrants: Natural Solutions Initiative Regulatory Mechanisms Toolkit
Resources for registrants: Field Guide for Estimating Carbon Stocks in Wetlands
Resources for registrants: Natural Solutions Initiative Multi-Benefit Indicators Tool, V.1
Resources for registrants: Arctic Grayling: Synthesis Report and Monitoring Framework
Resources for registrants: For Our Future: Indigenous Resilience Report
Resources for registrants: B.C. Flood Strategy
Resources for registrants: Consideration of Climate Change in Mine Reclamation Planning (Ministry of Mining and Critical Methods)
Resources for registrants: Fish-Stream Identification Handbook: Guidance to Support Forestry Stream Classification
Resources for registrants: Invasive Species Strategy for British Columbia (Invasive Species Council of BC)
Resources for registrants:  Professional Practice Notice: Professional Practice Guidelines Related to Riparian Area Assessment
Resources for registrants: Management Plan for the Mountain Crab-eye (Acroscyphus sphaerophoroides) in Canada (CWS)
Resources for registrants: Consultation on Amending the List of Species under the Species at Risk Act: Aquatic Species January 2025
Resources for registrants: Species at Risk Act (SARA) Section 11 Conservation Agreements for the Conservation of the Southern Mountain Caribou
Resources for Registrants: Minister Response: COSEWIC species at risk assessments - January 2025
Resources for Registrants: Management Plan for the Cassin’s Auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus) in Canada
Resources for Registrants: 2025 BC Environment Industry Guide
Resources for Registrants: Recovery Strategy for the Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Bombus bohemicus) in Canada (Final)
Resources for Registrants: Amended Recovery Strategy for the Spotted Owl caurina subspecies (Strix occidentalis caurina) in Canada (Final)
Resources for Registrants: Progress Report on Steps Taken for Protecton of Critical Habitat for Species at Risk in Canada (October 2024 - March 2025)
Resources for Registrants: COSEWIC List of wildlife species assessed (including October 2024)

Events and Notices

This feature highlights notices from the Events Calendar on the College website. Please let us know about events here. All contributors will be acknowledged by name. Please put 'Upcoming Event' in the subject line. 

Courses listed below do not imply endorsement by the College. Refer to the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Standard for information. It is a registrant's responsibility to ensure CPD activities align with the CPD Standard when claiming points.

VIU NATURAL RESOURCES EXTENSION PROGRAM
Various courses ongoing throughout BC and elsewhere.

ENGINEERS & GEOSCIENTISTS BC
Various courses available in person and online.

NATURAL RESOURCES TRAINING GROUP
Various field courses ongoing throughout BC and elsewhere.

NORTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING CENTER
Various field and self-paced courses ongoing throughout the Pacific Northwest and online.

GEOENVIRO PRO TRAINING PROFESSIONALS INC
Various webinars and workshops offered.

THE CORNELL LAB OF ORNITHOLOGY BIRD ACADEMY
Various courses that may meet the College’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

INDIGENOUS RELATIONS ACADEMY
Various guided and self-guided courses.

NORTHWEST RESPONSE ONLINE TRAINING
Fuel management and spill responses training

COLUMBIA MOUNTAINS INSTITUTE OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
Various in-person field-based courses and data science courses for ecologists.

CR PROFESSIONAL
Courses and workshops on fire behaviour and operations.

WETLANDS IN THE BOREAL TRANSITION ZONE
August 12 & 13, Lac La Biche, AB

ELECTROFISHING CERTIFICATION
August 15, Online (self-paced) & Cochrane, AB

ELECTROFISHING CERTIFICATION
August 19, Online (self-paced) & Kamloops, BC

ELECTROFISHING CERTIFICATION
September 4, Online (self-paced) & Winnipeg, MB

ELECTROFISHING CERTIFICATION
September 12, Online (self-paced) & Prince George, BC

WETLAND ASSESSMENT
September 16-17, Online

SEDGE & RUSH IDENTIFICATION
September 18-19, Revelstoke, BC

ANNUAL RESEARCHERS FORUM
September 25-26, Revelstoke, BC

FUNDAMENTALS OF BACKPACK ELETROFISHING: IN-PERSON
October 8 - 9, Edmonton, AB

FUNDAMENTALS OF BACKPACK ELETROFISHING: IN-PERSON
October 14 - 15, Red Deer, AB

WHAT'S THE FUTURE OF GRASSLANDS AND RANGELANDS IN THE EAST KOOTENAY?
October 16 - 18, Kimberley, BC

FUNDAMENTALS OF BACKPACK ELECTROFISHING: IN-PERSON
October 17 - 18, Cochrane, AB

FUNDAMENTALS OF BACKPACK ELECTROFISHING
October 20 - 21, Prince George, BC

CNAR 2025 CALGARY ACHIEVING REGULATORY EXCELLENCE TOGETHER
October 21 - 22, Calgary, AB

DATA MANIPULATION AND VISUALIZATION IN R
October 21-24, Online

EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025 - WHAT'S IN YOUR TOOLBOX?
October 29-30, Coquitlam, BC

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT
November 19-21, Online

CONFERENCE 2025: THE EVOLUTION OF BIOLOGICAL PRACTICE; CELEBRATING 50 YEARS WITH THE ASPB
November 26 - 28, Banff, AB

BC NATURAL RESOURCES FORUM
January 20-22, 2026, Prince George, BC

TIME SERIES TREND ANALYSIS AND QUANTITATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS
January 27 - February 24, 2026 (5 Tuesday mornings), Online

ECO IMPACT 2026: FUTURE-PROOFING THE ENVIRONMENTAL WORKFORCE: TECHNOLOGY & TALENT
February 19-20, 2026, Calgary, AB

Job Postings

Postings from the College website with imminent closing dates are featured below. Additional postings are regularly added to the College's employment postings page. If you or your company are interested in posting a job, you can do so here.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT MANAGER
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $36.00–$70.00
Hiring Organization: Triton Environmental Consultants
Location: Vancouver, BC, Kamloops, BC, Vernon, BC, Prince George, BC, Terrace, BC, Prince Rupert, BC, Kitimat, BC, Calgary, AB, Edmonton, AB, and Saskatoon, SK

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT/BIOLOGIST (INTERMEDIATE/SENIOR)
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $80,000.00–$110,000.00
Hiring Organization: GreatPacific Consulting Ltd
Location: Colwood, BC

JUNIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $50,000.00–$75,000.00
Hiring Organization: ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd.
Location: Langley

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $42.00–$65.00
Hiring Organization: DWB Consulting Services Ltd.
Location: Williams Lake

REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL BIOLOGIST (BC)
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $75,000.00–$85,000.00
Hiring Organization: EXP
Location: Burnaby, BC

SENIOR PROJECTS LEAD
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $100,000.00–$110,000.00
Hiring Organization: Chu Cho Environmental
Location: Prince George, BC

SENIOR BIOLOGIST
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $98,570.00–$121,268.00
Hiring Organization: Ecofor Consulting Ltd.
Location: Fort St. James, Fort St. John, Prince George, Whitehorse or Flexible

INTERMEDIATE GEOSPATIAL ANALYST & MARINE BIOLOGIST
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $68,000.00–$75,000.00
Hiring Organization: Dynamic Ocean Consulting Ltd.
Location: Port Moody, British Columbia

JUNIOR GEOSPATIAL ANALYST & MARINE BIOLOGIST
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $60,000.00–$68,000.00
Hiring Organization: Dynamic Ocean Consulting Ltd.
Location: Port Moody, British Columbia

INTERMEDIATE BIOLOGIST
Closing date for resume submission: Friday, August 22, 2025
Salary: $32.37–$48.18
Hiring Organization: Ecofor Consulting Ltd.
Location: Fort St. James, Fort St. John, Prince George, Whitehorse or Flexible

The College website contains 10 postings at this time, view all here.