College Connections

February 2025

Welcome to the February issue of College Connections.

This month is an important time to consider the strength and diversity in our workplaces and in our province. Consider attending events or doing some learning on the following topics:

Important Notice:

  • Late fees are now in effect for registrants who have not paid dues for 2025.

For news and updates, follow us on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/CollegeofAppliedBiologists https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-of-applied-biologists/

 

We respect and acknowledge that the College’s office and its registrants operate within the Traditional Territories of the Indigenous Peoples of BC.

 

 

 

In this Issue


Nominations for 2025 College Board Elections Close on February 28

The 2025 nominations process for 2025 Board elections closes at 4:30pm on February 28

Download the Prospective Nominee Form here

The College is seeking team players who have leadership and financial literacy skills who are interested in serving on the Board. Board members contribute to the applied biology profession by upholding the public interest while further developing their skills in areas such as governance and strategy. 

Positions to be elected this election year include:

  • Vice Chair*
  • Two Board Members

*The registrant whom is elected to the Vice Chair position on a three-year term shall act as the Vice Chair in the first year of their term, as Chair in their second year, and as Past Chair in their third year.

Again, nominations will close at 4pm PST on February 28, 2025. Nomination forms must be submitted using the upload tool found here before the deadline to be eligible.

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2025 Annual Conference College of Applied Biologists

2025 Conference Registration is Open

The College's 2025 Conference will be held on April 10-11, 2025 at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre in Prince George, BC on the Traditional Territory of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation. Here's what's available now:

  • A schedule for the two-day conference
  • Information and the group booking rate for the event hotel, the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre
  • Pricing and registration for the 2025 Conference
  • A preview of conference speakers (with more to be added!)

READ MORE AND REGISTER

 

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College Hosting Information Session in Vancouver on February 13

The session will cover practice and regulatory updates.

The agenda includes:

  • 6pm: Networking reception, which includes a beverage and appetizers ($25 advanced registration, $30 at the door)
  • 7pm: An open information session (free and open to registrants and non-registrants) with College staff on reserved practice and regulatory updates
  • 8pm: There will be refreshments and networking opportunities after the information session

If you want to attend the networking reception and/or the information session, please register using the College portal: log in, then click the Events tab at the top of your registrant portal homepage.

REGISTER NOW

 

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Survey on eDNA Research

The survey is part of a study on the potential use of environmental DNA for wildlife monitoring in British Columbia and Quebec.

Researchers from the University of Victoria, Laval University (UQAT), and the iTrackDNA project are looking to understand the perceptions of current and potential users of eDNA as a tool for biomonitoring, wildlife inventories, and environmental impact studies.

If you want to take the survey, please CLICK HERE.

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Regulatory Updates and Other Resource Information

If you are aware of a regulatory update or resource, please let us know. All contributors will be acknowledged.

Funding and resources update: January 2025
From the Union of BC Municipalities - Each month, we provide an update on funding programs administered by UBCM along with and information on other programs, events, and resources of interest to local governments and First Nations.

2023 Annual Report of CCBF in BC
From the Union of BC Municipalities - A review of investments and projects in BC supported by the Canada Community-Building Fund in 2023.

New wind projects will boost B.C.'s affordable clean-energy supply
From the Government of BC - BC Hydro has selected nine energy projects through its 2024 call for power that will supply clean, affordable electricity to serve B.C.’s growing communities and housing needs, as people and businesses choose clean energy in their lives, homes, vehicles and businesses.

Saulteau First Nations, EDF Renewables advancing wind-energy project
From the Government of BC - The Saulteau First Nations, in partnership with EDF Renewables North America, has signed an electricity-purchase agreement with BC Hydro, which will provide clean, renewable energy to meet increasing demand for power from B.C. homes and businesses.

Province launches BC Timber Sales review
From the Government of BC - The B.C. government has launched a review of BC Timber Sales (BCTS) to ensure British Columbia’s forestry sector is continually evolving to overcome challenges and create a guideline for a stronger, more resilient future.

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s climate forecasting system highlights concerning global warming trends
From the Government of Canada - Global warming is a reality we all must navigate. Knowing how much temperatures are expected to increase is vital to effective planning when it comes to reducing emissions and adapting to our changing climate.

Consultation on Amending the List of Species under the Species at Risk Act: Terrestrial Species January 2025
From the Government of Canada - The Government of Canada is committed to preventing the disappearance of wildlife species at risk from our lands. As part of its strategy for realizing that commitment, on June 5, 2003, the Government of Canada proclaimed the Species at Risk Act (SARA).

Province extends Fairy Creek old-growth deferral
From the Government of BC - The Province has approved a legal order to extend temporary protections to the Fairy Creek watershed until Sept. 30, 2026.

Funding helps build resilient communities through stronger climate adaptation
To strengthen defences against the effects of climate change on communities, the Province is funding disaster-risk reduction and climate adaptation projects throughout British Columbia.

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: First Nations – Canada Joint Committee on Climate Change – 2023 Annual Report
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: 2024 British Columbia Environmental Industry Guide
Resources for registrants: Thematic Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control
Resources for registrants: B.C. Flood Strategy
Resources for registrants: NbS Regulatory Mechanisms Toolkit (SFU Action on Climate Team)
Resources for registrants: Green Shores® and the 5Rs for Nature-Based Coastal Adaptation (Stewardship Centre for BC)
Resources for registrants: Consideration of Climate Change in Mine Reclamation Planning (Ministry of Mining and Critical Methods)
Resources for registrants: Invasive Species Strategy for British Columbia (Invasive Species Council of BC)

 

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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.

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.

FISH HABITAT RESTORATION - INSTREAM TECHNIQUES
February 3 - 4, Online

BIRD NEST SURVEYS - BEYOND STANDARD APPROACHES
February 4, Online

AFN NATIONAL FORUM ON THE UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES ACT (UNDA) IN VANCOUVER
February 4 - 5, Vancouver, BC

ICHTHYOLOGY
February 10-11, Online

SPECIES AT RISK
February 11 - 12, Online

PLANNING AND DESIGNING FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENTS
February 11, Online

PLANT IDENTIFICATION LEVEL 1
February 13, Online

INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS FOR ECOLOGY USING R
February 18 - 20, Castlegar, BC

CONSTRUCTION MONITORING - WILDLIFE MITIGATION
February 18, Online

FISH HABITAT RESTORATION - PRESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENT
February 19, 2025 Online

CONSTRUCTION MONITORING - WATER QUALITY AND ASSESSMENT
February 21, 2025 Online

AVIAN NEST SWEEPS AND MONITORING METHODS
February 24 - 25, Online

INVASIVES 2025 - ISCBC'S ANNUAL FORUM: BACK TO THE FUTURE
February 24 - 27, North Vancouver, BC

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
February 24 - March 28, New Westminster, BC

INTRODUCTION TO FISH HABITAT MEASUREMENT AND ASSESSMENT
February 24, Online

FIELD SAFETY - SURVIVAL & MEDICAL EMERGENCY SELF-TREATMENT
February 25 & March 4, Online

RIPARIAN AREAS PROTECTION REGULATION
February 25 - 28, Online

AMPHIBIAN SURVEY AND COLLECTION METHODS
February 25 - Online

CONSTRUCTION MONITORING - PRINCIPLES OF EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL ON CONSTRUCTION SITES
February 26, Online

FISH HABITAT RESTORATION - PRIMER ON STREAM HYDROLOGY
February 27, Online

WETLAND DELINEATION AND ASSESSMENT MICRO-CREDENTIAL
February 27 - June 30, Hybrid in-person and virtual

FISH HABITAT RESTORATION - PRIMER ON STREAM HYDROLOGY
February 27, Online

WETLAND DELINEATION AND ASSESSMENT MICRO-CREDENTIAL
February 27 - June 30, Hybrid in-person and virtual

ELECTROFISHING CERTIFICATION
February 28 - Online (self-paced) & Courtenay

ECOSYSTEMS FIELD DATA COLLECTION MICRO-CREDENTIAL
March 4 - 6, Online

FIELD SAFETY - SURVIVAL & MEDICAL EMERGENCY SELF TREATMENT
February 25 & March 4, Online

FISH HEALTH LEVEL 1: INTRODUCTION TO BASIC FISH HEALTH MANAGEMENT
March 4, Online

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND LIABILITY
March 5, Online

INDIGENOUS MAPPING FOR STEWARDSHIP AND CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT
March 10, Victoria

ELECTROFISHING: THEORY, SAFETY AND USES
March 12 - 13, North Vancouver, BC

FISH IDENTIFICATION COURSE: COLUMBIA BASIN EDITION
March 17 - 18, Revelstoke, BC

RIPARIAN AREAS PROTECTION REGULATION
March 17 - 18, Online/North Vancouver, BC

ELECTROFISHING: THEORY, SAFETY AND USES
April 2 - 3, Nanaimo, BC

EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL (3-DAY)
April 8 - 20, Langley, BC

RIPARIAN AREAS PROTECTION REGULATION
April 22 - 25, Online/Nanaimo, BC

RIPARIAN AREAS PROTECTION REGULATION
April 22 - 25, Online/Penticton, BC

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
May 5, Nanaimo, BC

RIPARIAN AREAS PROTECTION REGULATION
May 6 - 9, Online/North Vancouver, BC

2025 INVASIVE SPECIES RESEARCH CONFERENCE
May 13 - 15, Kelowna, BC

OF EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL (3-DAY)
May 20 - 22, Langley, BC

2025 BETTERING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP & TECHNOLOGY - BEST
May 21 - 23, Whistler, BC

NATURE IN THE RAINSHADOW
2025 BC Nature Conference and AGM
May 22-25, Merritt, BC

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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 SPECIALIST - WATERSHED
Closing date for resume submission: February 9, 2025
Salary: $48.17
Hiring Organization: City of Campbell River
Location: none given

REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL BIOLOGIST RPBIO
Closing date for resume submission: February 27, 2025
Salary: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00
Hiring Organization: Gitga'at First Nation
Location: Hartley Bay, BC

PROJECT MANAGER
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $69,000.00 - $97,000.00
Hiring Organization: Dillon Consulting
Location: Vancouver, BC

AQUATIC/MARINE BIOLOGIST - INTERMEDIATE/SENIOR
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $80,000.00 - $115,000.00
Hiring Organization: Legacy Environmental
Location: Vancouver, BC

ALBERTA ENDANGERED PINE PROJECT ASSISTANT
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00
Hiring Organization: Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada
Location: Southwest Alberta

PROJECT BIOLOGIST, ENVIRONMENT
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00
Hiring Organization: McTavish Resource & Management Consultants Ltd.
Location: Surrey, BC (Hybrid) More Details

PROJECT BIOLOGIST - VEGETATION ECOLOGIST, ENVIRONMENT
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00
Hiring Organization: McTavish Resource & Management Consultants Ltd.
Location: Surrey, BC (Hybrid) More Details

INTERMEDIATE ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONAL
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $36.00 - $45.00
Hiring Organization: H3M Environmental Ltd.
Location: Fort St. John, BC

SENIOR FISHERIES BIOLOGIST
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $80,000 - $100,000.00
Hiring Organization: LGL Ltd.
Location: Sidney, BC

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONAL, PLANNING & RECLAMATION/REMEDIATION
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $80,000 - $100,000.00
Hiring Organization: H3M Environmental Ltd.
Location: Fort St. John, BC

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT MANAGER, RECLAMATION & REMEDIATION
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $100,000 - $120,000.00
Hiring Organization: H3M Environmental Ltd.
Location: Calgary, AB

INTERMEDIATE/SENIOR BIOLOGIST
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $70,000 - $120,000.00
Hiring Organization: Avison Management Services Ltd.
Location: Vanderhoof, BC

The College website contains 19 postings at this time, view all here.

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Cougar by TJ Gooliaff, RPBio

Cougar by TJ Gooliaff, RPBio

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