College Connections

January 2025

Welcome to the January issue of College Connections.

The College wishes registrants and their families a Happy New Year! We hope that you enjoyed a restful and harmonious holiday season. Please read on for information about board nominations, audits and an upcoming information session in Vancouver.

Important Notice:

  • Late fees are now in effect for registrants who have not paid dues for 2025.
  • Annual dues and fees increased for 2025. Refer to Schedule 2 of the College Bylaws for the current rates.
  • The annual conference is scheduled for April 10-11, 2025 in Prince George. Details will be provided soon.

Reminders:

  1. The 2025 Annual General Meeting will be held online on May 14, 2025. The College will be reporting on its annual financial audit and various statutory functions. Any approved resolutions will also be discussed. There is no cost to attend the online meeting. Registrants who attend the AGM will be eligible to claim up to 1 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) point. The Call for Resolutions and further information about how to view the meeting materials will be provided closer to the date. Please stay tuned!

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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Notifications for 2025 Audit Cycle Going Out mid-January

Registrants who are selected for an audit will receive an email from the College portal notifying them of the required information and the deadlines involved.

Eligible registrants are randomly selected for audit each year. The audit process includes review of recent continuing professional development (CPD) activities and responses to standard questions about professional practice. Selected registrants are assigned to either a Level I (shorter) or Level II (longer) audit.

More information about audits and the audit program can be found on the College website.

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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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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.

Consultation open for draft Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan
From the Union of BC Municipalities - Consultation on Canada’s draft Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan is underway. The plan provides a basis for engagement with coastal communities, First Nations, and other stakeholders on the transition to closed containment salmon farms. Written submissions on the plan are due by January 17, 2025, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to take meeting requests if submitted by December 20th.

Remote First Nations transitioning from diesel to clean energy
From the Government of BC - Seven remote First Nations in B.C. are getting support from the Province to launch clean-energy projects focused on lowering emissions, helping to save energy costs and protecting the environment. 

Whistleblower legislation expands to research universities, WorkSafe BC
From the Government of BC - Employees will benefit from new protections when bringing forward concerns about serious wrongdoing as the scope of the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) expands to research universities and WorkSafeBC.

New case of chronic wasting disease confirmed in B.C.
From the Government of BC - The Province has confirmed the fourth case of chronic wasting disease in British Columbia, found in a white-tailed deer in the Kootenay region.

Whirling disease detected in Kootenay Lake
From the Government of BC - Three trout samples taken from the southern arm of Kootenay Lake have tested positive for the parasite that causes whirling disease in juvenile fish.

280 million trees planted in 2024
From the Government of BC - More than 280 million trees were planted in B.C. forests in 2024 due to the Province’s efforts.

B.C. reflects on another year fighting wildfires, building climate resiliency
From the Government of BC - In 2024, the BC Wildfire Service worked with people and communities to fight wildfires and build climate resiliency throughout B.C.

Progress Report on Steps Taken for Protection of Critical Habitat for Species at Risk in Canada 
From the Government of Canada - The Minister of Environment and Climate Change has made a commitment to track and report on critical habitat protection for terrestrial species at risk with critical habitat identified on non-federal lands. In fulfillment of this commitment, the following multi-species reports summarize existing legislation for species at risk with critical habitat identified on non-federally administered lands, describe steps taken to protect and conserve critical habitat for those species, and list the species to which the report applies. Environment and Climate Change Canada is committed to continue regularly reporting on progress and steps taken towards critical habitat protection going forward.

Connecting climate and infrastructure experts to local governments 
From the Union of BC Municipalities - Local governments can now access the Climate Ready Infrastructure Service (CRIS) expert-matching service. Local governments with populations of around 30,000 or under are encouraged to register in the first round of intakes, now open.

Government of Canada and Tŝilhqot’in National Government partner to support Fraser River Chinook salmon with new hatchery
From the Government of Canada - Partnerships with Indigenous communities are integral to efforts to regenerate salmon populations for the benefit of all Canadians. These collaborations draw upon the rich cultural and ecological practices that First Nations have upheld for generations. By working together, Canada and First Nations are developing strategies to better incorporate Traditional Indigenous Knowledge and stewardship practices in Pacific salmon recovery efforts.

Government of Canada announces funding for protection of species at risk and their habitats
From the Government of Canada - The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canada’s nature, biodiversity, and species at risk, while also fighting climate change. Conserving and restoring nature are fundamental to mitigating and adapting to climate change. Climate change is altering the water cycle, resulting in flooding, droughts, and wildfires. It is one of the key drivers of biodiversity loss, which is proceeding at an unprecedented rate, with up to one million species currently at risk of extinction.

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)

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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.

FUNDAMENTALS OF WILDLAND FIRE ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT MICROCREDENTIAL
January 7 - June 1

FISH HABITAT RESTORATION - PRIMER ON STREAM HYDROLOGY - ONLINE
January 7

22ND ANNUAL BC NATURAL RESOURCES FORUM
January 14 - 16

AVENZA MAPS FOR PLANNING, NAVIGATING & COLLECTING DATA FOR ENVIRONMENTAL USE - ONLINE
January 14

FISH HABITAT RESTORATION - STREAM MORPHOLOGY ASSESSMENT - ONLINE
January 16

ADVANCED ELECTROFISHING - ONLINE
January 17

WETLAND ASSESSMENT - ONLINE
January 21 - 22

INTRODUCTION TO CAMERA TRAP DATA MANAGEMENT AND ANALYSIS IN R
January 22 - 24

FIELD SAFETY - PREPARATION - ONLINE
January 22 & 27

DRONE APPLICATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEYING - ONLINE
January 23

ECOSYSTEMS FIELD DATA COLLECTION MICRO-CREDENTIAL - ONLINE
January 28 - 30

WINNING PROPOSALS - WRITING TO SECURE FUNDING - ONLINE
January 28

FISH HABITAT RESTORATION - GROYNE DESIGN AND FUNCTION IN RIVERS - ONLINE
January 30

FISH HABITAT RESTORATION - IDENTIFICATION OF FACTORS LIMITING FISH PRODUCTIVITY - ONLINE
January 31

ECOSYSTEMS FIELD DATA COLLECTION MICRO-CREDENTIAL
January 28 - 30

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

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

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

CONTRACT TRAINERS: NATURAL RESOURCES EXTENSION PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $20,000 - $60,000
Hiring Organization: Vancouver Island University - Natural Resources Extension Program
Location: none given

AQUATIC/MARINE BIOLOGIST - INTERMEDIATE/SENIOR
Closing date for resume submission: Open until filled
Salary: $80,000 - $115,000
Hiring Organization: Legacy Environmental Ltd.
Location: Vancouver, BC

FIELD BIOLOGIST
Closing date for resume submission: 31 January 2025
Hiring Organization: Ecofor Consulting Ltd.
Location: Fort St. James, Fort St. John, or Prince George

SENIOR FISHERIES BIOLOGIST
Closing date for resume submission: Friday, January 10, 2025
Salary: $78,808.00 - $102,073.00
Hiring Organization: Government of Alberta
Location: Fort McMurray, AB

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT
Closing date for resume submission: Monday, January 13, 2025
Salary: $70,000 - $120,000
Hiring Organization: Urban Systems Ltd.
Location: Edmonton, AB

SENIOR BIOLOGIST (FISHERIES/WILDLIFE)
Closing date for resume submission: Friday, January 31, 2025
Salary: $100,000 - $120,000
Hiring Organization: Ecofor Consulting Ltd.
Location: Fort St. James, Fort St. John, Prince George, Whitehorse or Flexible

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST
Closing date for resume submission: January 24, 2025
Salary: $44.51
Hiring Organization: District of Squamish
Location: Squamish

ALBERTA ENDANGERED PINE PROJECT ASSISTANT
Closing date for resume: Open until filled
Salary: $60,000 - $70,000
Hiring Organization: Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada
Location: Southwest Alberta

The College website contains 24 postings at this time, view all here.

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Great Horned Owl by Cliff Nietvelt, RPBio

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