PERMANENT FULL TIME
ESSA Technologies Ltd is looking for a qualified and highly motivated individual to join our Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Team in Kelowna or Vancouver, British Columbia. The position involves working on highly innovative projects related to freshwater and estuary restoration in the capacity of simulation model development and programming. This involves a mix of workshop facilitation and coding computer models integrated with relational databases using conceptual design material and focused discussions with technical experts.
Over the past 29 years, our team has built a solid reputation for being able to undertake challenging projects, using an appropriate mix of technical facilitation, simulation modeling, decision analysis, experimental design, statistical analysis and adaptive management. Project domains include water and fisheries management, river restoration, endangered species management, environmental impact assessment and climate change adaptation. The successful candidate will help extend and grow our expertise in these and related domains.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of a Master’s university degree
- An academic background in one of ecology, biology, hydrology or fluvial geomorphology (or closely related discipline)
- Individuals with a background in software design or programming will be given consideration where this training has been formed inside a multi-disciplinary natural or physical science program of study
- Leading candidates will demonstrate a coursework history or direct job experience aimed at producing quantitative skills in simulation model programming
Hence, we are looking for candidates with a passionate pre-existing interest in solving environmental problems using analytical tools.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS & ASSETS
- Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English
- Comfortable in small group facilitation settings, including questioning disciplinary experts
- Ability to translate complex mathematical models and algorithms into efficient data structures and computer code
- At least two years of programming experience with Visual Basic.NET (VB6 experience will be considered). Development experience with ASP.NET web applications an asset
- Relational database development using SQL Server and Microsoft Access (including stored procedures, ADO.NET)
- An understanding of environmental management approaches,especially: decision analysis, trade-off evaluation and adaptive management
- An understanding of object-oriented programming concepts and the software development cycle (e.g., working with source control and bug tracking tools)
- Personable style, cooperative team player who works flexibly with others
- Proactive and readily accountable, with strong problem solving and analytical skills
- Eligible to work legally in Canada
This is a full time employment opportunity. Successful candidates will be available to begin working at a minimum of 4/5 time starting no later than January 5, 2009 in Kelowna or Vancouver, British Columbia.
SALARY & BENEFITS
Salary is negotiable based on experience and qualifications. ESSA offers a competitive performance based profit sharing system, an extended health benefits package, 3 weeks paid annual vacation and opportunities to work from home.
ORGANIZATION
ESSA Technologies Ltd. was established in 1979 and has a successful track record as a research and consulting firm with an established client base in Canada and the United States. ESSA’s mission is to bring together people, science and analytical tools to sustain healthy ecosystems and human communities. We accomplish this mission by working collaboratively in a manner that is professionally fulfilling and healthy. At ESSA, we are passionate about what we do and enjoy working with professionals who share our values and mission. Interested applicants may wish to view examples of our work at: www.essa.com/projects/index.htm.
Please email a cover letter and copy of your résumé to careers@essa.com with “Systems Ecologist” in the subject line. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview (commencing the week of October 20, 2008).
In accordance with Canadian law, preference will be given to Canadian citizens or Landed Immigrants.
No phone inquiries please