Job Description

This position has an initial appointment of one year with possibilities to renew.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Position Summary

The Senior Forest Resource Analyst manages research and knowledge transfer projects and conducts applied forest science research under the supervision of the Endowed Chair in Forest Growth & Yield at the University of Alberta. The work is diverse and involves collecting and curating forest data, data analysis and interpretation, literature review and synthesis, and knowledge transfer. The Analyst assists or leads development and execution of projects funded by external grants as the senior member of the Chair's research lab in the Renewable Resources Department. The position provides tremendous room for professional, scientific, and personal growth in a busy lab, including engagement with other staff, postdocs, and graduate students in an active research lab.

Responsibilities

Project and proposal development

• Identify Gaps: Review peer-reviewed literature and current applied forest science to identify research gaps and develop competitive project proposals.
• Rigorous Design: Establish comprehensive project plans, including sampling designs, field protocols, data management procedures, and strict QC standards.

Project management, budgets, and logistics

• Operational Oversight: Manage project timelines and budgets, ensuring accurate financial reporting and progress tracking.
• Field Logistics: Oversee the logistics of fieldwork activities and manage data collection programs, including contract development and vendor management.
• Team Leadership: Direct and mentor field technicians, seasonal interns, and assist graduate students in both field and office settings.

Data collection, curation, and analysis; data and knowledge synthesis and discovery

• Data Management: Lead advanced data wrangling, primary analysis, and strict quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of forestry datasets.
• Advanced Analytics: Analyze and model complex data to discover relationships between forest attributes and key metrics like growth, yield, and mortality.
• Synthesis & Visualization: Interpret analytical results and trends in the context of prior research, translating findings into charts, graphs, and maps.
• Field Research: establish, maintain, and monitoring field experiments across the western Boreal and Rocky Mountain forests

Knowledge transfer and science writing

• Scientific Publication: Author professional reports and high-quality manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Community Engagement: Develop and deliver engaging knowledge transfer materials and events, including webinars, workshops, websites, and conference presentations.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. in forestry, forest science, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 2 years of experience, beyond the M.Sc., in project management and analysis of forest science or management data.
• Record of project management, including logistics, budgets, supervision, and QA/QC.
• A valid Alberta Class 5 (non-GDL) driver's license is required by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated competency in data science.
• Working knowledge of geospatial technologies.
• Record of publication in the peer-reviewed literature.
• Current registration or eligibility for registration with the Alberta Association of Forest Management Professionals (AAFMP) is considered an asset.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" and submit a brief cover letter (maximum one page) along with your resume.

In your cover letter, focus specifically on how your experience, skills, and background align with and meet the qualifications for this position. We especially encourage you to highlight any relevant professional and scientific experience, as this role is a unique blend of professional and scientific work.

This position may remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $83,195 - $114,418.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

About the Team

The Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences is a leader in teaching, research, and community engagement across diverse fields including food systems, sustainable resource management, human ecology, and environmental sociology. With more than 500 faculty and staff, over 1,500 undergraduates, and 600 graduate students, the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences leverages 25,000 acres of research land across Alberta to deliver high-impact academic programs and applied research in partnership with industry and communities.