ECPC is seeking a motivated and organized individual to coordinate and support stewardship
activities, with the goal of working towards supporting resilient ecosystems in Everett Crowley
Park. The work schedule has flexibility but requires regular weekly work.
For more information about this position and how to apply please visit the link below.
Environmental Co-op Student; Hatch Ltd.
For the past several months I’ve been working at Hatch Ltd. within the Environment and Sustainability unit in Vancouver, BC. As a fourth year student, I have held this position for both my third and fourth co-op terms, assisting with environmental permitting and other considerations for various infrastructure, energy, oil & gas, and mining projects.
I provide desktop support for a number of projects from local works including the Patullo Bridge connecting Surrey and New Westminster, to international projects that have allowed me to connect not only with members of the Vancouver office, but the larger Hatch network of consultants worldwide.
Over the months I’ve gotten to work on survey workplans, compliance reporting, site assessments, permit applications, and a variety of other documents relating to both ongoing and future projects. This has provided me a number of opportunities to utilize my learnings in class towards practical applications when considering potential impacts and provide well researched and sound deliverables with considerations for fisheries and aquatics, vegetation, wildlife, hazardous materials management, and a variety of other considerations to minimize project impact on environmental receptors.
My work at Hatch has felt incredibly fulfilling and pulled on aspects of my learning in ways I had never considered before working in consulting. Each job I’ve worked in the co-op program has provided me with new ideas of how to shape my future career, and I can’t recommend it enough to any student looking to understand the diversity of skills one can build from what you learn in forestry.
Engagement and Impact Assistant Co-op; UBC Centre for Community Engaged Learning
Working for the UBC Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) I have had the opportunity to develop programming for UBC students and community partners on various food, environmental, and housing justice topics. Here I helped facilitate partnerships between Metro Vancouver community organizations and created opportunities for students to venture beyond UBC and take on tangible projects in their communities.
I learned how to facilitate large events and programming which brought together diverse groups of people in a collaborative manner and how to not only create a space for people to learn from one another but how to ensure there is a meaningful lasting impact.
Robert Sim graduated from the Master of Urban Forestry Leadership (MUFL) program in 2023. He is currently working for the City of Toronto as a Planner, Urban Forestry.
I was drawn to the MUFL program as it was the first one that caught my interest. While exploring multiple other schools and part-time alternatives, the MUFL program stood out as it enabled me to maintain full-time employment throughout the year. It has significantly impacted my career leading to a promotion even before graduation. It has created numerous opportunities for networking with fellow urban forestry professionals.
The pivotal experience for me was the field trip to Europe. Engaging urban forestry professionals in Germany and Amsterdam was truly remarkable. The trip provided me with a fresh perspective, it allowed me to approach issues and situations in urban forestry with a more open mindset towards solutions.
Urban forestry initiatives have a diverse role in environmental challenges. These initiatives will hopefully always provide a benefit either, ecologically, socially or economically based on the program developed. I am fortunate to be in a role that allows me to be part of the discussion for planning of future initiatives.
In my view, the most pressing challenge I see urban forestry facing today is the housing crisis. I believe professionals need to have an adaptive approach to effectively navigate through this issue. The adaptive approach provides the opportunity to explore alternative solutions, ensuring the protection and preservation of more trees during the challenges posed by development.
Currently, I am working on putting together a symposium for consulting arborists who work in the Greater Toronto Area. The event will have presentations from urban forestry staff on city-related topics about tree protection, permit process and bylaw contravention. The aim is to create a bridge of communication between the city and stakeholders, to foster a productive relationship.
I highly recommend this program, it has equipped me with the correct tools to drive my career forward. I would also suggest being open-minded towards new ideas and solutions. It is key to remember that while we may not be able to save every tree, the efforts matter. As urban forestry professionals, we must strive to do our best and celebrate the small victories whenever possible.
As British Columbia and Canada set new records for area burned by wildfires, UBC Forestry is taking action by establishment of the Centre for Wildfire Coexistence (CWC), a ground-breaking initiative aimed at advancing research, collaboration, and innovation to enable society to coexist with wildfire through proactive management and eco-cultural restoration.
The unprecedented 2023 wildfire season, Canada’s worst on record, underscores the urgency for action. With $5 million in philanthropic support from the Koerner family, this funding will enable the centre to undertake cutting-edge research, assess the efficacy of proactive wildfire management strategies, and co-develop solutions for communities at risk. The CWC’s multidisciplinary approach will leverage expertise from leading researchers, Indigenous Knowledge Holders, other national and international wildfire experts, as well as government agencies to address the complex and evolving wildfire landscape.
“Wildfires pose threats of evacuations, property loss, and health hazards due to smoke inhalation,” says Dr. Lori Daniels, Professor of Forest and Conservation Sciences and the inaugural holder of the Koerner Chair in Wildfire Coexistence at UBC. “However, controlled fires remain crucial for maintaining forest health. Historically, low-severity fires sustained diverse forests across BC’s interior, ignited by lightning and Indigenous fire stewardship. These fires thinned forests, curbing intense blazes, and nurtured renewed plant growth, supporting rejuvenation and wildlife habitats.”
In the context of wildfires, “coexistence” involves proactively mitigating catastrophic risks by transforming forest and fire management to bolster landscape resilience. It acknowledges the role of fire in sustaining ecosystems while minimizing harm to lives and properties. The goal is to strike a balance between human safety and vital ecosystem functions, recognizing the dual nature of wildfires—destructive yet ecologically beneficial based on context and severity.
“We believe that the success of the Centre for Wildfire Coexistence hinges on collaboration and engagement with partners at all levels,” says Daniels. “By actively involving the public, communities, Indigenous leaders, all levels of government, and non-governmental organizations in our research and initiatives, we can co-create effective strategies for wildfire coexistence and build more resilient landscapes.”
Climate change compounds decades of land-use shifts, fire exclusion, industrial forestry, and expanding populations, resulting in unprecedented wildfires. Over seven years, British Columbia endured the most severe and widespread wildfire seasons, burning nearly 7 million hectares. The direct costs of these fire seasons exceeded $3 billion. Indirect costs to human health, forest management, watersheds, critical habitat for wildlife and fish, and susceptibility to landslides and flooding is in the tens of billions of dollars.
“This generous donation from the Koerner family is an investment towards a healthier future for our planet,” said Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon, president and vice-chancellor of UBC. “The Centre for Wildfire Coexistence will be at the forefront of understanding and managing the complex relationship between wildfires and ecosystem health, bringing together Indigenous peoples, researchers and government agencies to co-develop strategies for protecting natural landscapes and the communities that depend on them. We are grateful to the Koerner family for enabling us to initiate these collaborations which will greatly benefit British Columbia and all wildfire-prone regions across Canada and around the world.”
The launch of the CWC represents a significant step forward in advancing proactive wildfire management practices and fostering coexistence between people and natural environments. UBC Forestry is excited to embark on this collaborative journey and is grateful to the Koerner family for their support and commitment to supporting wildfire research efforts.
“The Koerner family is proud to catalyze the establishment of the Centre for Wildfire Coexistence at UBC Forestry,” states Michelle Koerner, Trustee, the Koerner Foundation. “We recognize the urgent need for proactive management and restoration of our forests to mitigate wildfire impacts, safeguard communities, and foster a safer, sustainable future for the benefit of all Canadians.”
The establishment of the Centre for Wildfire Coexistence demonstrates UBC Forestry’s dedication to addressing the pressing challenges posed by catastrophic wildfires and promoting sustainable coexistence between communities and natural environments. Through a holistic and inclusive approach, the CWC aims to revolutionize wildfire coexistence through innovative research and proactive solutions, paving the way for a safer and more resilient future. This gift is part of FORWARD, the campaign for UBC with the promise and potential to advance healthy lives, a healthy planet and healthy societies.
For more information about the Centre for Wildfire Coexistence, please visit forestry.ubc.ca/centre-for-wildfire-coexistence
About UBC Forestry
UBC Faculty of Forestry is globally-recognized for its award-winning educational programs, research and initiatives. Home to some of the most innovative minds and approaches to the profession, our interdisciplinary team leads in forward-thinking research, education and community outreach that address some of the most pressing issues of today. With an eye to expanding conceptions of forestry, our students receive inspiring and cutting-edge education from top forestry experts in a broad array of disciplines that prepare them to become global citizens and leaders in their chosen careers. Together we are passionate about supporting the health and well-being of our planet’s forested ecosystems.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jillian van der Geest, Marketing and Media Relations Strategist
Phone 604 822 8718 | Cell 250 580 3654
jillian.vandergeest@ubc.ca
For development inquiries or to donate, please contact:
Emma Tully, Assistant Dean – Development, Alumni and External Relations
Phone 604 822 8716 | Cell 604 992 6197
emma.tully@ubc.ca
In the fall of 2023, Siobhan Finan, BSc Natural Resources Conservation ’20, was recognized for her exceptional early career accomplishments in the area of corporate sustainability. Based in Whistler, BC, and originally from Vancouver, BC, the Faculty of Forestry alum has played a pivotal role in moving Canada Post towards attaining its waste-diversion goals and developed the crown corporation’s first zero-waste strategy. Siobhan is one of only 30 young Canadians to receive a 2023 Top 30 Under 30 designation from the Corporate Knights, a media and research organization focused on the sustainable economy.
What drew you to study towards a BSc in Natural Resources Conservation at UBC?
After transferring into the Faculty of Forestry from the Faculty of Science at UBC, I quickly discovered that I had found the right place. I really loved the built-in flexibility of the program, which gave me the opportunity to study other topics as well as apply a science lens to forests and concepts surrounding sustainability. I also appreciated the appealing learning environment with smaller class sizes.
What skills from your UBC Forestry degree do you apply at your current job?
Something that I deeply appreciate about my undergraduate degree at UBC Forestry is the breadth of disciplines covered. By the time I graduated, I had studied courses in the social sciences, economics, the computer sciences, sociology as well as psychology. This interdisciplinary exposure gave me a well-rounded perspective on concepts of sustainability. The capstone course that focused on presentation work and communications skills parlayed well into my current role, which involves regular presentations and ongoing communication with team members. Combined with gaining professional experience during my degree program, the skills I gained allowed me to feel very confident stepping into the corporate world fresh out of university.
How did you become a Manager of Real Estate Sustainability with Canada Post?
My introduction to the Canada Post work environment began as a Real Estate, Environment and Sustainability Summer Student while I was pursuing my undergraduate degree at UBC Forestry. Then, a full-time role as an Environment and Sustainability Specialist presented itself when I was graduating in 2020. Since securing that job, I worked my way up to an Advisor of Real Estate Sustainability and now my current position.
What is your advice to UBC Forestry students interested in pursuing a career in sustainability?
Firstly, get as much professional work experience as you can as early as you can. Particularly in this day and age, it may be less about figuring out exactly what you want to do, and more about taking the first job that you find interesting. Learn what you like, what you don’t like and then make your next move. This approach can be less intimidating since you are only looking a couple of steps ahead, or maybe five years down the road, instead of focusing on jumping into something for the long-term right off the bat. Read about the net-zero carbon transition and circular economy to help you learn the terminology and speak the same language as prospective employers. Also read different sustainability reports to keep up-to-date on the trends in different organizations. Connect with or follow people on LinkedIn who you admire or whose career paths you would possibly like to emulate.
When hiring summer students, I often favour applicants with professional experience. Important skill sets that I look for include project management, communication and Excel skills. Hot tip: Canada Post usually begins recruiting summer students in January or February, including positions in the area of sustainability.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love to get outside in any way that I can during my spare time. My favorite sports now are skiing, mountain biking and surfing. I was a member of the UBC varsity volleyball team, which was a fantastic experience that made my extracurricular life very rich. We won two national championships. The sport also introduced me to my partner, who was a member of the men’s volleyball team and now competes on the national team in Poland.
Cypress Forest Consultants Ltd. is based in Terrace (northern B.C. http://www.visitterrace.com/). Since 1994 we have provided forestry consulting services to an established clientele including the local major Licencees, First Nations, the Terrace Community Forest, BC Hydro, Energy Companies, Woodlots and other resource related companies in the Terrace and surrounding area.
For more information about the position and how to apply please visit the link below.
Consus Management Ltd. is a distinguished resource management company with a primary office in Williams Lake, BC, and a secondary location in Vernon, BC. With specialization in various resource fields, our team of skilled resource professionals strives to deliver high-quality and efficient products to our clients.
For more information about the positions being offered and how to apply, please visit the link below.
Stephanie Lee graduated from the Master of International Forestry (MIF) program in 2017. She is currently working as the Bioeconomy Development Lead at the Office of the Chief Forester, B.C. Ministry of Forests.
The Master of International Forestry program, particularly the course on international organizations and diplomacy strengthened my motivation to work for international organizations. After graduating with the MIF degree, I developed a global or international perspective to approach problem-solving. This influenced my pathway to work in international forestry development, international trade policy, environment; social and governance and now in bioeconomy development in B.C.
The program overall was quite holistic in preparing someone interested in international development work, focusing on global forestry and conservation. I think courses like International Organizations and Diplomacy, Forest Business Enterprise, and Indigenous Forestry helped me understand the subject matter from different perspectives. We dove into intergovernmental relations, business and entrepreneurship and indigeneity. These have all been instrumental in my career path so far.
As an active member of the International Forestry Student Association, I had the opportunity to attend the 12th session of the United Nations Forum on Forest in New York as a youth delegate. I represented IFSA-UBC and was responsible for rapporteuring the main negotiations and discussions of the forum. I also attended side events and wrote blogs about them for the IFSA newsletter. This was my first ever experience attending a United Nations conference. Witnessing the negotiations, diplomacy, and policy advocacy on issues such as deforestation, community forests, gender, and youth in forestry was a highlight of my MIF experience. It was the kind of work I was excited to pursue after the program.
My cohort was very diverse with professionals representing six countries. Each of us contributed to class discussions, assignments and projects with our unique perspectives which made the learning experience quite enlightening as well as enriching. It enabled me to be adaptive to changing situations at work and to be inclusive of different ideas and perspectives.
For individuals considering the program, I’d suggest reaching out to the faculty or the program coordinator to match your expectations with what you could potentially gain from this program. I found this program to be pragmatic, which is why I enrolled.
For those already enrolled in the program, I’d suggest active involvement with IFSA. This opens up new opportunities and it helps add experience in building your resume, even if it’s a volunteer role. The other advice is to apply for internships and work in international organizations early on as they are very competitive. Be open to doing internships or work in the Global South.
Here’s a look at UBC Forestry in the media this month.
Moving forward from B.C.’s historically destructive 2023 wildfire season
Lori Daniels | CTV News | December 27, 2023
P.E.I birders need to learn new names as ornithological society makes big change
Kathy Martin | CBC | December 22, 2023
BC Today
Stephen Sheppard | CBC (30:49) | December 14, 2023
Carbon Trading Opens Loophole in Paris Climate Accord
Janette Bulkan | The Wall Street Journal | December 4, 2023
Expect weekend delays as Stanley Park tree removals bring lane closures through December: ministry
Allan Carroll and John Richardson | CBC | December 3, 2023
Alternate links: Toronto Star, Hamilton Spectator, National Post, Winnipeg Free Press, City News Vancouver, Vancouver is Awesome, Burnaby Now, Richmond News, Tri-City News
Thousands of trees to be felled in Stanley Park due to moth infestation
Allan Carroll | The Globe and Mail | December 2, 2023
Lack of rain has some experts worried about continuing B.C. drought
Lori Daniels | Vancouver Sun | December 1, 2023
Alternate links: The Province, Prince George Post
BC Hydro urges preparedness, warning storms are becoming more severe
John Richardson | City News Vancouver | December 1, 2023