Sustainable natural resource management

Position Title: Synthesis Specialist, Silviculture Innovation Program
Reports To: Program and Research Manager
Organization: Bulkley Valley Research Centre

Status: Full-time (35 hours/week), 2-year with potential for renewal

Location: Smithers, BC

Hourly Wage: $38.00 - $45.00 per hour, depending on experience

Application Closing Date: February 15th, 2026 or until suitable candidate is found

Who We Are:

The Bulkley Valley Research Centre is an independent, not-for-profit research hub located in Smithers, British Columbia, on the traditional territory of the Gitdumden Clan of the Wet’suwet’en Nation. Founded in 2002, the Centre’s purpose is to support high-quality, inter-disciplinary research to inform and advance policy and practice related to sustainable natural resource management in BC.

Research initiatives involve collaboration amongst a range of stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations, academic institutions and other organizations. The Centre also connects researchers, practitioners and the wider community through seminar series, workshops, conferences, and other networking events.

The Centre is managed by an Executive Director and administrative staff, with research scientists and technicians running programs and projects, overseen by an active Board of Directors. Visit bvcentre.ca to learn more.

Silviculture Innovation Program:

In March 2023, the Government of BC announced an investment of $10 million in establishing and advancing a silvicultural innovation program (SIP) in BC. This investment was a direct response to Recommendation #12 of the Old Growth Strategic Review to create a program aimed at developing harvesting alternatives to clearcutting that maintain old forest values. The funds were awarded to the Centre to carry out and implement the SIP.

The purpose of the SIP is to improve knowledge regarding innovative silviculture systems through extension, applied and operational research. The Program goals are to:

• Assess the needs and state of knowledge of the forest management community;
• Link extension needs to a motivated network of forest practitioners around the province;
• Bridge existing gaps in knowledge that advance practices and inform policy;
• Develop projects to advance innovative silviculture practices and approaches to forest management.

Visit https://sip.bvcentre.ca/ to learn more.

Position Summary:

The Synthesis Specialist will deliver hands-on technical synthesis through data analysis and communication (written and oral), mobilizing existing scientific knowledge in silviculture, applied forest ecology, forest disturbance and resilience, climate change adaptation, and decision support. They will conduct meta-analyses, systematic reviews and syntheses that connect knowledge to practice and identify key knowledge gaps, while leading or contributing to presentations, workshops, seminars, public meetings, reports, and publications produced by the Silviculture Innovation Program.

The Specialist will be responsible for developing product designs that support data visualizations and synthesis products, integrating datasets, reports, grey literature, and peer-reviewed science for diverse audiences. As well as the delivery of synthesis products, the Synthesis Specialist will manage the SIPex project day to day and serve as the SIPex content manager to ensure quality control and adherence to established values and principles.

Required Qualifications: Degree (MSc) in forestry, natural resource management, or a related field with 2+ years experience coordinating applied research projects.

Preferred Qualifications: A PhD and/or experience managing information and/or data systems, specifically experience in data synthesis or meta-analysis, along with experience in project management and supervision.

Topic-Specific Familiarity and Knowledge

• Knowledge of British Columbia’s forestry sector, such as forestry practices, planning and implementation, forest values (i.e. social, ecological, cultural, economic values of forests), forest management principles, and/or policy.
• Experience compiling, processing and synthesizing complex information from multiple sources, or forms of knowledge.
• Experience documenting information management processes (meta-data, etc.).
• Understanding of reconciliation with Indigenous communities, respectful engagement with Traditional Knowledge, and working in ethical space.

Communications and Knowledge Exchange Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in technical writing, science communication, or public outreach, especially in an environmental or resource management context.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.

• Experience delivering presentations, workshops, or webinars
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and Traditional Knowledge

Project Management

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex tasks and deadlines; eager to develop or expand project management skills with structured mentorship
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the capacity to learn logic modelling

Additional Information:

At the BVRC, we value diversity — in backgrounds and in experience. A diverse team enables the Centre to better achieve its objective of supporting research and extension in the public interest. BVRC is an equal opportunity employer and committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and in science. We strongly encourage members of groups that are underrepresented and/or historically excluded from these sectors to apply. Our compensation package includes a flexible work environment, adaptable scheduling, and strong support for work–life balance.

Apply:

To explore this opportunity further, please send a cover letter and resume with title formats as follows:

• Resume: “(Last Name) (First Name) – Resume”
• Email subject: “[Your Name] – Application for Synthesis Specialist”
• Email to: sip.manager@bvcentre.ca

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