Senior Forest Analyst Full-time

Senior Forest Resource Analyst

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.

About University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community. The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide. Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people – from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered. At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms – physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns. The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply. L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.