Natural Resource Engineers

Last updated on October 18, 2023

Overview

As a natural resource engineer, you will work both independently and as part of a team to ensure that publicly accessible forest road infrastructure is effective, environmentally sound, and safe for all users. You may be involved in multi-disciplinary construction services, infrastructure construction guidance, project management including contract development and management, and oversight of road and bridge inspections and maintenance. In addition, you’ll have access to the most up-to-date technology to complete your work such as drones, survey equipment, and remote monitoring.

The special opportunity you will have as a natural resource engineer is the ability to see projects through from inception to final completion. Typical projects start with initial site visits in a variety of unique and remarkable locales all over the province. From that point, you will engage with First Nations and a wide variety of stakeholders such as environmental agencies, consultants across all industries and other government ministries and organizations. Once approval for a project has been received, you will have the opportunity to develop unique strategies to solve complex infrastructure problems. Once a solution has been determined, you will develop and award a contract to implement the solution, monitor said contract, and see the project through to completion.

Some other work highlights for natural resource engineers include:

Flexibility to work on projects and tasks that are of interest to you. This includes a balance between field and office work, in whichever way you prefer
Opportunities in mentorship both in being mentored by experienced team members and acting as a mentor to less experienced hires
True support and encouragement to pursue continuous education including courses, seminars, and conferences
Opportunity to work on province wide disaster responses through Temporary Emergency Assignment Management System (TEAMS) or other relief efforts
An amazing ability to balance work and life requirements through flexible work schedules, the Overtime, Shift Work, and Standby (OSS) program and other support systems

Entry level qualifications

To apply for entry level natural resource engineer position, you will typically need post-secondary education in a related engineering field. For professionals, registration in Engineering and Geologists BC (EGBC) is mandatory, but there are opportunities for engineers-in-training to follow a growth path as they develop into professional engineers.

Having experience in forestry operations, construction supervision, bridge and/or road design, and project management are recognized as important but not all are mandatory. Other key areas of expertise include both written and verbal communication, experience with contracts and contract language as well as experience in stakeholder engagement.

Other attributes that may be valuable to be a successful natural resource engineer include enjoying the outdoors, the ability to multi-task over a variety of projects, the confidence to make decisions and lead project teams, and an excitement to travel on resource roads and experience the BC back-country.

Day in the life of a natural resource engineer

Engineering Careers, Ministry of Forests

Career development opportunities

You will have an opportunity to develop your career in the Natural Resource Ministries through on-the-job training and support for outside continuing education. Professional Engineers with limited experience start as a Licensed Science Officer (LSO) 3, with a variety of LSO 4 and LSO 5 positions which are available with more years of engineering experience. There is also an opportunity for Engineers in Training to gain the required experience and knowledge within the Natural Resource Ministries to gain their Professional Engineering designation.

There are also opportunities for Engineering Technicians to move through the organization from entry level Engineering Technologist roles up to Director of Engineering roles.

Tips from current employees

Some tips from existing employees:

Try to diversify your experience as much as you can. Get experience in as many areas as possible to assist in future management of complex projects
Focus on and implement your organization tools and skills early on. There are often many different projects and activities going on at one time that require on-going attention and action
Understand your role of professional practice, stay up to date with Engineering and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) requirements and know the EGBC guidelines
Make continuous learning/education on emerging topics a priority to help understand how it affects our various projects

Testimonials

“My favorite part [of my role] is the variety of the work. I get to work in the field on construction and forestry projects, work in the office on contract management and engineering design and then take a helicopter flight to some of the most pristine areas of the province. We are given the opportunity, and encouraged, to pursue the work and fields we are most interested in. This also comes with a great amount of work flexibility and a great work life balance.” – Colton Polsom, Senior Area Engineer (Prince George)

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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