fRI Research
Salary/Compensation: $62,000 – $85,000 CAD per year (Dependent on education and experience), plus benefits package. Moving allowance up to $3,000.
Application Deadline: Open until filled (Review begins May 19, 2025)
Starting Date: July 18, 2025
Ending Date: July 18, 2027 (2-year term, potential for extension based on performance and funding)
Hours per Week: 37.5
Education Required: Minimum BSc degree in a related discipline. MSc preferred.
Experience Required: Minimum 4 years related experience with BSc OR 2 years related experience with MSc required (experience related to forest hydrology research, grant management). Publication record required. See description for details.
About fRI Research / Location:
fRI Research is an independent not-for-profit research institute that focuses on applied research. The position is based in Hinton, Alberta, 20 minutes east of Jasper National Park, and 3 hours west of Edmonton. Hinton, set amidst the stunning scenery of the Alberta Rockies, is a community of 10,000 in the heart of a four-season recreational paradise. Our region offers outstanding mountain biking, climbing, hiking, and skiing opportunities, as well as plenty of arts and cultural activities.
The successful candidate will be joining four staff in the Water and Fish Program led by Dr. Benjamin Kissinger. Find more information about fRI Research and the Water and Fish Program on our website.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will be part of a team conducting research on hydrology in Alberta. A large portion of this position will be focused on managing four large grants that fRI Research is coordinating with partners. These projects include:
- Modelling applications to guide forest management in the eastern slopes: Developing a web-hosted hydrological modelling application for foresters, WPACs, and planners to understand cumulative effects of forest development and climate change on flows. (Led by Dr. Kim Green & Dr. Ryan MacDonald).
- Assessment of forestry stream crossings effect on water temperature: Quantifying the effects of stream crossings on stream thermal regimes through detailed monitoring. (Led by Dr. Ryan MacDonald & Dr. Dan Moore).
- A definitive study of the impact of forest management practices and severe wildfires on water quality, water quantity and flow regimes, flooding and aquatic habitats: Building on the Southern Rockies Watershed Project (SRWP) to measure impacts of disturbances (wildfires, floods, harvesting) on watershed health. (Led by Dr. Uldis Silins).
- Development of a new stream layer for the eastern slopes using high density LiDAR: Creating an advanced stream network map using LiDAR for Alberta’s eastern slopes, including key features for foresters and fisheries managers. (Led by Lee Benda & Dan Miller).
Role / Responsibilities:
The role of the successful candidate will be to:
- Managing budgets and submitting reports for these grants.
- Organizing workshops and engagement sessions with shareholders, partners, academics, and indigenous communities.
- Organizing information sharing through infographics, publications, webinars and web-based tools.
- Act as a conduit between fRI Research and project leads for information sharing and project updates.
- Act as a conduit for information sharing between fRI Research and project sponsors (West Fraser, Canfor, and Weyerhaeuser).
- Assist in field work on other fRI Research Water and Fish Program projects (mainly linked to water temperature monitoring) or project partners listed above.
- Assist with planning and coordination of fieldwork activities related to hydrology projects.Position based in Hinton, Alberta.
- Assist in funding applications that support fRI Research Water and Fish Program.
Essential job qualifications and experience:
- A minimum of a BSc degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 4 years of related experience in the above described project types OR MSc in a related topic of study with two year of experience in the topics above.
- Publication of a thesis or lead author on a primary publication.
- Strong public speaking skills.
- Experience with ArcGIS and spatial data.
- Experience with common hydrological equipment and datasets.
- Ability to meet strict production deadlines.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Proven problem-solving skills and ability for independent decision making.
- Proven ability to work well as part of small and large teams.
- Experience writing reports and technical information.
- Experience analyzing hydrological data.
- Valid First Aid and CPR by start date.
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident or currently in possession of a valid work permit.
- Possess a valid Class 5 Alberta driver’s licence or other provincial/territorial equivalency, with a minimum of 3-years driving experience and can provide a current driver’s abstract that meets the requirements of our insurance provider.
- Grant management experience.
- Familiarity with the literature on the above project topics.
Desirable job qualifications and experience:
- 1 year field experience working in remote locations.
- Field experience in the Foothills or boreal forest, or in areas with active forestry, oil and gas, or mining activity.
- Grant writing experience.
Employment Details:
- Salary: $62,000 – $85,000 CAD
- Hours of work: 37.5 hrs/week
- Duration: 2-year term (possible extension of the term based on performance and funding)
- Start date: July 18th, 2025
- Location: Hinton, Alberta
Benefits:
- Flexible work schedule and hybrid work when no fieldwork is conducted
- Extended Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short & Long-Term Disability coverage
- Parental leave top up
- 3 weeks paid vacation per year to start
- Paid leaves including personal days, sick days, bereavement leave, and a volunteer day
- RRSP/TFSA program
- Support for professional development
- Moving allowance up to $3,000
Application Information:
Salary levels for this position will be dependent on education and experience. Candidates who do not meet all requirements but believe they would be a good fit for the job description above are encouraged to apply.
Diversity Statement:
fRI Research is committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from persons who may have been marginalized in the past including Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, women, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities and newcomers to Canada.
To Apply:
Applications should include:
- Filled out this application form (available at original posting link) (in place of a cover letter).
- A copy of your resume.
Applications should be sent to Risa Croken, and Dr. Kissinger, with the subject line: “Application – Hydrologist” and attached files named as “Hydrologist_surname_firstname_filename”. Any questions about the position can be directed to Dr. Kissinger (bkissinger@friresearch.ca).
This position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin on May 19th, 2025.
While we appreciate the interest of all candidates for this position, only candidates that are invited to interview will be contacted.
To apply for this job please visit friresearch.ca.