An Introduction to the Profession of Agrology UBC Science
Transcription
An Introduction to the Profession of Agrology UBC Science
An Introduction to the Profession of Agrology UBC Science Undergraduate Society Science Career Information Fair February 25, 2016 by Robert Moody, Executive Director/Registrar And Gary Tipper, BCIA President 1 BCIA is a self-regulating professional body established under the Agrologists Act (first passed in 1947, revised in 2003). The Agrologists Act (2003) states that: 3 (2) The purpose of the institute is (a) to uphold and protect the public interest by (i) preserving and protecting the scientific methods and principles that are the foundation of the agricultural and natural sciences, (ii) upholding the principals of stewardship that are the foundation of agrology, and (iii) ensuring the integrity, objectivity and expertise of it’s members, and (b) subject to paragraph (a), (i) to govern it’s members in accordance with the Act and the bylaws, and (ii) to cooperate with other professional or occupational bodies charged with governing the conductor competence of their members on a matter the institute considers relevant to agrology. What is Agrology? Using agricultural and natural sciences and agricultural and resource economics, including collecting or analyzing data or carrying out research or assessments, to design, evaluate, advise on, direct or otherwise provide professional support to: a) the cultivation, production, improvement, processing or marketing of aquatic or terrestrial plants or animals, or b) the classification, management, use, conservation, protection, restoration, reclamation or enhancement of aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems that are affected by, sustain or have the potential to sustain the cultivation or production or aquatic or terrestrial plants or animals. Role of the Institute To uphold and protect the public interest by ensuring the conduct, competence and currency of our members. Conduct: any member of the public can make a complaint about a member and we must investigate. Competence: our members are required to practice only in their areas of expertise. Currency: minimum Professional Development hours, must be reported before membership can be renewed, present annual audit level is 10% of members. 38 Areas of Practice What do agrologists do? Agrology is a broad multidisciplinary field that encompasses the natural, economic and social sciences as related to the practice and understanding of agriculture and natural sciences. Agrologists work in a range of jobs, from agriculture and public administration to mining and fisheries. Areas of Practice Agricultural Sector Agricultural economics and trade Agroforestry Arable land evaluation, conservation planning and management Crop development, production and management Horticulture, fruit, vegetable and turf development production and management International development Irrigation planning and management Livestock development, production and management Rural community development and support 6 Areas of Practice Environmental Sector Contaminated land assessment, remediation and decommissioning Ecological land classification and mapping Environmental impact assessment and mitigation planning Environmental management systems and audit Natural resource and forest management Soil and land conservation, reclamation planning and management Soil and terrain classification, mapping and land evaluation Vegetation identification, assessment and management Water resource planning and management 7 Areas of Practice Agricultural and Environmental Sectors Air quality monitoring and management Bio-engineering and design Greenhouse gas verification and management Land negotiations, leasing and dispositions Pest management and bio-control Rangeland evaluation, conservation planning and management Soil fertility evaluation and nutrient management Waste, compost and manure management Wetland and riparian area evaluation, conservation planning and management 8 Areas of Practice Life Sciences Sector Health and nutrition products, nutriceuticals Renewables development: bio-fuels, bio-fibre, bio-energy Food Sector Food and beverage development and processing Food safety and bio-security Functional foods Others Aquaculture 9 Areas of Practice Practice Areas Common to All Four Sectors Business management, investment, marketing and supply chains Education, teaching and extension Human resource and operations management Regulatory support and consultation Research, technology development, transfer and application 10 BCIA Membership 2014 2015 P.Ag. A.Ag. P.Ag.(Ret.) Retired (75+) On Leave Students Honorary Agrologist 952 246 90 24 43 21 1 Total 1,377 977 272 98 21 50 39 1 1,459 Who hires agrologists? The BC government is the largest single employer of agrologists in the province (roughly 40% of our P.Ag.’s and A.Ag.’s work for the provincial government). MFNLRO Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Environment Ministry of Energy and Mines Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure 175 158 88 10 10 Many agrologists work in the agricultural and natural resource industries and in environmental and agricultural consulting. Other agrologists work for various levels of government including federal and municipal governments and Regional Districts. The basis for membership as a Professional Agrologist is a Bachelors degree that includes: 15 courses in natural sciences and/or agricultural and resource economics that relate directly to agrology (as defined in the Agrologists Act, 2003 - see below excerpt) 11 courses at the 300 or 400 level, of which 8 must be in natural sciences and/or agricultural and resource economics that relate directly to agrology (as defined in the Agrologists Act, 2003 - see below excerpt) Foundational science courses per those listed on the Academic Worksheet BCIA Articling Agrologist Program After acceptance into the BCIA Articling Agrologist Program, an A.Ag. must complete a two year articling period which includes the following elements: • Spend an equivalent of two years working in Agrology • Article under a Mentor who is a P.Ag. or P.Ag.(Retired) • Attend both a BCIA AGM and a Branch AGM • Make a brief oral report at a branch meeting • Attend the BCIA Ethics and the BCIA Profession of Agrology workshops • NEW: Complete the online webinar Professional Liability presentation module #1 called Professional Negligence and Regulatory Offences then complete the declaration • Report annual Professional Development activities • Submit written A.Ag. Review, completed checklist at end of Articling period • Arrange for the submission of the mentor letter and two other reference letters **Upon completion of the above an A.Ag. can apply for Professional Agrologist status. Agrologists shall at all times exercise integrity, competence, and objectivity in their professional conduct while fulfilling their professional responsibilities to: the Public the Client or the Employer the Profession Courts or Tribunals All members of the Institute are required to sign the BCIA Code of Ethics. All members were required to complete ethics training by December 31, 2012. 15 COUNCIL 6 Committees Executive Director/ Registrar 8 Branches Kamloops, Fraser Valley, Vancouver, Kootenay Boundary, Victoria and Islands, Cariboo Central Interior, Peace River and Okanagan Councillors are elected by the individual branches while the president is elected by the general membership. The Act allows for lay people appointed by the Minister. 16 Why become a Professional Agrologist? Professional Considerations More and better employment and career advancement opportunities. Membership in an venerable, established and respected organization. Credibility and esteem in the eyes of the public and other professionals. Financial Considerations Earn more money, sooner. Eligible to join other professional associations (e.g. PEA -BC Government). Social Considerations Networking, make new friends and contacts, interact with fellow professionals. Participate in Branch social events (including pub nights) and PD opportunities. Personal Considerations Personal growth through life long learning as a practicing professional. Your parents will be pleased and your friends will be envious. Thank You! 2777 Claude Road, Victoria, BC V9B 3T7 Tel: 250-380-9292 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bcia.com 18
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