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