The B.C. government is advertising the deputy minister of education position now that current Deputy Minister James Gormon is moving to the ministry of advanced education.

Government ads seeking deputy ministers for both education and forests, lands and natural resource operations started running in the paper copies of the Globe and Mail in late June, the Vancouver Sun and National Post in the last two weeks, and the on the Institute of Public Administration Canada website since June 21.

The ads describe the position as assisting in achieving the goals of the BC Education Plan. But the government’s online ad for the position is much more detailed, providing background on the Education Plan, and as the deputy minister’s role as education policy maker and “administrative head” of the ministry.

Although not the public face of the ministry, the deputy minister* is the go-between for the ministry with other ministries, municipal, provincial, and federal officials, stakeholder groups—like the BC Teachers Federation, BC School Trustees Association, and the Coalition of BC Parent Advisory Councils—non-governmental organizations, and the public.

The ad’s desired qualifications don’t specify a particular education or work background, other than to emphasize experience at the “Senior Executive” (sic) level. There is no stated application deadline, but the online ads are scheduled to stop running by July 19.

In an email to The Tyee, a representative from the ministry of education indicated that because of government’s hiring freeze, consideration will be given to internal candidates first.

James Gorman, who has been a B.C. public service worker since 1995, remains acting deputy minister of education until a new deputy minister is hired. Dave Peterson is serving as acting minister of forests, lands and natural resource operations.

According to government’s 2011/12 public records, Gorman received $248,962 in salary and compensation and accumulated $27,498 in travel expenses.

* Updated July 8, 5:08 p.m.