Biologist - Post-Secondary Recruitment

Important messages

Give yourself the best chance to succeed!

If you have a limitation that may impact your performance during an assessment, such as a test or interview, you may require an accommodation. Assessment accommodations are designed to remove the obstacles without altering the criteria being assessed so candidates with limitations can fully demonstrate their abilities.

To request an assessment accommodation or if you have questions, including the physical environment of the exam room, please contact us as soon as possible at

Each request will be individually reviewed. You will be asked to provide information regarding your limitations. If needed, professional documentation could be requested to determine the appropriate accommodation measures. For more information about assessment accommodation, please visit our website at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/recruitment/graduates/post-secondary-recruitment/exams-and-assessment-accommodation.html

*NOTE: Please note that your ability to communicate effectively in writing may be assessed using your application responses.

Work environment

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has the lead federal role in managing Canada's fisheries and safeguarding its waters.

Why work for us:

Be part of a Community: Work in a supportive team environment with people passionate about the work they do.

Be Successful: Get in on competitive pay, benefits and pension, career development and advancement.

Be Challenged: Work to stay on top of complex multidiscipline environmental issues that are constantly evolving.

Be Part of the Solution: Work with others to make a real difference for our environment and sustainable aquatic ecosystems.

The Ecosystem Management Branch (EMB) in Pacific Region employees plays a vital role in supporting the above through the following programs:

Species at Risk Program (SARP) is accountable for the aquatic species under the Species at Risk Act. The program consists of a freshwater and marine team, as well as program coordinators. (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/sara-lep/index-eng.html)

Ocean Program is accountable for the implementation of Canada’s Oceans Strategy on the Pacific Coast in accordance with the Oceans Act, using integrated ocean management and marine conservation tools. (http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/index-eng.html)

Fisheries Protection Program (FPP) works collaboratively with others to manage impacts to commercial, recreational and Aboriginal fisheries resulting from habitat degradation or loss, alterations to fish passage and flow, and aquatic invasive species. (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/fpp-ppp/index-eng.html)

Salmon Enhancement Program (SEP) plays a key role in DFO's work to conserve and manage Pacific salmon stocks. (http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sep-pmvs/index-eng.html)

Intent of the process

The intent of the process is to create a pool of qualified candidates that will be used to staff future vacancies including by other branches within Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

This pool may be used to staff other locations in the Pacific Region including but not limited to Nanaimo, Kamloops, Prince Rupert, and Whitehorse.

Positions to be filled: 10

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

EDUCATION:

Graduation with a degree (e.g. B.Sc.) from a recognized university with a specialization in biology, environmental science or a related field.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:

Experience working in fisheries, aquatic biology or a related applied science.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:

Knowledge of the biology of aquatic organisms in Pacific Region (British Columbia and Yukon) and their environmental requirements;
Knowledge of current threats to aquatic resources in Pacific Region and measures for mitigation.

COMPETENCIES:

Demonstrating integrity and respect;
Thinking things through;
Showing initiative and being action-oriented;
Working effectively with others;
Effective communication (oral and written).

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

EDUCATION:

Graduate degree (e.g. M.Sc. or Ph.D.) from a recognized university in biological science or a related field.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCES:

-Extensive experience* in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS);
-Experience using Esri ArcGIS Desktop suite software;
-Experience using FME Safe software;
-Experience using advanced computer software (e.g. GIS Mapping, Database Management Statistical Analysis, Literature Research, Document Management, and Project Planning);
-Experience working in salmon hatcheries or other fish culture employment;
-Experience conducting scientific research or monitoring projects on freshwater or marine ecosystems;
-Experience preparing and publishing peer reviewed literature;
-Experience working on field projects in fisheries, aquatic biology or a related applied science;
-Experience in assessment or regulation of activities affecting aquatic environments;
-Experience working on or leading multidisciplinary teams related to aquatic resource issues or natural resource management issues;
-Experience working with stakeholders (e.g. non-government environmental organizations, community groups, industry etc.);
-Experience working with Aboriginal Peoples;
-Experience in engagement and consultation with Aboriginal Peoples;
-Experience in planning and coordinating events (e.g. conferences, workshops, community consultations, off-site meetings, etc.);
-Experience communicating scientific information or results of scientific analysis to non-technical audiences;
-Experience conducting work or analyzing information related to one or more of the following areas: systematic conservation planning, environmental geospatial data management, resource management planning;
-Experience working in species at risk conservation;
-Experience managing human and financial resources;
-Experience working in the fishing industry;
-Experience reviewing scientific reports;
-Experience creating data reports;
-Experience operating a boat, including trailering, launching and maintenance;
-Experience in operating a remotely operated submersible vehicle.

*Extensive experience will be evaluated through a combination of the applicants education, training, project-diversity and project-type work experience.

KNOWLEDGE:

Knowledge of fish stock management concepts and their inter-relationships with stock assessment;
Knowledge of fisheries management concepts;
Knowledge of interactions between aquaculture and the marine environment;
Knowledge of statistical methodology applied to fish population studies.

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Willingness and ability to travel;
Willingness and ability to work overtime;
Valid driver’s license;
Work from small aircraft, helicopters or small vessels in remote areas may be required depending on position being staffed.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Other information

Candidates from outside the public service may be required to pay for travel and relocation costs associated with this selection process.

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.