Quaternary Geology - Research Affiliate Program

Duties

This Ph.D. project consists of characterizing the surficial sediments of the Charlevoix and Lower Saguenay regions and aims to establish the stratigraphy and architecture of the Quaternary units and to construct a 3D model that may be used to assess the seismic response at a regional scale. At the close of the Pleistocene, the glacial landforms and sediments of this region were covered by thick but generally discontinuous silty clay sediments deposited during a marine transgression (Goldthwait Sea) that reached about 180 m in elevation. The ensuing isostatic recovery led to a rapid marine regression during which sandy gravelly sediments formed in littoral and deltaic environments were unconformably deposited on earlier glacial and marine sediments. The successful candidate will be required to:
• Characterize and map the various Quaternary landforms and sediments using a LiDAR survey ; prepare representative cross-sections that will be used to construct the regional 3D model;
• Define and characterize the various landsystem assemblages associated with the Goldthwait Sea incursion and the St. Narcisse Moraine readvance;
• Establish the seismic response of Quaternary terrains in the Charlevoix and Saguenay region using various geophysical techniques.

Work environment

At Natural Resources Canada, a Federal government job means developing leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and supporting creativity and innovation. We know it takes people from diverse pools of talent to make this happen. That is why we are looking for people like you. As an employee at Natural Resources Canada you can enjoy diverse employment opportunities, a range of career development programs, and a learning culture that supports you to learn on an ongoing basis. We support balancing your work and private life by offering the benefits of flexible work arrangements.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 3,000 words (maximum)

Contact information for 2 references.

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)

A M.Sc. degree in earth or environmental science (or any equivalency) delivered by a recognized university.

Degree equivalency

Experience in 3D modeling of Quaternary sediments.

Knowledge in Quaternary geology of glaciated terrains.
Knowledge of ArcGIS and gOcad/leapfrog software.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Knowledge of Quaternary sediments in southern Québec.
Knowledge in seismic micro-zonation.

Ability to communicate (written and oral).
Ability to work in the field.

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

English or French

Information on language requirements

Team work;
Initiative.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - NOTE: Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment, and therefore will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-relevant documents.

The student must be willing to perform strenuous fieldwork sometimes in remote or isolated areas as part of research and follow all the required health and safety requirements.

Other information

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

A situational exercise may be administered.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

You must indicate on your application if you require a technical aid for testing or an alternative method of assessment.

A random and/or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

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

Successful completion of both a RAP work assignment and your educational program may lead to a temporary or permanent federal public service position for which you meet the merit criteria and conditions of employment.

Natural Resources Canada is committed to employment equity and building strength through diversity. We welcome applications from qualified people and encourage members of the designated groups (Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities and Women) to apply and to self-identify.

For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via email for screening and assessment purposes. This will include communication of screening results and invitations to written tests and interviews. To that end, candidates must include a valid email address in their application. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that this address is functional and that it accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email). It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure accurate information is provided and updated as required.

We thank all applicants for their interest in our position(s). For the purpose of this staffing process, only candidates selected for further assessment will be contacted.

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 Canadian citizens.

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