Manager of Ocean Ecosystem Research Section

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request special accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Information on accommodation for persons with disabilities

Duties

Your role as Manager of the Ocean Ecology Section in the Ocean Ecosystem Sciences Division (OESD) will be to plan and help set the strategic direction for a highly motivated research team of over thirty people (including research scientists, biologists, physical scientists, and technicians). You will use your scientific knowledge and skills to help develop and implement programs focused on fisheries and benthic ecology, ecosystem dynamics, marine biodiversity, cetacean research and monitoring, acoustics, and ecosystem vulnerability to climate change.

The research results and scientific advice generated by this Section support the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)’s evidence-based management decisions and policy development under various federal legislation (e.g. Species at Risk Act, Fisheries Act, and Oceans Act), as well as support the Government of Canada’s priorities such as the Oceans Protection Plan and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. On a day-to-day basis, you may manage human, financial and technical resources, plan and guide the work of the section, facilitate partnerships, provide advice on research results to senior management and participate in discussions, planning and coordination with the rest of the OESD management and administration team as well as other managers across the Maritimes Region Science Branch.

Work environment

DFO Maritimes Science Branch is a science organization that conducts research, modelling, and monitoring to enhance our understanding of aquatic ecosystems and provide advice to support the management of Canadian fisheries and oceans. The Maritimes Science Program has 5 priority areas: populations and ecosystem assessments; safe navigation and emergency response; mitigation of ecosystem stressors; adaptation to a changing environment; and marine spatial planning.

Maritimes Science Branch consists of over 400 staff working from 4 locations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick: the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO), Saint Andrews Biological Stations (SABS), Mactaquac and Coldbrook biodiversity facilities. We are based in the Maritimes Region, but our work is conducted and recognized nationally and internationally.

This position will be located at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO). BIO is a multi-disciplinary, federal government institute with a focus on the science and management of the oceans. It is Canada’s largest centre for multi-disciplinary ocean research and houses science groups from DFO, NRCan (Natural Resources Canada), ECCC (Environment and Climate Change Canada), and DND (Department of National Defence). Scientists at BIO perform targeted research to provide peer-reviewed Science advice and support to government decision making on a broad range of ocean topics. These topics include sovereignty, safety and security, environmental protection, the health of the oceans, safe and accessible waterways, the sustainable use of natural resources (fisheries, minerals, oil & gas) and integrated oceans management.

Located on the shores of the Bedford Basin in Dartmouth Nova Scotia, BIO has a picturesque campus that is easily accessible for those who commute from either side of the MacKay bridge and beyond, and is also serviced by Metro Transit’s route #51. BIO offers many workplace wellness initiatives (including a range of fitness and recreational activities, a community garden, and walking trails) and is next to Shannon Park's Canada 150 Trail that offers spectacular views of Halifax Harbour.

Our department is really, REALLY, interesting. Follow Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You won’t be disappointed!

Come join DFO for the opportunity to be a part of something bigger!

Intent of the process

We are currently staffing an indeterminate Manager of the Ocean Ecology Section in the Ocean Ecosystem Sciences Division (OESD) of DFO’s Maritimes Science Branch located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. A pool of qualified candidates may be established through this process to staff managers of other research sections in the Maritimes Region; therefore, if you are eager to be a part of DFO’s Science management team, apply now!

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 5,000 words (maximum) "- You will be required to demonstrate how you meet the essential education and experience qualifications (and any asset qualifications, as applicable) through your resume and cover letter. You must clearly demonstrate how, when, and where the qualification was met through substantiation by examples. Information on your described skills, experience, etc. provided in a cover letter should be supported by your resume."

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

Education
- Graduation with an acceptable doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field of natural sciences or discipline related to the duties of the position, or the employer approved alternative

Note: The employer-approved alternative is an acceptable master’s degree coupled with acceptable research, training and experience. The degree must be from a recognized post-secondary institution and in scientific fields and specialties related to the duties of the position. The training and experience must clearly demonstrate the ability to do personal research of doctoral degree calibre.

Degree equivalency

Experience
- Experience in conducting original research and publishing peer-reviewed papers

- Experience in setting research priorities, planning and managing science programs or projects

- Experience in establishing or maintaining partnerships or collaborative programs with governments, industry or academia

- Experience in providing advice to management and/or clients

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge
- Knowledge of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s key priorities and programs related to fisheries and oceans management and how science supports these priorities and management objectives
- General knowledge of Canadian research activities associated with ocean ecosystems

Abilities
- Ability to lead a multi-disciplinary scientific team
- Ability to synthesize complex scientific information and provide advice
- Ability to engage with diverse organizations and experts to reach common goals
- Ability to communicate effectively orally
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing

Personal Suitability
- Effective interpersonal skills
- Judgment
- Dependability
- Action Orientated

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

Asset Qualifications
- Experience in managing scientific teams

- Experience in managing human and financial resources.

Organizational Needs
- DFO/CCG is committed to achieving a diversified workforce and to meeting our employment equity goals. Selection may be limited to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal peoples, Persons with a Disability, Visible Minorities and Women.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

- Willingness and ability to work flexible hours and overtime
- Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the targeted groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

All communication and information obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to close of process, may/will be used to evaluate the candidates.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

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.