Forensic Specialist - Toxicology

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

*** ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ***

All job applications must therefore be submitted through the jobs.gc.ca site.
To submit an application online, please select the button "Apply Online" below.

Persons who cannot apply online or persons with disabilities preventing them from applying online are asked to inform the contact persons responsible for this process and to contact 1-800-645-5605 prior to the closing date.

Candidates must clearly demonstrate in the screening questionnaire how they meet the education and experience criteria listed in the Essential Qualifications and Asset Qualifications if applicable. Please note that stating that the requirement has been met, and/or listing past or current responsibilities, does not represent adequate substantiation. Rather, you must provide concrete examples that clearly illustrate how you meet the requirement. Résumés may be used as a secondary source to validate the qualifications described; comments such as "refer to my attached résumé" will not be accepted and may result in your application being rejected.

Duties

Selects evidence submitted by police, legal counselors and other sources; gathers the most appropriate specimens for examination or analysis to derive the greatest possible information for the requesting party or parties; and selects, modifies or develops techniques pertaining to a comprehensive discipline(s) to yield the optimum analytical information and applies them to the exhibit material received taking into consideration sample size, time constraints and priorities

Provides expert witness testimony and opinion evidence in courts of law; and explains and defends conclusions

Interprets analytical results based on scientific principles, formulates expert conclusions stating the forensic significance of the results, confers with the contributing agencies and the requestor (e.g.: police or counselor) regarding the significance of the conclusions to an investigation or criminal charge and prepares written reports

Identifies and analyzes material of probative value; and determines the physical evidence analysis requirements and the proper sequence of examination

Trains internal and external clients; and develops and delivers lesson plans and other training tools

Carries out quality control activities as specified for the forensic analyses conducted; and prioritizes the undertaking of cases by considering the seriousness of the circumstances, commitments etc.

Conducts research and development projects related, for example, to forensic science to expand forensic investigative techniques; keeps current with the advances in one or more forensic science specialties through scientific literature, conferences and seminars

Assists and provides expert advice to police personnel regarding the gathering of the most probative specimens for examination or analysis so that the process will derive the greatest forensic value possible

Work environment

The work is performed in an environment with intermittent distractions such as office noise and interruptions from telephone and visitors.

There is exposure in the laboratory to solvents, chemicals and to biological materials such as blood and flesh samples which can lead to exposure to HIV; and there is occasional requirement to wear protective clothing or equipment.

Intent of the process

The immediate need is to staff eight positions on an indeterminate basis, with various linguistic profiles and an RCMP Enhanced Reliability security clearance.

A pool of candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions within the RCMP in the National Capital Region and Vancouver on an indeterminate or specified period (including term, acting, or assignment) basis, with various linguistic profiles and an RCMP Enhanced Reliability security clearance.

Should a Civilian Member (CM) be found qualified and selected for appointment, the appointment will not result in a change of status to the Public Service (PS) category for the CM. Notification regarding the CM appointment will be sent to all applicable candidates who are within the area of selection and participated in the advertised process.

(SEE OTHER INFORMATION)

Positions to be filled: 8

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 3 references.

A list of the courses you have taken as well as any courses that you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year

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

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a natural, physical or applied science with specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position
NOTE: The courses for the specialization must be acceptable and relevant to the functions of the position. It must also include organic and inorganic chemistry courses. Transcript of your courses will be required to validate courses taken. Completion of human physiology course and human pharmacology course may be required (graduate or undergraduate).

Successful completion of a Toxicology Program understudy for Drug Forensic Specialist

Degree equivalency

Experience working within an accredited forensic laboratory setting

Experience in handling forensic toxicology exhibit material (e.g. bodily fluids, alcohol standard, drug paraphernalia)

Experience in the evaluation of scientific data or production of scientific data

Experience in interpreting analytical results, formulating expert conclusions and preparing expert witness reports

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

Various language requirements
English essential and Bilingual imperative CBC/CBC

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of Canadian laws and regulations with respect to impaired driving offences

Ability to communicate effectively orally
Ability to communicate effectively in writing
Ability to analyze problems/situations and recommend appropriate solutions
Ability to work in a team
Ability to prepare and present testimony in court
Ability to plan and conduct research projects

Flexibility
Planning and Organizing
Dependability
Interpersonal skills
Attention to detail

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - RCMP Enhanced Reliability Status security clearance

All applicants for positions within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will be subject to a thorough security clearance process which includes an interview wherein questions may include (but not limited to), reference checks, previous employment, on-line activities, credit checks, alcohol and/or drug use.

Willingness and ability to travel for work related assignments
Work with and be exposed to hazardous chemicals and equipment
Work with and be exposed to biological samples
Wear appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment
Maintain standing and/or sitting positions for extended periods of time
Move and/or lift items (up to 20kg)
Adhere to laboratory safety standards and procedures
Work in cold rooms for limited periods in order to retrieve samples
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive fleet vehicle
Must be willing and able to testify in a court of law anywhere in Canada

The candidate must meet the Royal Canadian Mounted Police medical requirements. This factor is not used at the pre-selection stage. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is responsible for the medical clearance process.

NOTE: Candidates must meet the applicable Conditions of Employments at the time of appointment and must continue to meet these during the period of appointment. As part of the conditions of employment, the appointed candidate might have to successfully complete the understudy training program including the successful completion of the mock trial. Failure to meet this condition of employment may result in termination of employment or rejection on probation.

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

A written exam may be administered.

An interview may be administered.

Reference checks may be sought.

A simulation/situational exercise or role play may be administered.

Candidates must meet the essential qualifications to be appointed to a position.

Candidates may be required to meet the asset qualifications or the organizational needs, depending on the requirements of the specific position being staffed.

Acknowledgement of receipt of applications will not be sent; we will contact candidates when the screening process is completed.

You must provide proof of education credentials. If you obtained your degree outside Canada, it is your responsibility to demonstrate its equivalence, please take a look at the following link for more information: http://www.cicic.ca/383/foreign-credential-recognition.canada.

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.

Please identify clearly your substantive group and level and your employment status on your resume and/or application form.

If a qualified candidate has been selected and appointed on an indeterminate basis from the established pool, they will be removed from the pool. If a candidate is selected for a specified period (including term, acting, or assignment/secondment) appointment, they will remain in the pool for future offers.

Our means of communication with applicants is via e-mail. Please ensure to include a functional e-mail address, which will accept messages from unknown users (some e-mail systems block these types of e-mails). It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.

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.