Mathematical Statistician - Post-Secondary Recruitment

Important messages

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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.

If you have any question or would like more information pertaining to accommodation measures, contact us 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/services/assessment-accommodation-page.html

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.

Duties

The duties include the design, implementation and evaluation of statistical methods related to the production of official statistics. This could include work on research projects in various areas related to survey methodology, record linkage or big data. Candidates could also be involved in projects related to the combination of classic and leading edge statistical methods, including experimentation with machine learning, artificial intelligence techniques, non-probabilistic sampling, micro simulation and modeled/synthetic data.

Work environment

Mathematical Statisticians (MAs) apply, adapt and develop mathematical, statistical or survey methods to practical problems. They explore and adopt sophisticated methods to integrate and transform alternate data sources into statistical information to support evidence-based policy decision making. Their work is crucial to Statistics Canada. The quality of data outputs and the costs of operations are heavily dependent on the methodology used.

As a mathematical statistician, your main duties will consist in designing, implementing and evaluating survey and data analysis methods, typically in cooperation with multidisciplinary project teams. You may also work on research projects in various areas related to statistical methods. As a new MA employee, you will work closely with a more experienced MAs which will allow you to gain valuable experience that will enhance your professional skills.

Statistics Canada places great importance on the well-being of its employees and has numerous programs and facilities designed for the benefit of its employees. Health and safety, respect and fairness, flexible work arrangements, a sense of belonging and recognition and workplace wellness are at the heart of our organizational culture.

Intent of the process

The pool of qualified persons resulting from this process will be used to staff both permanent and temporary positions within Statistics Canada. There will be approximately 15 to 25 permanent positions to staff from this process.

Permanent MA-02 appointments resulting from this process will be considered part of Statistics Canada's MA Recruitment and Development Program. Individuals will be hired at the MA-02 level and will be promoted to the MA-03 level provided they meet the qualifications and conditions of employment for the MA-03 level. Only individuals appointed to permanent positions are eligible for a promotion to the MA-03 level.

Positions to be filled: 25

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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)

EDUCATION:

Graduation with a degree* by September 30, 2019, from a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in:

1) Mathematics, Statistics or Operational research

OR

2) One of the physical, life or social sciences, combined with an acceptable number of courses** (normally 20 one-term courses/ approximately 60 credits) in mathematics, statistics or operational research at the level of a recognized post-secondary institution.

*Degree: Unless it is otherwise specified (e.g., Master’s degree), the term “degree” refers to a baccalaureate as established by educational authorities.

** The courses for the specialization must be acceptable and must have been taken at a recognized post-secondary institution, but not necessarily within a degree program in the required specialization.

Degree equivalency

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

English or French
English or French essential

Information on language requirements

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:
Application of mathematical or statistical theories and techniques*;
Application of mathematical, statistical or survey methods and concepts*.

*This qualification may include but is not limited to knowledge of probability theory, mathematical statistics, data analysis, sampling theory and survey methodology.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCY:
Innovative thinking.

CORE COMPETENCIES:
Demonstrating integrity and respect;
Thinking things through;
Working effectively with others;
Showing initiative and being action-oriented.

ABILITY:
Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

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

ASSET EXPERIENCES:

Experience* in survey methodology or mathematical statistics;
Experience* with statistical packages or programming languages, such as SAS, R and MATLAB.

*Experience can be gained through, among others, student work, volunteer activities or extra-curricular activities.

Please note that these criteria do not need to be met in order to be appointed to a position. Notwithstanding, meeting these criteria may be desirable and may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed.

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

Information on employment equity

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - This factor is not used at the screening stage. The hiring organization is responsible for the security clearance process.

Tests

Candidates must successfully write the Technical Competency Exam for Mathematical Statisticians at Statistics Canada, even if they have already passed this exam during a previous campaign.

IMPORTANT: The exam will be held on November 6, 2018 at 18:30 local time.

The test will be administered in different locations across Canada. Canadian citizens residing outside of Canada will be required to complete their exam at one of the locations where the exam will be administered in Canada.

The travel expenses for candidates attending the exam will not be reimbursed.

You must keep your scheduled assessment date except under the following circumstances:
- Illness (a medical certificate will be required)
- Emergency Circumstances (must be verifiable)
- Other (will be dealt with on a case by case basis)

Please contact us as soon as possible at if you think you may require accommodation during the selection process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Among candidates who successfully pass this test, interviews may be restricted to candidates with the highest scores.

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

E-mail correspondence will be used as the main method of communication for this selection process. Candidates who do not wish to receive their results by e-mail must contact to inform them of their preferred method of communication. Please note that the onus is on the candidates to provide valid contact information and to update it, as required.

Management may use top-down consideration of scores and cut-off scores at various steps in the process to determine the number of candidates who will be further considered in the process. Selection decisions may be based on the level, breadth or degree of qualifications achieved in one or more qualifications; for example, preference may be given to the candidate who has scored highest on a specific qualification or combination of qualifications. Candidates cannot apply results from previous MA recruitment campaigns towards the current campaign.

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.