Physical Scientist II: Sea-going Oceanographic Scientist

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

Please submit a cover letter along with your application. In your cover letter, please describe your experience that you believe is relevant to this position, noting in particular your experience in leading and/or participating in multi-disciplinary at-sea research surveys, and with analyzing or interpreting oceanographic data. You will also be required to complete Screening Questions to demonstrate how, when, where you met the essential education and experience criteria.

Work environment

The Plankton Program of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Pacific Region provides essential knowledge of how marine ecosystems are changing in Pacific Ocean waters. The focus is on how the lower trophic levels (phytoplankton and zooplankton) respond to changes in physical and chemical conditions, and how these responses may impact the functioning of these ecosystems (including fish and marine mammals). The Program conducts numerous short (a few days) and long (2 or more weeks) at-sea surveys, on small and large vessels. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team and will be responsible for planning and conducting many of these longer surveys, for analyses and interpretation of the physical and chemical data collected on these surveys, and for presenting and contributing oral and written summaries of the results.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 2,000 words (maximum)

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

Education:

Graduation with a Bachelor of Science Degree from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Degree equivalency

Experience:

E1 Participation in the planning of multidisciplinary marine scientific projects;
E2 Experience as Watch Leader or survey participant in at-sea multi-disciplinary ocean surveys;
E3 Experience using statistical, database, and programming software for analysis of oceanographic data;
E4 Experience managing human, financial and material resources;
E5 Experience in interpretation and synthesis of scientific information from multiple sources.

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

Asset Education:

M.Sc. or Ph.D. with specialization in Marine Science, Physical Oceanography or Marine Biology.

Degree equivalency

Asset Qualification - Experience

AQE1 Experience as Chief Scientist in the planning, management and direction of multidisciplinary marine scientific projects and studies.
AQE2 Experience with equipment and procedures for the analysis of chemical samples from marine surveys, such as sampling and analysis for chlorophyll.
AQE3 Experience with developing proposals for funding and cost recovery arrangements, negotiating partnerships, and acting as scientific authority for approved professional service contracts.
AQE4 Experience in writing, co-authoring, or publishing scientific reports in oceanographic sciences.
AQE5 Experience in presenting technical findings at workshops, meetings, or similar functions.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:

K1 Knowledge of the general oceanography and marine biology of Canada’s North Pacific marine environments;
K2 Knowledge of at-sea methods and protocols for the collection of physical, chemical or biological oceanographic data;
K3 Knowledge of statistical data analysis to interpret scientific information, to produce results, and to provide recommendations to other staff, clients, or colleagues.

Competencies:

C1 Demonstrating integrity and respect
C2 Thinking things through
C3 Working effectively with others
C4 Showing initiative and being action-oriented

Abilities:

A1 Ability to interpret and apply project goals to design, plan, and conduct innovative scientific projects and studies that require adaptation of new concepts, theories and techniques within the field of physical/environmental science;
A2 Ability to plan and coordinate data management, quality control, and archiving of oceanographic data obtained from surveys on multiple platforms;
A3 Ability to improve existing or develop new methods, equipment, or instrumentation for the collection, measurement, or analysis of scientific data that meet stringent standards of accuracy and operational dependability, and which may not be available commercially;
A4 Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

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

Asset Qualification - Knowledge

AQK1 Knowledge of Fisheries and Oceans policies and procedures for at-sea large scientific vessel operations
AQK2 Knowledge of seagoing sampling equipment and protocols, in particular those in use by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
AQK3 Knowledge of statistical methods for the display and analysis of oceanographic data.

Asset Qualification – Abilities

AQA1 Ability to represent the work unit and department on committees, working groups and at meetings requiring authoritative information or advice in physical and environmental sciences

Operational requirements:

• Mobility associated with possession of a valid BC Drivers license.
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• Flexibility in hours of work.
• WHMIS certification.

Conditions of employment

• Security clearance: Reliability status.
• Ability and willingness to participate in ship-based field work.
• Ability and willingness to undertake occasional weekend and overtime work as required.

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

Depending on the position being staffed, any of the asset qualifications may also be deemed as an essential qualification and only candidates and persons with a priority entitlement who possess those qualifications will be considered for that specific vacancy. Please indicate if you possess any of the asset qualification in your 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.