Junior Technologist, Monitoring/Data Services (-1)

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

When you apply to this selection process, you are not applying for a specific job, but to an inventory for future vacancies. As positions become available, applicants who meet the qualifications may be contacted for further assessment.

***This process replaces DOE18J-019309-000059 / 18-DOE-PNR-EA-325950, which was recently cancelled. If you applied on the former process, you have been sent a message on this subject.***

Before proceeding with your application, please read the poster in full and consider all requirements, notably, work location, work environment, duties, and conditions of employment.

Duties

EG-03 Junior Technologists are provided training prior to starting the position; 6 weeks of Surface Weather training at the Nav Centre in Cornwall, ON and 3 weeks Aerological (Upper Air) training at Environment and Climate Change Canada’s [ECCC’s] Stony Plain training facility, co-located with the Stony Plain Upper Air Station in Stony Plain, AB).

The main duties associated with the Junior Technologist position:

1) Surface Weather Observations – ground based measurements of cloud, wind, air temperature and humidity, visibility and weather phenomenon.

2) Aerological Observations – Observing, recording, and transmitting upper air data twice a day, 365 days a year.

3) National Aerological Monitoring Desk – Providing assistance and technical advice to technicians performing aerological observations at any of the 30 sites across Canada.

Work environment

The Junior Technologist position is based in Stony Plain, AB. The position requires rotations to the remote high arctic locations of Eureka, NU and Alert, NU for 3-4 months at a time. A ‘normal’ rotation for the is approximately 3-6 months in Stony Plain, followed by a 3-month tour at one of the high arctic stations (Eureka or Alert). The arctic tour is followed by approximately 3 months off (paid, or ‘compensatory’ leave), based on the total overtime accumulated while working at the remote station. Shiftwork is required at all three locations. The time required to be in Stony Plain can fluctuate greatly. The 3-6 month average can increase based on operational requirements and career development purposes. Technologists can be called back to work with only 7 days’ notice, while on their compensatory time off if operational requirements dictate. For these reasons, it is strongly suggested that Technologists relocate to the Stony Plain area to limit requirements to find temporary accommodation sometimes on short notice.

STONY PLAIN (HOME BASE) is located 40 km west of Edmonton, AB. The Stony Plain weather station is located approximately 8 km west of the town and there is no public transportation available. The Junior Technologist position is based out of the Stony Plain office, therefore most staff relocate to Stony Plain, Spruce Grove or the west end of Edmonton. You are not required to relocate, however it must be understood that you are responsible for your own accommodation and expenses when stationed at the Stony Plain Weather Station. In addition, there is always a possibility of being called back to work at this location with only 7 days’ notice, as the rotation of a Junior Technologist is dynamic and can often change on short notice. For this reason, again, relocation is strongly encouraged.

LIFE IN THE HIGH ARCTIC: Challenges to living and working in Eureka and Alert include isolation, extreme weather conditions and 24h daylight/darkness. There is nothing but the facility for hundreds of kilometers around. There are no commercial aircraft options available in Eureka or Alert, no stores, restaurants, communities, nothing but the stations themselves, with very limited medical facilities. Both Eureka and Alert have phone systems; however, there are time limits. Internet, satellite TV, and a variety of recreational opportunities are available.

- EUREKA is located on Ellesmere Island. The weather station is operated and managed by ECCC. We maintain our own power system, water, roads and runway. A charter flight arrives once a month bringing in fresh food and staff. This flight originates in Yellowknife, NT. Normal flight time is about 9 hours and is the main mode of transportation to and from the station. Once a year, sealift occurs during late summer. The Canadian Coast Guard ice breaker ship brings up our annual resupply of dry goods, equipment, supplies and fuel for the upcoming year.

- ALERT is located on Ellesmere Island. The weather station is located at CFS Alert, a Canadian military base. The average population is 74 personnel depending on the time of year. ECCC employees must abide by military rules which govern this station. Flights to Alert are by Military aircraft and originate out of CFB Trenton, ON. A passport is required.

Intent of the process

At the time of this posting (September 2018), there are no current vacancies; however, it is anticipated that 3-4 appointments will be made within the coming year (September 2019). The number and timing of these appointments could vary.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

EDUCATION:

• A secondary school diploma or employer-approved alternatives (see Note 1).

Note 1:

The employer-approved alternatives to a secondary school diploma are:

- A satisfactory score on the Public Service Commission test approved as an alternative to a secondary school diploma; or

- An acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Candidates who already meet both of the following criteria must be accepted as meeting the secondary school diploma requirement:

a. Candidates who have achieved a satisfactory score on the Public Service Commission test approved as an alternative to a secondary school diploma; and

b. Candidates who have been appointed or deployed for an indeterminate period to a position in the EG classification.

The opportunity to be assessed by at least one of the two employer-approved alternatives must be offered to candidates who have not previously met the secondary school diploma requirement.

Candidates who were appointed or deployed on an indeterminate basis using an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience meet the secondary school requirement for the EG classification only and must be reassessed for entry to other classifications on the basis of this alternative.

(https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/staffing/qualification-standards/core.html)

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience operating a personal computer and in applying standard software application, such as MS Word and Excel.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Dependability.
• Adaptability.
• Detail Oriented.
• Demonstrating Integrity and Respect.
• Thinking things through.
• Working effectively with others.
• Showing initiative and being action-oriented.

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

ASSET EDUCATION:

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with a diploma or a certificate in electronics.

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with a diploma or a degree in an atmospheric-related science.

Degree equivalency

ASSET EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in surface or aerological weather observing within the last year.
• Experience living or working in remote locations with few amenities available, for periods of three weeks or more.

ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS:

• Environment and Climate Change Canada is committed to having a skilled and diversified workforce representative of the population we serve. In support of our Engagement Strategy to achieve employment equity goals, selection may be limited to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups: Women, Aboriginals, Persons with a Disability, or Visible Minority.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid driver’s licence.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Valid Canadian Passport.
• Pre-employment and periodic medicals.
• Requirement to work overtime.
• Requirement to work shift work, weekends and holidays.
• Requirement to rotate to isolated posts – Eureka, NU; Alert, NU.
• Requirement to travel in small aircraft, boats and/or road vehicles.
• Requirement to work in a remote/isolated location for up to 4 consecutive months.
• Requirement to work with or near hazardous materials.
• Requirement to lift up to 20 kg.

Tests

PSEE - Test of Reasoning UIT

Applicants must complete the Public Service Entrance Exam: Test of Reasoning Unsupervised Internet Test (UIT) as part of the screening for this selection process. This test assesses reasoning and problem solving ability. You will have 90 minutes to complete the test. You must complete the test before you submit your application for this position.

For more information, please consult: Public Service Entrance Exam - Test of Reasoning Unsupervised Internet Test

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

Our intention is to communicate with the candidates by email. Candidates who apply to this selection process must include in their application a valid email address and make sure that this address is functional at all times and accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

Your résumé must be current and complete, and it must be consistent with your answers to the screening questions on essential education and essential experience. Additionally, your résumé must include your qualifications relative to the asset education and asset experience (as applicable). A cover letter is not requested.

The Public Service Entrance Exam - Test of Reasoning Unsupervised Internet Test 372 (TOR UIT 372) will be used as a screening & assessment tool for “Thinking things Through” (competency). This Test is part of the application process and must be completed before an application can be submitted.

An interview or tests may be administered.

Reference checks, performance appraisals, and/or samples of previous work may be sought.

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

You may be asked to provide proof of your education credentials. Candidates with foreign credentials must provide proof of Canadian equivalency. Consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information at http://www.cicic.ca/.

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.

A job description is available upon request.

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.