Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) Ab initio Trainee

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

Would you like to help vessels in distress? Prevent them from colliding? Do you enjoy a fast-paced environment? Then, we may have the job for you!

Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) Officers with the Canadian Coast Guard provide one of the first responses to ships and vessels in distress. They oversee the safety of waterways within Canada's 200 mile limit by communicating with vessels, issuing weather bulletins and monitoring marine traffic to ensure that vessels entering Canadian waters are in compliance with Canadian Acts and Regulations.

The job is challenging, fast-paced and always interesting, but can be stressful and demanding. You speak with vessel captains and crews in all kinds of situations, and are often the first contact in marine emergency or crisis. During a marine emergency, you act as a go-between for Search and Rescue and the vessel in danger, and are often the voice those in danger look to for advice and comfort. You need to be able to multi-task and manage many issues at once.

It's a 24/7 world and we provide service to the marine environment 365 days of the year. With the exception of the Arctic, shipping never stops and neither do we. Consequently, you must be willing to accept shift work and work weekends and holidays.

MCTS Officer Training involves the following two phases:

Phase I: The MCTS Ab Initio 23 week training course takes place at the Canadian Coast Guard College located in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The course consists of theory, practical applications and simulations. Here you will learn the basics.

Phase II: On- the-Job training (OJT) takes place at a regionally appointed MCTS centre. Working with an On-the-Job-Instructor, you will learn local geography, local and regional procedures while applying the national elements of Phase I training. The OJT varies according to MCTS centre and can last from 3-12 months.
After successful completion of Phase II candidates are promoted to Marine Communications and Traffic Services Officer.

You will be required to successfully complete each phase of training before continuing to the next Phase and becoming a MCTS Officer.

Travel is necessary to complete the two Phases of training. To complete Phase I, travel is required to attend the Canadian Coast Guard College located in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Travel to the regional MCTS centre for Phase II may be required depending on residency at time of hiring. Travel expenses incurred during the two phases of training shall be covered.

During Phase I, you are paid an Ab Initio allowance of $350 per week less appropriate deductions. Also, $90 per week is deducted for meals and accommodations, while at the Canadian Coast Guard College.

For the On-the-Job Phase II training, you are appointed to the RO-01 group and level at a salary of $42111 per annum.

After successful completion of the Centre Designated Checkout of Phase II, you are appointed to the RO-03 MCTS Officer group and level with a salary beginning at $53938 and up to $70284 per annum.

Work environment

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) owns and operates the federal government's civilian fleet, and provides key maritime services to Canadians. As a Special Operating Agency of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), the CCG helps DFO meet its responsibility to ensure safe and accessible waterways for Canadians. The CCG also plays a key role in ensuring the sustainable use and development of Canada's oceans and waterways.

Intent of the process

A partially assessed pool of candidates will be created to fill vacancies at the MCTS Centre in Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

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)

A secondary school diploma or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Degree equivalency

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Competency in skills associated with MCTS Officer duties (i.e. Arithmetic, Checking, Coding, Memory, and Spatial Ability). Note: this will be assessed using the MCTS Aptitude Test.

Ability to keyboard (45 wpm with 95% accuracy).
Ability to communicate orally
Ability to communicate in writing.

Working with others
Client Service Orientation
Managing difficult situations
Adaptability
Judgement and decision making
Initiative

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

Experience in a marine environment (e.g. member of a Ship's crew, Navigation officer, Commercial fisheries, Sea cadets etc.)

Willingness to relocate based on operational requirements.
Willingness to work overtime upon successful completion of all Phases of MCTS Officer training.

Conditions of employment

Secret security clearance

Health Canada pre-placement evaluation.
Willing and able to travel.
Willing and able to accept shift work.
Willing and able to work weekends.

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

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.

Candidates will be assessed against essential qualifications and may be required to meet asset qualifications and/or organisational needs, depending on the specific needs of the position. Candidates must meet the pass mark for each of the essential qualifications. Candidates must meet each asset qualification to be used for appointment.

All assessments related to this selection process will be administered in Prince Rupert, BC. Please note candidates are responsible for covering their own travel costs associated with the assessments.

Successful completion of the Marine Communications and Traffic Services Aptitude Test is required. Those candidates who have previously successfully completed the MCTS Aptitude Test are not required to rewrite, but will be required to submit the successful results.

Candidates invited to an interview will be required to bring proof of their education credentials, in the form of a diploma or official transcript (original documents only).

Applicants are encouraged to work on their keyboarding skills before the assessment date as a higher proficiency in keyboarding may be used to determine right fit.

Top-down ranking may be applied during the selection process.

Candidates will be communicated with via e-mail. In your application, please include the e-mail address that you wish to use for communication purposes throughout this recruitment initiative. It is your responsibility to verify your e-mail account on a regular basis.

Your résumé must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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.