Forensic Technologist - Anticipatory

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 specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

*** 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

Conducts forensic examinations and analysis of evidential materials using validated methods and procedures, maintains established casework performance standards, assesses results, interprets experimental controls and standards, documents findings, updates databases, performs technical and administrative reviews of casework, writes forensic laboratory reports as required and provides expert testimony in court.

Applies quality control processes and maintains chain of evidence in accordance with established laboratory accreditation standards and FS&IS policies, methods and standard operating procedures.

Performs basic maintenance, verifies calibration and operates relevant scientific instruments and equipment, and advises supervisors on malfunctions and the need for repairs or replacement.

Contributes laboratory bench experience and knowledge as a project team member to the development of new or revised methodologies, and reviews assigned sections of associated manuals and guides.

Maintains data and its integrity through consistent and accurate record keeping.

Prepares reagents, ensures accuracy in the preparation and standardization of solutions, and monitors expiry dates of reagents.

Work environment

Work is normally conducted in a laboratory environment where there is exposure to a variety of occupational hazards (biological, chemical, physical), some of which are not readily identifiable and as such an awareness of these risks must be maintained and appropriate safety procedures observed. As part of the criminal investigation process, there is lack of control over the pace of work and there is no tolerance for error.

Work Locations:

Ottawa: 1200 Vanier Parkway, Ottawa, ON
Edmonton: 15707 – 118th Avenue, Edmonton AB
Vancouver: 5201 Heather Street, Vancouver, BC
NOTE: Vancouver laboratory will be moving by the end of 2019 to ‘E” Division HQ located on 14200 Green Timbers Way, Surrey, BC

*Please clearly identify which location(s) you wish to be considered for in your application.

Intent of the process

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

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.

(SEE OTHER INFORMATION)

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 3 references.

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

Education:
Evidence Recovery Unit – Stream 1
A diploma in biological sciences from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Successful completion of courses such as biochemistry, biology, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, or other subjects which provide a basic understanding of the foundation of forensic DNA analysis.
* Transcript will be assessed to clarify the courses taken during the degree/diploma.

Analytical Unit – Stream 2
Graduation with a degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry or applicable forensic science-related area from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Successful completion of courses (graduate or undergraduate) in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology (molecular genetics, cellular biology, bioinformatics), population genetics, statistics or other subjects which provide a basic understanding of the foundation of forensic DNA analysis.
* Transcript will be assessed to clarify the courses taken during the degree/diploma.

Degree equivalency

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

Various language requirements
English essential, Bilingual imperative BBB/BBB

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of general analytical techniques and/or laboratory techniques including processing of DNA (preference given to human DNA).
Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control
Knowledge of safety practices in a laboratory

Abilities/Skills:
Ability to communicate effectively orally.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Ability to trouble shoot and problem solve.
Ability to work as part of a team.

Personal Suitability:
Flexibility
Planning and organizing
Dependability
Interpersonal skills
Attention to detail

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

Experience:
Experience working within a scientific laboratory setting.

Experience working within an accredited or forensic laboratory setting.

Operational Requirements:
• Willingness and ability to work shifts
• Willingness and ability to travel for work related assignments.

Conditions of employment

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.

Candidates must obtain and maintain a valid medical clearance.

• Work with and be exposed to hazardous chemicals and equipment
• Work with chemicals and hazardous materials
• 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

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.

This position is comprised of an understudy training program. As part of the conditions of employment, the appointed candidate must successfully complete the understudy training program. 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 designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Candidate must clearly demonstrate in their resume that they meet the education and experience requirements. Failure to provide sufficient information will result in the candidate being screened-out.

Candidates must obtain the required pass mark for each qualification in order to be given further consideration in the selection process.

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/

Candidates from outside the federal public service will be required to pay for their own travel and relocation expenses.

Random selection may be used to identify which applicants will be assessed in this appointment process.

PLEASE NOTE: For this selection process, our intention is to communicate with applicants by e-mail address for screening/assessment purposes (including issuing screening results, and sending invitations for written tests and interviews).

Applicants who apply to this selection process must include in their application a valid e-mail address and make sure this address is functional at all times and accepts messages from unknown users.

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).

Written test(s) may be administered.

Interview may be conducted.

Reference checks may be conducted.

Candidates must meet all of the essential qualifications noted in the Statement of Merit Criteria to be appointed to a position. A candidate may be appointed to a position even though she/he does not meet any or all of the asset qualifications or operational requirements. However, meeting these criteria is desirable and may be a deciding factor in choosing the person appointed.

Your resume must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements.

We thank all of 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, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

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