Forest Biologist (2 year term)

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

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
The hiring organization will accept applications on-line only. All job applications must therefore be submitted through the Public Service Resourcing System. To submit an application on-line, please select the button “Apply Online” below. Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605.

Intent of the process

A pool of (fully or partially) qualified candidates may be established through this process to staff identical or similar positions at Natural Resources Canada with various tenures (determinate period or indeterminate), various linguistic requirements (imperative and/or non-imperative), language requirements (English Essential, French Essential, English or French Essential and Bilingual) and profile(s) (BBB/BBB, CBC/CBC, CCC/CCC, etc.)), various security requirements (reliability or secret), various conditions of employment and for various locations.
Positions to be filled: 1

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 2,000 words (maximum) "Candidates must clearly demonstrate IN THEIR COVER LETTER how they meet ESSENTIAL AND ASSET education and experience factors listed in the Merit Criteria. Candidates must use the education/experience factors as a header and write one or two paragraphs for each, demonstrating how they meet them and citing concrete examples. Please note that it is not sufficient to only state that the qualification is met or to provide a listing of current or past responsibilities. Resumes will be used as a secondary source to validate the experience described in the cover letter. The information provided must enable the Selection Board Members to understand the types of position(s) occupied by the candidate, the period they occupied the position(s) and precise descriptions of the tasks performed for each position. Only applicants who clearly demonstrate that they meet the essential qualifications for these advertised positions will be considered further. Failure to provide sufficient information, by the closing date, will result in candidates being screened out."

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

A degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a natural, physical or applied science with specialization in Forest Science, Entomology or similar program (e.g., Ecology, Environmental Science)

Degree equivalency

Experience in gathering, analysing, and interpreting data from repeatable studies and experiments (e.g., techniques and practices of collecting, preparing and identifying biological samples)
Experience in operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory and field equipment for ecological research
Experience in coordinating or facilitating lab and field work by students and other researchers

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

Experience in creating and maintaining databases.
Experience presenting data and reports at meetings or conferences.
Experience preparing scientific manuscripts.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of basic statistical analyses (e.g. ANOVA, regression) and statistical software programs (e.g. R)
Knowledge of the principles of forest ecology and entomology research
Knowledge of forest insect pests in Canada

Ability to work effectively as an individual, but also with others.
Ability to troubleshoot, calibrate, maintain, and repair assorted field or laboratory equipment.
Ability to use maps and GPS to plan field site placement and travel routes.
Oral communication
Written communication

Planning
Enthusiasm
Teamwork

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

Knowledge of zoological and botanical nomenclature
Knowledge of climate change and consequences for forest dynamics
Knowledge of techniques in biochemistry and/or physiology
Knowledge of safety policies, procedures and techniques for the handling of hazardous chemicals (e.g. WHMIS)

Ability to work with compressed gases, acids, bases and other chemicals.
Ability to use GIS to assist in establishing experimental field plots.
Ability to prepare samples and perform standard chemical, physical and biological analyses.

Advisory skills
Leadership
Problem solving
Motivated

Willing and able to travel within Canada (and abroad), including travel by car, rail and air
Willing and able to work overtime as required and to adopt flexible work hours as per operational requirements
Capacity and availability to travel and stay in remote locations for a few days to a few weeks,
with a short notice, in harsh climate environment

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Valid driver’s licence
Willing and able to do field work
Willing and able to travel
Willing and able to work flexible hours and overtime
Medical clearance in accordance with Treasury Board Occupational Health Evaluation Standards
for field work
Willing and able to drive field vehicles (including trucks and all-terrain vehicles)
Willing and able to lift heavy objects, for example car batteries, during field work

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

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.

Acknowledgment of receipt of applications will not be sent; we thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

All information obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to close of process, may be used to evaluate the candidates.

You must 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/.

References must have an in-depth and direct knowledge of your work, and must be able to answer specific questions pertaining to your achievements and strengths. References must have worked with you for at least six (6) months within the last five (5) years.

An interview may be conducted.

A written examination may be administered.

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

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.

Candidates must meet the conditions of employment and continue to meet these same conditions during their employment.

Random selection and/or top-down selection may be used at any time during the process to identify which applicants will be further assessed.

Candidates from outside the public service may be required to pay for travel and relocation costs associated with this selection process.

Natural Resources Canada is committed to establishing and maintaining a representative workforce. This organizational need may be identified as part of the appointment decision. In such cases, qualified candidates who self-declare as members of a visible minority group, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities or women (in non-traditional occupations) could be considered in priority.

The Government of Canada is committed to building a skilled workforce that is representative of Canada's diversity, which includes the recruitment of Canadian Veterans and releasing Canadian Armed Forces personnel:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/public-service-jobs/canadian-armed-forces-members-veterans.html

We encourage applicants to identify any abilities, competencies, and/or experiences acquired through employment with the Canadian Armed Forces where applicable.

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.