Forensic Specialist - Development Program

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.

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.

Duties

The primary responsibility is the successful completion of training in forensic science services. Under supervision or as part of a team, gathers information, organizes and analyzes forensic data (specimens), applies scientific techniques and provides results to supervisor, scientists or colleagues for review and feedback.

Studies methods used to maintain exhibit integrity, learns to select appropriate samples and analytical approaches used to extract the maximum amount of information available in the exhibit material.

Provides assistance in the writing of technical documents and reports.

Provides feedback on the quality of training standards and on readiness for more difficult assignments.

Studies theories, methodologies and procedures related to forensic examination of material evidence.

Identifies and analyzes material of probative value, interprets analytical results, formulates conclusions stating the forensic significance of the results, confers with more senior forensic staff, supervisor or colleagues regarding the significance of the conclusions in relation to an investigation or criminal charge and writes reports for review.

Reviews assigned evidence originally submitted by police, legal counselors and other sources; examines or analyzes specimens to derive information for the requesting party or parties; and applies techniques to the exhibit material pertaining to a comprehensive discipline(s) to yield the optimum analytical information.

Supports investigation activities in the laboratory.

Participates in the conduct of forensic science application, research and development projects related, for example, to expand forensic investigative techniques; and keeps current with the advances in one or more forensic science specialties through scientific literature, conferences and seminars

Provides feedback on the quality of training standards.

Work environment

The work is performed in an environment with intermittent distractions such as office noise and interruptions from telephone and visitors.

There is exposure in the laboratory to solvents, chemicals and to biological materials such as blood and flesh samples which can lead to exposure to HIV; and there is occasional requirement to wear protective clothing or equipment.

Position location: 1200 Vanier Parkway, Ottawa ON K1A 0R2

Intent of the process

The immediate need is to staff one position on an indeterminate basis, with a linguistic profile of English Essential and an RCMP secret security clearance

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

Once the candidate has successfully completed the in-house understudy, he/she will be able to work on casework and will be appointed to a CH-03 (FSLS-02) position.

(SEE OTHER INFORMATION)

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

Education:

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in chemistry.

NOTE: The courses for the specialization must be acceptable and relevant to the functions of the position. It must also include courses taken in analytical chemistry, organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry. Transcript of your courses will be required to validate courses taken.

Degree equivalency

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control processes.
Knowledge of safety practices in a laboratory.

Abilities/Skills:
Ability to communicate effectively orally
Ability to communicate effectively in writing
Ability to analyze problems/situations and recommend appropriate solutions.
Ability to work in a team

Personal Suitability:
Flexibility
Planning and Organizing.
Dependability
Effective interpersonal relationships
Attention to detail

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

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS
(may be evaluated at a later date)

Experience working within a scientific or forensic laboratory setting

Experience in the evaluation of scientific data or production of scientific data

Experience in carrying out research projects

Experience is understood to mean a minimum of 12 months’ work experience within the last 4 years during placement(s) or post-degree work within a scientific laboratory.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of complex instrumentations, such as: IC-MS, UHPLC-MS, GC-MS, Ion Trap-MS, SEM-EDS, FTIR, Raman, and Ion Mobility Spectroscopy (IMS)

Knowledge of ISO 17025.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
(may change during the candidate’s term in section)
• Willingness and ability to work overtime
• Willingness and ability to travel for work related assignments
• Willingness and ability to work in a police environment, including exposure to unsettling and/or graphic material

Conditions of employment

Secret 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.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
(Cannot change during the candidate’s term in section)
• Obtain and maintain a valid medical profile
• Willingness and ability to travel for work related assignments
• Work with and be exposed to hazardous chemicals and equipment
• 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 35kg)
• 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

Candidates must meet the Royal Canadian Mounted Police medical requirements. This factor is not used at the pre-selection stage. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is responsible for the medical clearance process.

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 including the successful completion of the mock trial. 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

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.

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.

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.