Salmon Enhancement Biologist II (Pacific Salmon Treaty)

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

Duties

This position is responsible for providing biological and scientific support to assist with the design, development, implementation and review of sockeye salmon enhancement projects in the Transboundary Rivers watersheds located in northwestern British Columbia.

Work activities will involve locating and analyzing information on Pacific salmon enhancement techniques to assist in the development of project recommendations and advice based on scientific data and associated analysis to facilitate enhanced sockeye salmon production. A principle focus of the duties requires working effectively within the framework and forums established pursuant to the Pacific Salmon Treaty. Examples of specific tasks and functions include:

• Using recognized or experimental methods to maintain, develop and expand enhancement of Sockeye salmon stocks;

• Assisting with the delivery of salmon enhancement field projects which includes site assessment (habitat and limnology), egg collection and spawning, rearing, and monitoring for common diseases / screening;

• Collecting, analyzing and interpreting biological data for the purpose of informing enhancement project operations;

• Communicating information on the objectives, design and delivery of salmon enhancement program activities to various audiences; and

• Effectively contributing towards achieving international sockeye salmon enhancement program objectives as set out in the Pacific Salmon Treaty.

Work environment

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) manages Canada's Pacific salmon stocks in a manner to achieve conservation goals while providing for sustainable fishery opportunities in accordance with domestic and international treaties.

In northwestern British Columbia’s Transboundary Rivers, the enhancement of sockeye salmon stocks through active participation in joint (U.S. / Canada) enhancement programs is a foundational element in realizing Canadian fishery opportunities under the Pacific Salmon Treaty.

DFO’s work involves continuation of existing, and the development of new, Pacific salmon enhancement programs which consider traditional and local knowledge, as well as scientific information derived from monitoring and research activities.

DFO is soliciting interest from individuals with a background in biology who have an advanced understanding of Pacific salmon life history and who are specifically interested in contributing to the Department’s ongoing work to enhance sockeye salmon stocks for the benefit of domestic and international fisheries. The ideal candidate will demonstrate motivation and work effectively in a variety of situations and environments with various DFO, First Nation, and Alaska Department of Fish and Game representatives to advance sockeye salmon enhancement project goals.

The work will also involve contributing to and cooperating with diverse teams of Canadian and U.S. technicians, biologists, scientists and managers to produce information and advice on sockeye salmon enhancement activities. In this regard, the selected candidate will be required to travel to the U.S. and must maintain their eligibility to do so (in accordance with both Canadian and U.S. requirements) as a condition of employment.

Intent of the process

This process is anticipatory in nature. The intent of the resulting pool will be to staff BI-02 positions for various tenures at full or part-time hours within the Salmonid Enhancement Program in Yukon Transboundary Rivers Area (Whitehorse). It is anticipated that the pool will be in place and available for use by hiring Managers by late May 2019.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 5,000 words (maximum) "to express interest and include any other relevant information not submitted elsewhere within the application."

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

• Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a natural, physical, or applied science with specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position

Degree equivalency

• Experience assisting with salmonid or salmonid habitat assessments
• Experience compiling and analysing scientific data
• Experience reporting on salmonid assessment, research, or habitat projects
• Experience utilizing computer software applications to analyze and present scientific information

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

• Masters or Doctoral degree from a recognized University with a specialization relevant to the position

Degree equivalency

• Experience in conducting fish culture operations
• Experience with culturing Pacific salmon
• Experience with restoration or enhancement of fish habitats
• Experience working collaboratively with clients or stakeholders such as other government departments or agencies, non-government organizations, First Nations, or industry representatives
• Experience working effectively in remote locations

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

• Knowledge of the biology and life history of Pacific salmon
• Knowledge of Pacific salmon habitat requirements
• Knowledge of fish culture techniques

• Demonstrating integrity and respect
• Dependability
• Showing initiative and being action oriented
• Flexibility

• Ability to communicate scientific concepts effectively (orally)
• Ability to solve problems
• Ability to work as a team

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

• Knowledge of the biology and life history of Pacific Salmon stocks in northwestern British Columbia
• Knowledge of methods used to enhance Pacific salmon stocks
• Knowledge of the Pacific Salmon Treaty

• Ability to plan and prioritize work and resources

Operational Requirements:
• Willingness to travel, attend meetings, conduct field work, and work in remote locations for periods of up to 4 weeks in duration
• Willingness to travel by boat, airplane, and helicopter
• Willingness to work weekends/overtime
• Willingness to attain training and maintain certifications for mandatory Health & Safety and departmental requirements

Conditions of employment

• Health Canada Medical Clearance
• Possession of a valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence (or equivalent)
• Security Clearance: Reliability Status
• Candidate must hold a valid passport with no restrictions on travel and be willing and able to travel to the United States

Condition(s) of Employment must be met and maintained throughout the duration of appointment.

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

Please submit your application online through the online application portal at jobs.gc.ca.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants must clearly demonstrate within their answers to the SCREENING QUESTIONS found within the online application how they meet each education and experience factor listed in the ESSENTIAL and ASSET QUALIFICATIONS by using concrete examples. Please note that it is not sufficient to only state that the qualification is met. Resumes may be used as a secondary source to validate the experiences described.

Failure to clearly demonstrate how you meet the ESSENTIAL and ASSET SCREENING CRITERIA (Education and Experience) may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants will not be solicited for incomplete or possible missing information.

All information obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to the conclusion of the process, may be used for evaluation purposes.

An interview will be administered.

A written examination and other assessment methods may be administered.

Reference checks will be administered.

Depending on the position being staffed, any of the asset qualifications may also be deemed as an essential qualification and only candidates and persons with a priority entitlement who possess those qualifications will be considered for that specific vacancy. Please indicate if you possess any of the asset qualifications in your application.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

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.