Ph.D. in hydrogeology - Research Affiliate 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

Duties

Hydrogeological study of the Fox Creek area, AB. The Fox Creek area in west-central Alberta is characterized by intensive unconventional hydrocarbon activities. However, groundwater data are lacking to assess if water resources, as well as the broader ecological status of the area, have been impacted. The assessment of such potential impacts requires a local and regional characterization study to supplement existing knowledge. This characterisation will include a hydrogeological and geochemical study, as well as modeling to ensure sustainable water supply. Specifically, this project will seek to further characterize the aquifers themselves and the system hydrodynamics, as well as monitor non-saline aquifers for groundwater quality and groundwater levels. This Ph.D. project will include fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and numerical modeling. A coupled surface water / groundwater model using the CATchment HYdrology (CATHY) simulator will be implemented once the study area is well characterized and understood. In addition, the student will develop a hydroecological model based on an integration of CATHY and the NoahMP land surface model within the WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) platform. This will allow a detailed assessment of the different water budget components and the interactions of water and solutes across the subsurface/atmosphere interface. This model will then be used to simulate climate change scenarios, to study their impacts on aquifers over the upcoming decades.

Work environment

At Natural Resources Canada, a Federal government job means developing leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and supporting creativity and innovation. We know it takes people from diverse pools of talent to make this happen. That is why we are looking for people like you. As an employee at Natural Resources Canada you can enjoy diverse employment opportunities, a range of career development programs, and a learning culture that supports you to learn on an ongoing basis. We support balancing your work and private life by offering the benefits of flexible work arrangements.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 2,000 words (maximum) "Please submit a COVER LETTER with your application. It is your responsibility, as a candidate, to submit a cover letter which clearly demonstrates how you meet each of the essential and asset screening criteria for education and experience. 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. Rather you must provide a minimum of two concrete examples with dates as to when these experiences were gained for each experience criterion. Please apply the following approach: use each screening qualification as a heading, and provide a description outlining how that qualification is met. The same approach should be used to demonstrate asset qualification for experience."

Contact information for 2 references.

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

MSc degree (or BSc with equivalent experience) in environmental, civil or geological engineering, or in hydrogeology.

Degree equivalency

Experience with numerical modeling in hydrogeology.
Experience with data analysis.
Experience in hydrological or hydrogeological fieldwork.

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

English or French
French would be an asset as this Ph.D. will be undertaken at INRS in Quebec City, where courses are given in French.

Information on language requirements

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

Experience with computer programming (e.g., Matlab, C++, Python, Fortran, R/GIS)
Experience with coupled surface water, groundwater modeling.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - This factor is not used at the screening stage. The hiring department is responsible for the security clearance process.

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

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

A situational exercise may be administered.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

You must indicate on your application if you require a technical aid for testing or an alternative method of assessment.

A random and/or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

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

Successful completion of both a RAP work assignment and your educational program may lead to a temporary or permanent federal public service position for which you meet the merit criteria and conditions of employment.

Natural Resources Canada is committed to employment equity and building strength through diversity. We welcome applications from qualified people and encourage members of the designated groups (Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities and Women) to apply and to self-identify.

For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via email for screening and assessment purposes. This will include communication of screening results and invitations to written tests and interviews. To that end, candidates must include a valid email address in their application. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that this address is functional and that it accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email). It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure accurate information is provided and updated as required.

We thank all applicants for their interest in our position(s). For the purpose of this staffing process, only candidates selected for further assessment will be contacted.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

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