Aquatic Science Biologist II

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

You will be required to show how you meet the essential qualifications and the other qualifications (i.e. Education, Experience) by answering online screening questions. You must clearly demonstrate how, when (including duration), and where the qualification was met by providing clear and concrete examples. Lack of examples and details will result in your application being rejected as the Assessment Board will have insufficient information to determine if the requirement is met. Content of your response must be supported by your CV/resume.

DFO recognizes and values the important contribution volunteer work offers in developing employees' experience, skills, etc., as well as enriching our organization and communities. Throughout this selection process, you are encouraged to demonstrate how any relevant volunteer work (e.g., working on committees, union activities, employee networks, community work, etc.) has contributed to the development of your experience, skills, personal suitability, etc., as they relate to this 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.

Duties

PRINCIPAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION

• Participating in research on the individual and multiple impacts of a wide variety of anthropogenic stressors in coastal and marine ecosystems, including (but not limited to): (1) planning, organizing, and conducting field and laboratory research activities; (2) maintaining appropriate storage, inventories, and processing of field and laboratory samples; (3) data management and storage; and (4) conducting statistical data analyses of scientific results.
• Participating in cumulative effects research, including (but not limited to): (1) applying existing cumulative effects impact analysis and mapping models; (2) developing and/or applying cumulative effects frameworks in relation to the provision of scientific advice for Departmental clients; (3) data acquisition from internal Department and external sources and/or partners; (4) data and database management, including processing, assembly, QA/QC, distribution; and (5) conducting mapping and spatial analysis using GIS.
• Prepare, plan, and contribute to the writing of scientific papers, technical reports, laboratory manuals and protocols.
• Communicate research findings, and provide recommendations to the research community, stakeholders, clients, and governance bodies.
• Management of financial assets, including (but not limited to) specialized computer, laboratory (e.g. microscopes, chemicals), and field equipment (e.g. GPS systems, measurement probes, etc.). Maintaining inventories of field and laboratory equipment.

Work environment

Under the direction of a Research Scientist responsible for the DFO-Maritimes Ecosystem Stressors Program, the incumbent will provide support for research on the individual and cumulative effects of anthropogenic stressors on coastal and marine ecosystems. This will include conducting field, laboratory, and computer-based research; data collection, processing, analysis and management; communicating scientific results; preparation and writing of technical reports and primary publications; asset maintenance and management. The incumbent will also be responsible for providing data and recommendations to research scientists and managers within DFO as well as to clients, stakeholders, and the general public.

Intent of the process

We are seeking qualified people to fill one (1) Aquatic Science Biologist II position in the Ecosystem Stressors Program on a permanent basis.

A pool of qualified or partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions of various language requirements, tenures and security requirements within Science Branch, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maritimes Region.

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 in a natural, physical or applied science with primary specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE

Experience in conducting scientific work in the field of aquatic biology, aquatic ecology, or oceanography.

Experience contributing to the preparation and writing of scientific reports (e.g., progress and technical reports) and primary publications.

Experience using, maintaining, and troubleshooting specialized aquatic science field and laboratory equipment.

Experience collecting data, performing statistical data analysis, and interpreting results

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

DEPENDING ON THE POSITION BEING STAFFED, ANY OF THE FOLLOWING 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.

EDUCATION

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

Degree equivalency

CERTIFICATIONS

Valid SCUBA diving certification

EXPERIENCE

Experience using Geographical Information Systems software (e.g. ArcGIS) to aggregate data, process information, and/or conduct spatial analysis.

Experience using computer or scripting languages (i.e. R or equivalent) for the statistical analysis of biological and/or ecological data.

Experience assessing impacts of anthropogenic stressors on aquatic species, habitats, and/or ecosystems.

Experience in advanced and/or multivariate statistical analytical techniques (e.g., GLM, GAM, multivariate regression, ordination).

Experience in managing and maintaining physical assets, human resources, and data of a scientific project.

Experience conducting work using scientific diving.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of experimental design for field sampling and experiments.
Knowledge of coastal marine ecosystems.

ABILITY

Ability to communicate effectively orally.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Ability to work independently.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY

Effective interpersonal skills
Self-motivation
Dependability
Judgement

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

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of the impacts of anthropogenic activities on marine species and/or ecosystems.

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Willing and able to travel provincially, nationally, and internationally to participate in meetings and workshops, field activities, and collaborative research studies.

Willing and able to work flexible hours and overtime.

Willing and able to work in harsh environments, including on small boats (<10 m) and larger research vessels (>30 m) at sea for prolonged periods of time (e.g., 1-2 weeks).

Willing to travel for extended periods (e.g., 1-2 weeks at a time, up to 16 weeks per year).

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Possession of a valid driver’s license or mobility to the extent of possession of a valid driver’s license within the limits of Treasury Board policy.

For some positions:

Medical fitness in accordance with certification by Health Canada.

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

DFO recognizes and values the important contribution volunteer work offers in developing employees' experience, skills, etc., as well as enriching our organization and communities. Throughout this selection process, you are encouraged to demonstrate how any relevant volunteer work (e.g., working on committees, union activities, employee networks, community work, etc.) has contributed to the development of your experience, skills, personal suitability, etc., as they relate to this position.

Please note that your overall conduct and communications, including email correspondence, throughout the entire process may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

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.

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.