Physical Scientist (underwater acoustics)

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

As part of the Government of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, Fisheries & Oceans Canada (DFO) is leading an initiative to test technologies for the near-real time detection of North Atlantic right whales. Promising technologies may eventually form part of an operational system to alert shipping to the presence of whales, with the aim of reducing the risk of lethal vessel strikes to endangered species. Technologies being tested in house and by external partners include passive acoustic monitoring devices and infra-red systems deployed on a variety of platforms.

We are looking for a Physical Scientist (PC-03) with experience working with passive acoustic technologies to lead this initiative for the next two years. The successful candidate will:
• Lead the testing of real-time acoustic systems, working with DFO and external partners to deploy and recover equipment and analyze data collected.
• Develop and manage contracts for the purchase of equipment and analysis of data.
• Collaborate with external partners who are leading the testing of infra-red technologies.
• Collaborate with DFO partners working on a related initiative for the Southern Resident Killer Whale on the west coast.
• Produce reports to detail the ability of different systems to detect right whales, and to provide recommendations for further testing and/or implementation.

Intent of the process

We are seeking a qualified person to fill one (1) temporary 24-month Physical Scientist (underwater acoustics) position.

A pool of qualified or partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions of various tenures within Ocean and Ecosystem Sciences Division, 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

Post-graduate degree from a recognized university in a natural, physical or applied science with specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position.

Degree equivalency

Experience
Experience with passive underwater acoustics;
Experience using statistical software to analyze acoustic data;
Experience programming with Fortran, Matlab, R, Python, Shell, Perl, or SQL;
Experience using, maintaining, and troubleshooting specialized aquatic science field or laboratory equipment;
Experience conducting scientific work in open ocean or coastal waters from a vessel;
Experience developing and providing science-based advice and recommendations to scientists, managers, or stakeholders;
Experience managing scientific projects and teams.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Ability
Ability to communicate effectively orally
Ability to communicate effectively in writing

Personal Suitability
Initiative
Dependability
Effective interpersonal skills

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Willingness and ability to:
- work flexible hours and overtime;
- travel for extended periods of time; and to
- work aboard various platforms including small planes and boats of various sizes.

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.