Science Advisor

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

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion and is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers. We welcome all applicants and strongly encourage candidates to self-declare if they belong to an Employment Equity designated group (i.e. Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities or Women).

Duties

We are looking for individuals with strong analytical thinking, creative, strategic, research and writing skills to work on planning, leading and developing regional and national strategic advice and recommendations on research, development and technology transfer initiatives that contribute to the identification and implementation of science-related departmental/branch plans and priorities in the Prairie Region. The work consists of preparing and reviewing briefing materials, initiating and maintaining effective networks of expertise within the directorate and providing science advice and recommendations on research, development and technology transfer initiatives implemented in the region and ensuring effective integration of scientific, economic, socio-economic and technological considerations on how science activities are implemented across the directorate. This position reports to the Director General, Prairie Region, Science and Technology Branch.

Intent of the process

Immediate staffing need: 1 full time permanent position.
*Please note that this position could be staffed at any of the following locations:
Lacombe (Alberta), Lethbridge (Alberta), Brandon (Manitoba), Saskatoon (Saskatchewan), Swift Current (Saskatchewan).

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and temporary employment for the locations indicated for this process. Additional locations could also be considered: Calgary (Alberta), Morden (Manitoba) and Winnipeg (Manitoba).

In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, and there is a temporary need, he/she may be considered for acting, deployment, assignment or secondment opportunities.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

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 biological, agricultural environmental, applied or natural science with acceptable specialization* in economics, sociology or statistics.

*For the purpose of this process, the employer has determined that to meet the requirements of the specialization candidates are required to have followed one or two courses in one of the three listed fields. The specialization may also be obtained through an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

IF YOU HAVE FOREIGN CREDENTIALS, please follow the link below for information on how to obtain a degree equivalency. You must obtain an equivalency, at your own expense, in order to be considered for appointment into the public service.

Degree equivalency

Experience conducting analysis of strategic issues and presenting options and recommendations to support senior management decision-making.
Experience developing strategic approaches in a complex environment and providing advice on optimal processes to achieve them.
Experience preparing written reports, presentations or other written briefing material for senior management.
Experience working with tools, techniques or methodologies for analyzing data or information.
Experience managing conflicting priorities across various concurrent responsibilities, and producing results under tight timelines.
Experience working in multidisciplinary teams with diverse reporting relationships.

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

Master’s degree from a recognized post secondary institution in a biological, agricultural or environmental science.

Ph.D from a recognized post secondary institution in a natural, biological, agricultural or environmental science.

Degree equivalency

Experience working with agriculture sector stakeholders including industry, academia, federal government departments/agencies, provincial government departments, and/or national or international organizations.
Experience partnering with other government organizations or private sector.
Experience facilitating strategic sessions involving government and industry stakeholders.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of current issues as they relate to Agriculture.
Knowledge of the key priorities of the Government of Canada.
Knowledge of economic, or sociological or statistical principles, practices, techniques, tools or methods.

Writing skills
Analytical thinking
Judgement
Teamwork
Strategic Thinking
Interactive Communication

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

Knowledge of AAFC priorities, objectives, structure and processes.
Knowledge of external partners and stakeholders including governmental and non-governmental.

Impact and influence

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

Information on employment equity

Preference may be given to AAFC employees affected by workforce adjustment.

Willingness and ability to travel occasionally.
Wllingness and ability to occasionally work overtime on short notice.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

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

ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

Various assessment tools may be used, such as, standardized tests, interviews, references, board member knowledge, etc.

All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

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

Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and weaknesses of the work team.
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed.
- Depth, breadth, type of work-specific experience.
- Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications.

A test may be administered.

An interview may be administered.

Reference checks may be sought.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Asset qualifications may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

APPLICATION & CORRESPONDENCE INFORMATION

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.jobs.gc.ca.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact the email referenced below under "Contact Information".

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.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

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.