Physical Scientist 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

Duties

The employee will be responsible for applying experience, knowledge and skills to support scientific research, operations and data management through the development of customized computer programs in R or Python. The employee will work in a team environment with research scientists, technical staff and managers to improve knowledge and understanding of the ocean environment. The open source software developed by the employee will support programs both within Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and externally through international science and data management initiatives. The employee will be expected to provide thorough documentation of software and to maintain code on repositories to ensure shared development and version control.

Intent of the process

This is an anticipatory pool that may be used to staff temporary or permanent positions with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ecosystems and Oceans Science Sector in Dartmouth, NS or St. Andrews, NB.

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)

Graduation with a degree from a recognized university, with acceptable specialization in physics, mathematics, engineering, geomatics, scientific programming or some other science relevant to the position

Degree equivalency

Experience in computer programming or scripting languages for scientific or data stewardship related purposes
Experience programming with R or Python*
Experience writing scientific or technical reports, publications, documentation

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of R or Python**
Knowledge of the key principles of software design
Knowledge of best practices for code management

Ability to provide advice and recommendations to clients or managers
Ability to analyse and interpret scientific computer programs
Ability to communicate orally
Ability to communicate effectively in writing

Judgement
Dependability
Effective Interpersonal Skills

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

Graduation with a M.Sc. or Ph.D. from a recognized university, with acceptable specialization in physics, mathematics, engineering, geomatics, scientific programming or some other science relevant to the position

Degree equivalency

Experience working in a field of marine science
Experience in the development of scientific data-driven products such as data reports, graphs, maps
Experience providing scientific data management support
Experience programming with Python and the Django framework
Experience programming with SQL and relational database design
Experience in the design, and implementation of geodatabases using Oracle Spatial or ArcSDE
Experience with the use of Linux/Unix based operating systems and associated scripting languages (e.g. awk, sed, bash)

Knowledge of methods and procedures for processing and applying quality control for scientific data
Knowledge of the basic principles and methods of statistical analysis
Knowledge of SQL, relational database design and implementation

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

For some positions:
A valid Health Canada medical (Scientific Field Personnel)
Willingness and ability to work flexible hours and overtime
Work at sea on research vessels for up to 12 weeks per year as required
Valid driver’s license

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.

Depending on the position being staffed, any of the qualifications listed under the 'may be needed for the job' section 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.


*Candidate will be required to have significant work experience in either of these programming languages. It will not be sufficient to have used R or Python for university or college course work.
**Candidate will be expected to have a broad scope of knowledge in one of these programming languages. It will not be sufficient to simply have used these software tools.

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.