Forest Carbon Research Scientist - Soils

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Work environment

The Northern Forestry Centre is a leading forest science research facility recognized for its expertise in fire, climate change, and restoration and more generally in the ecology and productivity of forest ecosystems. Our team is comprised of a vibrant group of scientific researchers, policy analysts and administrative staff in a creative and stimulating work environment. The research centre is located in Edmonton, Alberta with easy access to field study opportunities in boreal and mountain forest regions.

Challenge

Working with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, technicians, and analysts as well as with decision makers in different areas of the country, you will carry out research on regional, national and international issues important to policy development, management of forests, and GHGs as they pertain to soils and dead organic matter.

The successful candidate will plan, develop and conduct a research program on forest soils in Canada, designed to fit within national forestry research priorities. The detailed components of such a program would be subject to internal review, and depend upon opportunities for collaboration with other researchers, both within CFS and in other research centers, including academia, industry and other government agencies. Specific research areas could include but are not limited to:

• Impacts of climate change on the role of Canada’s forests as a carbon sink, and the potential to develop alternative management strategies to reduce negative impacts and enhance carbon benefits in mitigating Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions
• Contributing to the design, implementation and validation of evidence-based computer models to reduce uncertainty in C stock and stock change estimation by increasing accuracy of modelled dead organic matter and soil pools
• Contributing to the development, application and maintenance of dead organic matter and soil carbon accounting modules for Canada’s National Forest Carbon Monitoring, Accounting and Reporting System and its application to meeting Canada’s international reporting requirements.
• Impacts of natural and anthropogenic disturbances of forest soil carbon dynamics including peatlands and permafrost

Intent of the process

A pool of fully or partially qualified candidates may be established through this process to staff identical or similar positions at Natural Resources Canada with various tenures, various linguistic requirements, various security requirements, various conditions of employment and for various locations.

The current need is to staff one (1) English essential position in Edmonton, Alberta.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 2,500 words (maximum) "Candidates must submit a cover letter which clearly demonstrates how they meet each of the screening criteria (i.e. essential education and experience qualifications). For the experience criteria, 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. The candidate must provide concrete examples to demonstrate that the qualification is met. In addition, the candidate is encouraged to describe in detail when, where and how he/she gained the experience."

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

EDUCATION:
Graduation with an acceptable doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field of the natural or physical sciences.

Productivity or Recognition refers to achievement in the form of authorship and editorship of published manuscripts, books, papers, or other communications resulting from research, experimental development, or tasking associated with operational equipment and problems.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:
- Experience in designing and leading research studies including field-based campaigns.
- Experience in the design, development, and testing of computer simulation models that simulate forest carbon cycles, forest stand dynamics and forest disturbances.
- Experience in designing, conducting and leading scientific research in forest dead organic matter and soil carbon accounting and modeling.
- Experience writing scientific papers.
- Experience supervising professional or technical staff.

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

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS - EXPERIENCE:
- Experience in developing successful research funding proposals.

- Experience with the CBM-CFS3 model and Canada’s National Forest Carbon Monitoring Accounting and Reporting System.

- Experience working in peatland or permafrost environments.

- Experience with spatial data analysis.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- National and International travel is required.
- Field work.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:
- Knowledge of issues, policies, and processes relating to forest carbon in Canada
- Knowledge of climate change impacts on forests
- Knowledge of natural disturbances (e.g., fire activity, insects. droughts) and their effects on Canadian forests
- Knowledge of the management of forests in Canada including approaches for adapting forests and forest management to climate change, and use of forests for climate change mitigation.

ABILITIES:
- Ability to prepare research proposals.
- Ability to work in a team.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY
- Leadership
- Vision and strategic thinking
- Effective interpersonal relationships
- Adaptability
- Judgement

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

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

Information on employment equity

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Medical clearance for field work.
- Valid Alberta 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

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.