Research Scientist

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Assessment accommodation

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Maritimes Region is planning to hire a Research Scientist focused on sustainable management of fisheries on the Scotian Shelf and Gulf of Maine. The primary role for this position is to take a lead role in research to support the provision of science advice related to decision-making and policy development for sustainable fisheries management.

Duties

The successful candidate will be expected to develop an active research program related to fisheries science aligned with the Department’s mandate and program needs. Potential areas of focus include fisheries and fish population modeling, development of approaches to define fishery reference points, and management strategy evaluation of fisheries systems. In addition, the incumbent will be expected to publish research findings, lead and/or participate in science advisory processes to transfer science advice to internal and external management clients, and manage assigned human, financial and material resources (including developing research proposals).

Work environment

DFO Maritimes Science Sector is a science organization that conducts research, modelling, and monitoring to enhance our understanding of aquatic ecosystems and provide advice to support the management of Canadian fisheries and oceans. The Maritimes Science Program has 5 priority areas: populations and ecosystem assessments; safe navigation and emergency response; mitigation of ecosystem stressors; adaptation to a changing environment; and marine spatial planning.

Maritimes Science Branch consists of over 400 staff working from 4 locations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick: the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO), Saint Andrews Biological Stations (SABS), Mactaquac and Coldbrook biodiversity facilities. We are based in the Maritimes Region, but our work is conducted and recognized nationally and internationally.

This position will be located at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO). BIO is a multi-disciplinary, federal government institute with a focus on the science and management of the oceans. It is Canada’s largest centre for multidisciplinary ocean research and houses science groups from DFO, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Scientists at BIO perform targeted research to provide peer-reviewed Science advice and support to government decision making on a broad range of ocean topics.

These topics include sovereignty, safety and security, environmental protection, the health of the oceans, safe and accessible waterways, the sustainable use of natural resources (fisheries, minerals, oil & gas) and integrated oceans management.

Located on the shores of the Bedford Basin in Dartmouth Nova Scotia, BIO has a picturesque campus that is easily accessible for those who commute from either side of Halifax Harbour and beyond, and is also serviced by Metro Transit’s route #51. BIO offers many workplace wellness initiatives (including a range of fitness and recreational activities, a community garden, and walking trails) and is next to Shannon Park's Canada 150 Trail that offers spectacular views of Halifax Harbour.

Intent of the process

Through this hiring process Fisheries and Oceans Canada will be staffing a permanent position located at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, in Dartmouth, NS.

A pool of qualified or partially qualified candidates will be created and may be used to staff similar positions in Maritimes Region, with various tenures.

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)

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

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation with an acceptable doctoral (PhD) degree from a recognized post-secondary institution or employer approved alternatives in a field of the natural sciences with acceptable specialization in quantitative studies related to the position.

Degree equivalency

Experience developing and applying statistical models or simulations for: stock or population assessments, fishery or population dynamics (e.g. Management Strategy Evaluation), or ecosystem structure and function.
Experience in planning and conducting scientific research relevant to the position.
Experience in authoring scientific publications in international peer reviewed journals.
Experience developing and providing science-based advice to scientists, managers, or stakeholders.

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

Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary professionals including academics, non-governmental organizations or stakeholder groups on scientific research projects.
Experience in managing the financial and human resource components of a scientific research project or program.
Experience writing scripts or coding with R, S+, SQL, C++, ADMB, TMB, or other scientific programming environments.
Experience in the presentation of scientific research results at scientific conferences, symposia or meetings.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Ability to communicate effectively orally to technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to communicate effectively in writing to technical and non-technical audiences
Demonstrating integrity and respect
Effective interpersonal skills
Leadership

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Valid Health Canada Medical
Work overtime as required
Willingness to travel nationally and internationally for extended periods of time
Valid Drivers Licence

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.

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.

A variety of assessment tools may be used in the assessment of candidates, such as: written test, oral interview, presentation of a research seminar, work samples, and reference checks. Some assessment tools may be administered electronically, others, in-person.

You must provide proof of your education credentials. If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. The public service will accept any Foreign Educational Credentials as long as they are deemed comparable to Canadian standards, through a recognized credential assessment service. Consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information at http://www.cicic.ca/.

The employer-approved alternative for the SE classification is an acceptable master's or bachelor's degree coupled with acceptable research, training and experience. The degree must be from a recognized post-secondary institution and in scientific fields and specialties related to the duties of the position. The training and experience must clearly demonstrate the ability to do personal research of doctoral degree calibre.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON LINE ONLY. The manager will not accept or respond to resumes sent via e-mail.

All information obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to close of process, may be used to evaluate the candidates.

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.