Mission Planner, Data Acquisition

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

HOW TO APPLY:

When submitting your application to this selection process, you will be prompted to answer screening questions concerning the education and experiences requirements listed in the essential qualifications and asset qualifications section. Please provide clear and concrete examples in your responses to each question. It is recommended that you describe the experience examples in specific terms, providing sufficient details so that the Assessment Board can clearly understand. Describe the situation/task, how, when and where you acquired these experiences by giving examples. Content of your response must be supported by your CV/resume as your responses to these questions will be used as a primary source of information and your CV/resume will only be used to validate this information. Should you indicate in your response "please refer to CV/resume" your application will be rejected. Lack of examples and details may result in your application being rejected as the Assessment Board will have insufficient information to determine if the requirement is met.

Work environment

The Canadian Space Agency, a stimulating environment, is committed to leading the development and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.

Besides being a stimulating environment, the Canadian Space Agency offers several interesting amenities:
- gym (badminton, squash, exercises classes);
- library;
- daycare;
- cafeteria;
- free parking.

We look forward to welcoming you to the team!

DUTIES

Conducts order handling and mission planning for the Data Acquisition and Management Group, including the management of conflicts for spacecraft resources and system constraints, in accordance with established policies and procedures.

As a member of the Order Desk, plans and tracks data acquisitions requested by Government of Canada (GoC) clients, provides Background Mission, disaster watch and hurricane watch planning services, maintains and updates the Order Desk documentation and procedures, answers questions from the worldwide user community, coordinates special data acquisition programs, and ensures that incoming orders comply with Government regulations such as Access Control Regulations, End User License Agreements (EULAs), etc.

Will be On Call in rotation with other planners, 16 hours (occasionally 24 hours) per day, 7 days per week. When on-call, makes real-time decisions to resolve problems affecting mission planning in regards to Satellite anomalies and for responding to requests for urgent or emergency data acquisitions from both the GoC and the International Charter.

Develops and implements long- and short-term plans and procedures for mission planning and order desk system operations including incorporation of spacecraft operations plans, acquisition, processing and archiving plans.

Produces various operational reports on a daily, weekly or monthly basis including reports form / to Canadian and foreign partners, both in other Government Departments and in industry.

Implements new planning strategies, tools, processes and procedures to ensure compliance with data policies, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and international agreements such as the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters.

Participates in mission oriented teams and working group meetings engaged in operation planning activities; consults with national and international partners, GoC clients and end users to ensure that expectations, in regards to mission planning, are met and to take corrective action if shortfalls are found.

Intent of the process

The intent of the process is to create a pool of qualified candidates in order to fill positions in anticipation. This pool could be used to fill similar positions of different temporary and permanent duration.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

EDUCATION:

Graduation with a degree or graduation diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution, with acceptable specialization in physics, geology, chemistry, geography, remote sensing, geomatics, or some other science relevant to the position.

Note:
1. The courses for the specialization must be acceptable and must have been taken at a recognized post-secondary institution, but not necessarily within a degree program in the required specialization.

Candidates with foreign educational credentials are required to provide proof of Canadian equivalency. You may consult The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials at http://www.cicic.ca for further information.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCES :

Experience* in working with computer systems and applications using complex computer programs in an operational environment.

Experience* in dealing with technical and management staff of contractor firms and other parties.

Experience* with manipulating and analyzing geospatial data using geographic information systems (e.g. ArcGIS or QGIS) and relational database (e.g. PostgreSQL/PostGIS).

*Experience is defined as the performance of duties related to the specific criterion for two (2) years approximately.

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

Various language requirements
French or English essential, BBB, CBB, CCB, CBC, CCC.

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:

Knowledge of the needs, benefits and applications of Earth Observation Satellite data.

Knowledge of geographic information systems (e.g. ArcGIS or QGIS) and relational database (e.g. PostgreSQL/PostGIS).

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES:

Ability in making real-time decisions in an operational environment.
Ability to communicate effectively orally.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Effective interpersonal skills.
Client service orientation.
Demonstrating integrity and respect.

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

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

Post-graduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in physics, geology, chemistry, geography or some other discipline relevant to the position.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCES:

Experience in developing and implementing plans related to the operation of space systems.

Experience using programming and scripting languages (e.g. Python, .Net, Java) to develop automated tools for manipulating and analyzing large volumes of data.

Experience in developing operational procedures related to Earth Observation Satellite missions.

KNOWLEDGE:

Knowledge of the planning and scheduling aspects of space and ground segment operations of a space mission.

General knowledge of the design and characteristics of space-based remote sensing instruments.

ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS:

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

Conditions of employment

Secret security clearance

Willing, available and able to travel on request and on short notice.

Willing and available to respond quickly to urgent requests for on-call and on-site participation in decisions regarding: risks to satellites and planning systems, requests for emergency imagery, etc.

Willing, available and able to work irregular hours during events such as satellite launch and major anomalies.

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

By applying to this process, you consent to your personal application-related information being shared with other government departments in the event that they would ask for it, in order to consider your application.

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

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.

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.