Marine Mammal Population Modeller - Research Affiliate Program

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

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Some essential 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.

Duties

The Arctic and Aquatic Research Division (AARD) of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is based at the Freshwater Institute in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Division provides information and advice to support the management of Arctic fisheries resources, their habitat and Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and on the Yukon North Slope. Successful management and conservation of these resources depends on acquiring, interpreting and sharing biological information, the processes affecting them and the ecosystem of which they are part.

Challenges of the position:
Conduct critical analysis in stock assessment data/research: specifically, using R, model population changes in abundance in narwhal, beluga and bowhead whale populations over the past 1-4 centuries (depending on historic data) using commercial whaling records and contemporary Inuit harvest information.
Evaluate how ecosystem variables can be incorporated into currently used marine mammal stock assessment methods
Participate in science and peer-review meetings in stock assessments
Defend stock assessment research, internally in DFO and/or externally at meetings/conferences
Analyse and interpret data, and publish results in government reports and peer-reviewed journals.

Work environment

Candidates of the program will work at Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Ontario and Prairie Regional office – the Freshwater Institute, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Candidates will also have contact with members of the Hunters and Trappers Organizations and non-governmental organizations in the presentation of information leading to advice for fisheries managers.

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)

Master of Science Degree (MSc) from a recognized post-secondary institution in the biological sciences.

Currently enrolled or willing to enroll in a PhD program at the University of Manitoba within the Department of Biological Sciences.

Degree equivalency

Experience working in Arctic or remote field settings
Experience using R programming language

In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.

Knowledge of statistics

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

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

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to establishing and maintaining a representative workforce. This organizational need may be identified as part of the appointment decision. In such cases, qualified candidates who self-declare as members of a visible minority group, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities or women (in non-traditional occupations) could be considered in priority.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment, and therefore will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-relevant documents.

Willingness and ability to work outdoors under various weather conditions.
Valid Health Canada Medical (as required by the position)
Maintaining your student status is a condition of employment. Once you have defended your thesis you are no longer eligible for the program.

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

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

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.