Oceanographic Laboratory Technician - ANTICIPATORY

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

As a member of a multidisciplinary research team, the incumbent will serve as technician-in-charge of assigned field or laboratory scientific components. Provide technical, logistical and analytical support for projects and studies designed to improve our knowledge of physical, chemical and/or biological processes, water circulation and exchange processes. This will involve collecting, processing, operating and maintaining instrumentation and equipment, validating and analyzing field/laboratory or survey samples/data, providing technical support and advice, and assisting in the analysis of results for inclusion in project reports and scientific manuscripts.

Intent of the process

The intent of this process is to create a pool of qualified candidates to staff oceanographic laboratory technician positions at the Institute of Ocean Sciences in Sidney, B.C.

Essential Education and Experience qualifications listed below will be assessed and used for screening purposes through your online application. Candidates are required to clearly demonstrate how they meet the Essential Education and Experience qualifications by providing additional information as part of their application through the screening questions. Both Essential and Asset Experience qualifications and knowledge could be assessed during a written exam or interview process.

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)

Completion of a post-secondary program in chemistry, environmental sciences, oceanography, or other related science; or an acceptable combination of education in science plus experience in chemical sampling and analysis.

Degree equivalency

• Experience working at sea or in an isolated remote location conducting science-based activities in a variety of environmental conditions for contiguous periods of five days or greater.
• Experience planning fieldwork, including preparing required equipment and materials, packing equipment and supplies for shipment, and provisioning for troubleshooting by users of equipment in remote locations.
• Experience in the use of computer software for the analysis and collection of scientific data, quality assurance, management, and data interpretation, including the preparation of graphical output and reports publication.
• Experience operating/maintaining a variety of sophisticated, automated, chemical analysis instrumentation used in oceanography or limnology. Examples include: carbonate system analysis (e.g., VINDTA, SOMMA, potentiometric titrators); other common instrumentation, such as elemental analyzers, FIA or segmented flow (nutrient) analyzers, automated titrators, salinometers, mass spectrometers, gas chromatographs, as well as standard common chemical laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meters, clean water production systems etc.
• Experience preparing reagents and documentation.
• Experience working alone and with a team to develop laboratory-related quality assurance protocols.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

• Knowledge of techniques, methodologies, and equipment used for the collection and analysis of oceanographic samples
• Basic knowledge of programming languages and/or software tools used for data manipulation and presentation (e.g., python, R, Matlab, Excel, etc.)
• Knowledge of safe work procedures in the laboratory and at sea
• Knowledge of standard methods and techniques to evaluate and maintain quality assurance/quality control including basic statistics and good laboratory practices

• Ability to manage multiple tasks with multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to effectively communicate orally
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing
• Ability to work effectively under physically and mentally demanding conditions

• Demonstrating integrity and respect
• Thinking things through: Sound judgement – safety conscious and fiscally responsible
• Working effectively with others: Able to get along with co-workers and ship crew; Flexibility
• Showing initiative and being action-oriented: Able to work independently at sea, in the lab and in isolated environments with little or no supervision; Creative thinking

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

B.Sc. Degree in a field relevant to the position.

Degree equivalency

• Experience in oceanographic sample collection and analysis, including samples taken with CTD units.
• Experience beyond that gained in course work in a laboratory environment that conducts environmental, fisheries or oceanographic research.

• Knowledge of chemical instrumentation and methodological verification
• Knowledge of research on the biological effects of contaminants on fish or marine mammals
• Knowledge of science issues related to the conservation or management of aquatic species
• Knowledge of deployment, maintenance, and validation of in-situ chemical sensors in seawater environments
• Knowledge of operating instruments used in the analysis of the ocean carbon system, such as SOMMA or VINDTA dissolved inorganic carbon analysers, DOC analysers, in-situ pCO2 and pH sensors, and/or gas chromatographs
• Knowledge of Autoanalyzers for nutrient analysis

Operational Requirements
• Possession of a valid drivers’ licence (British Columbia class 5 or equivalent)
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods training
• WHMIS certification

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

• Willing and able to work on weekends, holidays, overtime, and non-traditional hours
• Willing and able to work with hazardous chemicals and samples
• Willing and able to work in the field, including at sea in possibly adverse weather conditions for up to 16 weeks per year for contiguous periods from several days to several weeks
• Medical clearance to work at sea for continuous periods of up to six weeks
• Willing and able to lift loads of up to 20Kg

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.