Fishery Officer Trainee

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

Nunavut positions: Nunavut Inuit (beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement) will be considered ahead of other applicants (including persons with priority entitlement and Veterans).

If you qualified in a Fishery Officer Trainee process in the past but were not selected for a position, you can choose to remain in the pool of candidates if your education and experiences haven’t changed. For those who wish to inform us of new education and experiences obtained, we invite you to re-apply to this selection process and identify these updates so it may increase your chances of being selected. It may be possible that you will not be required to complete subsequent assessments. Each situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Only online applications are accepted and must be submitted through the Public Service Resourcing System (PSRS). Candidates located in Nunavut only: If you have a question, or, if you are unable to submit an application online, it can either be dropped off in-person or emailed to the Conservation and Protection Office at:

630 Mivvik Street
Iqaluit NU X0A 0H0

Duties

Fishery Officers enforce laws and regulations aimed to protect our fisheries and oceans. We participate in public education and awareness programs to develop a greater understanding of our fishery resources and how to protect habitats, and you will find us on our three oceans, rivers and streams patrolling and monitoring the public’s activities.

If you are passionate about the outdoors, and care about the environment, then this opportunity might be for you!

►IS THIS A CAREER FOR ME? Before you apply, we invite you to visit the following link and to complete a self-assessment questionnaire: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/career-carriere/enf-loi/career-quest-carriere-eng.htm

Work environment

►TRAINING ENVIRONMENT:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) recruits and develops candidates to become Fishery Officers. Successful candidates are initially recruited as Cadets and progress from GT-02 to the GT-04 group and level (Classification currently under revision) contingent upon successful classroom and field training. Training is for a duration of approximately 34 months (Training period currently under revision) through the departmental Fishery Officer Career Progression Program (FOCPP).

For more information about the FOCPP, please visit http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/career-carriere/enf-loi/training-formation-eng.htm

Intent of the process

The intent of this process is to staff full time indeterminate positions in the following areas within the six Fisheries and Oceans Canada regions:

- Newfoundland & Labrador*: All areas within the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador;
- Maritimes : All Areas along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia including the Bay of Fundy and the south coast of New Brunswick;
- Gulf: All areas of Prince Edward Island, along the east coast of New Brunswick and the northern coast of Nova Scotia;
- Quebec*: All areas within the Province of Quebec;
- Central & Arctic*: Only Manitoba (Winnipeg), Alberta (Edmonton), and Nunavut Territory (Iqaluit), and;
- Pacific*: All areas with the Province of British Columbia and Yukon Territory.

* Important financial information for isolated locations.:
• Successful candidates may be eligible for staff housing and the reimbursement of relocation costs.
• Isolated Post Allowances (Northern Allowance) range from $19,000 to $31,000, which is based on if the employee has dependents or is occupying staff housing.
• Vacation Travel Assistance is provided up to twice a year for each eligible member of the household.

At this time, the exact number of positions to be filled per region/location is uncertain. The positions to be staffed have various linguistic requirements such as Bilingual Imperative, French Essential and English Essential.

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)

Candidates must meet all of the essential qualifications noted in the Statement of Merit Criteria to be appointed to a position. Application from individuals who are working toward meeting essential education requirements (not yet completed) can be considered if the need is required for more applicants. Candidates must have graduated by the summer of 2021.

►EDUCATION:
• Successful completion of:
- Two years of post-secondary education; or
- A post-secondary accelerated education program*; or
- A secondary school diploma with at least 12 months of experience in a related field of work** (having more than 12 months of experience could be considered as an asset).

* Accelerated education program:
Is a program which is delivered continuously and is equivalent to the same number of hours of education that a 2 year period attending college or university would add up to.

** Experience in a related field of work:
- Renewable/Natural Resources and Habitat Management: Experience in activities pertaining to: Water Management, Forest Management, Wildlife Management, Fisheries Management, Habitat Management, Eco Systems Management and Environment Protection.
- Enforcement: Experience in enforcing legislation or by-laws (laying of tickets and/or charges, attending court) with a law enforcement organization or a security agency.
- Outdoor Field Services: Field experience in providing outdoor commercial services to fishers, hunters or eco-tourists, e.g. guiding services.
- Fishing Industry: Experience in commercial, aboriginal, aquaculture, Dockside/at sea monitor, or in a related field. (Does not include recreational fishing for personal use).

Degree equivalency

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

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS:

Asset Qualifications are those not essential to perform the work, but that would benefit the organization or enhance the work to be performed currently or in the future. Depending on the number of applicants, asset qualifications may be used in any way or at any time during the screening process to manage the candidate pool. It is in your best interest to outline how you meet any of the asset qualifications.

►EDUCATION:
• Successful completion of:
- Two years of post-secondary education in a related field*;
- A post-secondary accelerated education program in a related field*.
- Post-secondary education in a related field* and at least 4 months of experience in a related field of work** (having more than 4 months of experience could be considered as an asset).

* Post-secondary education in a related field:
Law or by-law Enforcement / Police Science / Criminology / Law & Security / Fisheries / Aquaculture / Wildlife / Forestry / Natural Resources / Resource Management / Renewable Resources / Ecosystem Management / Marine Environmental / Environmental Science / Indigenous Studies / Biology / Agriculture / Geography.

** Experience in a related field of work:
- Renewable/Natural Resources and Habitat Management: Experience in activities pertaining to: Water Management, Forest Management, Wildlife Management, Fisheries Management, Habitat Management, Eco Systems Management and Environment Protection.
- Enforcement: Experience in enforcing legislation or by-laws (laying of tickets and/or charges, attending court) with a law enforcement organization or a security agency.
- Outdoor Field Services: Field experience in providing outdoor commercial services to fishers, hunters or eco-tourists, e.g. guiding services.
- Fishing Industry: Experience in commercial, aboriginal, aquaculture, Dockside/at sea monitor, or in a related field. (Does not include recreational fishing for personal use).

Degree equivalency

►EXPERIENCE:
• A minimum of 4 month work experience in a related field**.
• Education, training and/or experience in financial accounting or auditing.
• Education, training and/or experience in intelligence gathering and/or analysis.
• Any marine certification that exceeds the Pleasure Craft Operators Course.
• Experience in living and/or working in a remote, and/or Indigenous community.
• Experience in operating a motorized water craft/vessel.
• Experience in working at sea or on the Great Lakes.
• Experience and/or certification as Instructor.
• Experience in working with community based organizations or volunteer groups and/or developing partnerships.
• Experience in carrying out major criminal investigations and/or prosecutions.
• Experience in performing covert surveillance operations.
• Experience or training in Information Systems Technology.

►OTHER LANGUAGES:
• Proficiency in any Canadian Indigenous Languages.
• Proficiency in certain languages other than English and French.

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

Various language requirements
Newfoundland & Labrador, Maritimes, Gulf, Central & Arctic and Pacific Regions: English Essential, Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB
Québec Region: French Essential, Bilingual Imperative BAB/BAB

Information on language requirements

►KNOWLEDGE:
• Knowledge of the mandate, key legislation and legal process which guides Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Conservation and Protection program.

►ABILITIES:
• Ability to effectively solve problems and propose solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Ability to give clear directions and set limits (Direct Communication).
• Ability to seek information in investigating problems or situations (Information seeking).
• Ability to listen, understand and respond effectively when interacting with individuals and groups (Listening, understanding and responding).

►PERSONAL SUITABILITY:
• Adaptability
• Result Orientation
• Self-confidence
• Self-control
• Team work and cooperation
• Dependability
• Interest in Fishery Officer duties

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

Secret security clearance

Requirements that a person must meet or comply with for as long as they occupy the position:
• Agreement to being deployed anywhere in Canada to perform any types of enforcement activities including (but not limited to) inland, coastal and offshore patrols (including air patrols), and/or forensic investigations and/or special operations.
• Agreement to be assigned anywhere in Canada for up to 3 weeks at a time to perform any types of enforcement activities, including (but not limited to) inland, coastal and offshore patrols (including air patrols), and/or forensic investigations and/or special operations.
• Meet medical and psychological suitability standards.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license (emergency vehicle class where required)
• A current standard First Aid Certificate and a CPR Certificate.
• Carry and use firearms and other restricted and prohibited weapons.
• Meet the DFO use of force proficiency standards.
• Wear a uniform and required protective clothing.
• Work and/or travel at sea or by air and in a variety of terrains and degrees of isolation for various periods of time in all weather conditions.
• Candidates must successfully complete the Physical Ability Requirement Evaluation Certificate (PARE).
• Candidates must be comfortable working/training on, in or near water. Candidates will be participating in training exercises that will require having their head/face immersed underwater.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime on short notice
• Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekend shifts, and holidays.
• For some positions, the following will be required: Reside within a 1 hour commuting distance (by road vehicle) from your headquarters.

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

Candidates must meet all of the essential qualifications noted in the Statement of Merit Criteria to be appointed to a position. Depending on the number of applicants and the human resources needs and/or plans, volume management strategies may be used for the purpose of managing applications to determine the candidates who will continue in the next steps of the selection process. Such volume management strategies might include: screening of applications based on the asset qualifications, random selection, top-down approach, establishment of cut-off scores, etc. Pass marks will be established for each qualification, however, achieving the pass mark is not a guarantee of an appointment or that candidates will be put through the next stages of the assessment process.

All information obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to the conclusion of the process, may be used for evaluation purposes.

The interviews will take place virtually and/or in person.

A Written Communication Test will be administered.

Reference checks will be sought.

A knowledge exam to test applicants understanding of knowledge of the mandate, key legislation and legal process which guides the Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Conservation and Protection program will be administered.

The intention is to communicate with candidates via email. CANDIDATES MUST INCLUDE AN EMAIL ADDRESS THAT ACCEPTS EMAIL FROM UNKNOWN USERS. If you change your email address during the process, it is your responsibility to inform us. Candidates MUST check their email accounts frequently as there may be a deadline for responses.

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.

Candidates cannot change regions after they accept a classroom training position with a region. Should a candidate refuse his/her initial offer of permanent appointment, there will be no further offers.

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.