Research Assistant - 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. Failure to do so could result in your application being rejected.

When submitting an application to this selection process, you will be prompted to answer screening questions concerning the essential education and experience qualifications. When answering these questions, please provide detailed, concrete examples that clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirement. Failure to clearly substantiate how you meet the screening criteria may result in the rejection of your application. Candidates will not be solicited for incomplete or possible missing information.

Duties

The applicant may be required to assist with the field work including fish monitoring and sampling in Arctic and sub Arctic environments and working in Northern communities. Challenges may be found in doing fish monitoring and sampling work out of remote locations, using field equipment and navigating language and cultural differences in the Canadian North.

Work environment

The candidate will mainly work out of the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba and the Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Winnipeg. The student will interact closely with a research team (including academic co-advisor) from the Arctic and Aquatic Research Division, Freshwater Institute (FWI), Winnipeg, Manitoba.

University of Manitoba (U of M) is Manitoba's only research-intensive university, and one of the country’s top research institutions. U of M Department of Biological Sciences goal is to promote world-class research in areas that are central to biology now and into the future. Faculty interests are currently identified in and among three broad areas: Cellular and Developmental Biology, Biodiversity, Ecological and Environmental Biology, Physiology. The department focuses on the integration of research and teaching expertise to create opportunities for growth and novel synergisms in the training of future leaders in the field. Fisheries research at the department focuses on the analysis of data gathered during the prosecution of commercial fisheries to make inferences regarding fleet dynamics and the biology of fish.

FWI is the main center for Arctic research within Fisheries and Oceans with a science program that focusses on providing advice on fish stock assessment and management of fisheries, and conservation and protection of freshwater and arctic aquatic species and their habitats.

This candidate will execute fisheries data analysis and stock assessment modelling of commercial and subsistence fisheries in the Northwest Territories. These modelling results may be used for the calculation of limit reference points, providing advice to the fisheries management and for regional advisory process.

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)

Currently enrolled or willing to enroll in a M.Sc. program in a field of study related to fish stock assessment and modelling at the University of Manitoba, Department of Biological Sciences.

Possess a Bachelor of Science majoring in Environmental Science or Biology.

Degree equivalency

Experience with ecological and biological lab techniques
Experience collecting, tabulating, analyzing or reporting scientific information
Experience in statistical analysis and programming with R
Experience with field work in environmental and biological sciences
Experience creating and implementing research projects related to biological or ecological sciences.

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

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

Experience in population modelling.
Experience working with communities and stakeholders.
Experience operating boats and similar equipment (snowmobiles, ATVs, etc.).

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

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of Canadian freshwater fish species and ecosystems.

Teamwork
Organized
Independent

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

In support of achieving a diversified workforce, consideration may be given to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups: Women, Aboriginal peoples, Persons with disabilities, Visible Minorities

Conditions of employment

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

Valid Health Canada medical may be required as necessary to suit the needs of the position (For example, if fieldwork is required).
Willing to obtain valid Driver’s license.
Willing to obtain Wilderness First Aid certification
Willing to obtain Firearms Possession and Acquisition License
Maintaining your student status is a condition of employment. Once you have defended your thesis you are no longer eligible for the program.
Willingness to travel and work from remote areas for up to a month at a time.
Willingness to work on evenings and weekends on occasion.
Willingness & ability to travel (may include small aircraft and boats).

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 must be submitted online through www.jobs.gc.ca. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted.

Successful completion of both a RAP work assignment and your educational program may lead to a temporary or permanent federal public service position for which you meet the merit criteria and conditions of employment.

An alternative format (such as Braille) of this notice and Statement of Merit Criteria are available upon request.

Candidates invited to attend an interview will be required to bring proof of their education credentials, in the form of a diploma or official transcript (original documents only).

Candidates with foreign credentials must provide proof of Canadian equivalency. Consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information at http://www.cicic.ca/indexe.stm.

Candidates will be communicated with via e-mail. In your application, please include the e-mail address that you wish to use for communication purposes throughout this recruitment initiative. It is your responsibility to verify your e-mail account on a regular basis.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

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