Research Assistant - National Hydrological Services - 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

Duties

The selected student will have the opportunity to be a member of a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team to support the Water Survey of Canada (WSC) in the advancement of national hydrometric monitoring. The specific research focus could include topics such as:
• expanding the knowledge of ice signs and effects on river discharge, including the role of local weather conditions;
• exploring and assessing alternative winter data computation methods;
• investigating the effectiveness and reproducibility of new or alternative methods to produce winter discharge records.

Depending on level of education and experience, the duties of the student may include:
• reviews of scientific literature;
• quantitative research;
• preparing and analyzing data;
• coordinating with research partners;
• writing and refining methods, techniques and procedures;
• writing summary reports for managers;
• presenting results to a wide variety of audiences.

Work environment

The Water Survey of Canada (WSC) is a part Environment and Climate Change Canada that is responsible for the collection, interpretation, and dissemination of standardized water resource data and information in Canada. WSC provides water resource managers across the country with critical hydrometric information required for flood forecasting and management, dam and reservoir operations, water and wastewater treatment, various economic and social activities, ecological conservation, and academia, among others. The student will also have the unique opportunity to participate in collaborative efforts between academia and other levels of government.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

A list of the courses you have taken as well as any courses that you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year

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

EDUCATION
• Must be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program in hydrological or hydraulic sciences or engineering, Environmental science or engineering, or other related disciplines in a Canadian University.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE
• Experience analyzing hydrometric and/or meteorological datasets.
• Experience performing literature reviews.
• Experience with MS Office suite of tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook.

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

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience with programming using scientific tools such as R, Python or MatLab scripting.
• Experience in statistical analysis of environmental data

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

English or French

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE
• A good understanding of hydrologic and/or hydraulic principles of open channel flow and ice processes.

ABILITIES
• Ability to communicate through reports, papers, and presentations to a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Ability to work independently or in teams

PERSONAL SUITABILITIES
• Initiative
• Collaborative (Team Work)

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

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 targeted groups when you apply.

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

A random and/or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

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.

For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via email for screening and assessment purposes. This will include communication of screening results and invitations to written tests and interviews. To that end, candidates must include a valid email address in their application. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that this address is functional and that it accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email). It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure accurate information is provided and updated as required.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

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