Join AAFC and be part of a great team of Communications Officers!

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

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has Diversity Networks, dedicated to ensuring that our department continues to grow as an inclusive, respectful and diverse workplace. All employees are welcome to join the Networks and participate in their activities and events.

• Gender and Sexual Diversity Inclusiveness Network
• Indigenous Network Circle
• Persons with Disabilities Network
• Student Panel of Representatives for Orientation, Unity and Training
• Visible Minorities Network
• Women In Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network
• Young Professional’s Network
• Managers’ Community

Work environment

Discover the interesting work we do at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Here’s what you can look forward to if you join the Public Affairs Branch at AAFC:

• Collaborative, respectful and inclusive team environment;
• An organization that values work-life balance and mental health;
• Dynamic leaders who encourage innovation and trying new things;
• Interesting files and content that matter to Canadians;
• An opportunity to work virtually from across the country.

About AAFC
• Our department makes crucial contributions to the Government of Canada’s objectives – the agriculture and agri-food sector contributes to our everyday life by feeding us as well as our economy!
• Our teams of experts in various domains work on domestic and international markets, environmental sustainability, economy and science innovation.
• We are a science-based department with research centers across the country.

If you are interested in joining our team, please apply today!

Intent of the process

The intent is to staff positions across Canada. The immediate intent is to staff IS-03 Communications Officer positions in the following locations:

British Columbia, Saskatchewan and the National Capital Region. Note that work will be performed remotely at this time.

If you do not immediately receive a job offer at AAFC, qualified candidates will also be placed in a talent pool to be used for staffing similar permanent or temporary positions in the future. The skill specialization(s), work location, language profile, and security clearance requirements will vary according to the position being staffed.

In addition to permanent staffing, we will also use this inventory when needing to hire experienced public servants who are interested in temporary opportunities such as acting appointments, assignments, or secondments.

Positions to be filled: 3

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

EDUCATION

A degree from a recognized post-secondary institution or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience may serve as an alternative to the minimum post-secondary education stated.

If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Click on the link below to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE

- Experience in researching and writing a variety of traditional and digital communications products (such as: material for the Web and/or social media, news releases, media lines, backgrounders, feature articles, video scripts and/or storyboards, media analysis, or public opinion research and consultations reports) in a deadline driven environment.

- Experience in contributing to or implementing communication plans or projects.

- Experience in at least two of the following: media relations and/or media monitoring, issues management; social media; publishing; production and design; marketing/advertising; exhibits and displays; strategic communications; public opinion research; special events; internal communications; website design and maintenance; recording and editing of video products.

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

Various language requirements
Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB, CBC/CBC, and English Essential. Non-imperative staffing may be considered to achieve a representative workforce for current or future employment equity or other operational needs.

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE

- Knowledge of the Government of Canada Policy on Communications and Federal Identity.
- Knowledge of current trends in communication techniques (social media, videos, story telling, etc.).

COMPETENCIES

- Demonstrating integrity and respect
- Thinking things through
- Working effectively with others
- Showing initiative and being action-oriented

ABILITIES

- Ability to communicate effectively orally.
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects with tight timelines.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY

- Adaptability
- Attention to detail

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

In addition to the Essential Qualifications, these are other qualifications thatcould be ideal to possess for some positions. You will have the opportunity, in your job application, to identify your specialized depth and proficiency of experience for the below qualifications, as these may be uniquely applicable to certain positions being staffed. Please ensure resume has supplemental details supporting this.

EDUCATION

A degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or political science.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE

- Experience in project management.
- Experience in regional communications (i.e. in a location outside the National Capital Region - Ottawa).
- Experience in implementing outreach activities such as special events.
- Experience in working on a regional or national corporate initiative.
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Experience in liaising with internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience in Media Relations.
- Experience designing and producing various digital communication products.
- Experience in strategic communications.
- Experience in social media.
- Experience in marketing/advertising.
- Experience in storytelling.
- Experience in corporate/internal communications.
- Experience in public opinion research (POR).
- Experience in graphic design and/or publishing.
- Experience in video production.
- Experience planning, developing, and designing website strategies and content.

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada recognizes that the diversity of its employee population contributes to its strength and integrity. We are committed to achieving employment equity and developing a highly capable workforce that is representative of Canadian Society. We encourage women (especially in non-traditional occupations), Indigenous peoples (Aboriginal peoples), persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups to apply and declare themselves as part of one or more of the Employment Equity groups as selection may be limited to candidates belonging to one or more of the groups.

Information on employment equity

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

- The ability and willingness to work overtime or adjust work schedule according to organizational needs on short notice.
- The ability and willingness to travel.

Conditions of employment

Conditions of employment

- Various security clearance requirements: Reliability or Secret
- Valid driver’s license may be required for certain positions.
- Ability to lift at least 10 kilograms may be required for certain positions.

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

ASSESSEMENT INFORMATION

WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT?

⇨ PHASE 1 - Let’s see what you’ve got
Your application process may take approximately 60 minutes, so plan accordingly. We will review and assess your application with a focus on your education and essential experiences. We will also review your skills capacity and depth of experience stated for any asset qualifications that may be relevant for each unique position being filled. If you clearly demonstrate you meet the essential experiences through your application and resume, you’ll move on to Phase 2.

⇨ PHASE 2: Test time
We are going to assess some of your skills and competencies using a written take home evaluation and self-assessment. This will be sent to you by e-mail and can be completed from the comfort of your home or location of choice. You will have an established period of time to complete the evaluation.

⇨ PHASE 3: Meet us
You will meet with our leadership team, in person, or online to further assess your Qualifications and Knowledge capacity. Modern tools will be used for this process such as video interviews or group interviews. Proof of your education credentials will also be required at this stage.

⇨ PHASE 4: Reference Checks and Second Language Evaluations (SLE)
You will be asked to provide contact information for 3 references, including one current supervisor, one former supervisor as well as a former client. We may also contact references other than the ones submitted, in order to make a suitable assessment of you.
You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position.

Essential and asset qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed and will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate and recent examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

Various assessment tools may be used, such as, standardized tests, interviews, references, board member knowledge, etc.

All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

Depending on the number of applicants, volume management strategies such as random or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to those of the working unit.
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed.
- Depth, breadth, type of work-specific experience.
- Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications.

Asset qualifications may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process. Therefore, it is essential that your asset qualifications be demonstrated through your application and resume.

APPLICATION & CORRESPONDENCE INFORMATION

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs.html. If you have issues with the online service, please contact the email referenced below under “Contact Information”.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact the email referenced below under "Contact Information".

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. You are asked to indicate your preferred official language in your application.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is YOUR responsibility to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Your application to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

Do you know someone who also might be interested in this opportunity? Share our job ad!

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.