Regional Director General | Assistant Commissioner

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 Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is responsible, within the assigned Region, for: the cost effective planning and management of the delivery of the Department’s programs and services related to the understanding of the aquatic and marine environments and the sustained economic utilization of renewable and non-renewable resources in a safe and environmentally sound manner; the negotiation, in accordance with the Crown’s fiduciary responsibilities, of agreements and frameworks with the Region's aboriginal groups related to aboriginal fishing arrangements, habitat restoration and research and enhancement activities.

Western Region is Coast Guard’s far-flung team, ranging from the Ontario border to the Pacific coast, and from Washington to Alaska. It has real estate in Bases, Stations and facilities from Lake Winnipeg to Victoria, and up the coast to Prince Rupert. Its 1300+ employees are an eclectic group of mariners, sea-farers, engineers, technicians, specialists and administrators who save lives, often by risking theirs, most every day of the calendar year.

The Region’s programs serve as the foundation to support Canada’s economic growth and guarding the fins, fur and feathers of the maritime environment. We manage the complex waters in the approaches to the highest volume ports in Canada. Vancouver alone handles more tonnage than all other Canadian ports combined. We deal with supertankers and paddle-boarders, manage pollution events in the birthplace of environmentalism, and strive to work in partnership with First Nations communities 365 days a year.

The Government of Canada is committed to a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard is working to modernize and strengthen its structures in order to support Indigenous capacity building.

This is an exciting time to lead a region within Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard.

Work environment

Testimony of Jacqueline Perry, Departing Regional Director General: "As Regional Director General of the Newfoundland and Labrador Region I’ve had the opportunity to work in one of the most dynamic and operational Departments in the federal government. For a leader seeking a position with tangible and meaningful outcomes, I can say that the work we do here matters and contributes to making this province a better place to live. Because our work touches on so many aspects of life in Newfoundland and Labrador, we routinely experience the close scrutiny of stakeholders, the public, the media and politicians. The decisions I made and the work our team does have real impact on communities, on economies, and on ocean industries from fishing to oil and gas. The position also offers an opportunity to work with a diverse and dedicated team that includes scientists, fishery officers, fisheries managers, policy analysts, economists, program officers, and administrative personnel, among others. One of the key aspects of my work as RDG was being a link between the Region and Headquarters, helping give context to both, and to ensure understanding and mutual support. For someone with an interest in collaboration and negotiation there is no better position."

Testimony of Roger Girouard, Departing Assistant Commissioner: " I think the Western Assistant Commissioner's job may be amongst the best in the organization: you get to lead amazing people who are devoted to the mission. The AC Western is surrounded by the best support you can ask for: those folks who hold the organization together and make everything run are as committed as they come, and it’s an honour to be their boss – all you have to do is point the way and get them the tools they need to do the job. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’d like to be a part of building Canada, and serve the paradise they call British Columbia, this is the place to be. "

Intent of the process

The intent of the process is to staff:
-Regional Director General, Ontario and Prairie Region located in Sarnia, Ontario or Burlington, Ontario, or Edmonton, Alberta or Winnipeg, Manitoba
-Regional Director General, Quebec Region located in Quebec, Quebec
-Regional Director General, Newfoundland and Labrador Region located in St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
-Assistant Commissioner, Western Region located in Victoria, British Columbia

The successful candidate will have to perform the duties of the position from the respective regional office. This process could be used to staff similar positions in other regions.

Positions to be filled: 4

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

EDUCATION:
- Graduation with a degree* from a recognized post-secondary institution.

For the Assistant Commissioner position we would also consider a:
- Marine Certificate of Competency issued by the Canadian Coast Guard or Transport Canada Marine Safety or equivalent.
OR
- Minor War vessel or Surface Ship Command Qualification as a Regular Force Officer or Class A, Class B or Class C Reservist in the Royal Canadian Navy.

*The term “degree” refers to a baccalaureate as established by educational authorities.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:
- Significant* experience in the management of large and complex** projects, programs or services.
- Experience in providing strategic advice, recommendations and briefings to senior management (Assistant Deputy Minister, equivalent or above) on complex** policy or program issues.
- Experience in establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships and conducting complex** negotiations with a variety of internal and external stakeholders such as, federal government departments and agencies, other levels of government or Indigenous communities.
- Significant* experience in managing human and financial resources.

*Significant experience is understood to mean the depth and breadth of the experience normally acquired by performing a broad range of various, complex related activities over a minimum period of 2 years at the executive (EX) level.

**Complex issues are issues with at least three of the following characteristics: multidimensional (international), sensitive, confidential, affecting many partners or stakeholders, precedent setting, having major repercussions on program delivery to the public service or public, or having a potential for significant media coverage.

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

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS:

EXPERIENCE
- Experience working in a decentralized environment.
- Experience in leading significant change or transformation initiatives.
- Extensive experience in managing the delivery of a marine-related program.
- Experience in managing major crisis and emergency situations.

KNOWLEDGE
- Knowledge of Canadian Coast Guard programs and services that support the national marine transportation system as well as other marine industries and activities.

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

Various language requirements
Official Language Proficiency:
Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC (for the positions located in Ontario and Prairies Region, Quebec Region and Western Region)

Bilingual non-imperative (for the position located in Newfoundland and Labrador Region)

Information on language requirements

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
-Create vision and strategy
-Mobilize people
-Uphold integrity and respect
-Collaborate with partners and stakeholders
-Promote innovation and guide change
-Achieve results

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

ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS:
DFO recognizes that the diversity of its employee population contributes to its strength and integrity. Selection may be limited to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, visible minorities, and Women.

Conditions of employment

Secret security clearance - Agreement to being deployed upon appointment or deployment to any position in the EX Group.

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

We can’t wait to read your application! Candidates who best meet the education and experience criteria will be invited to the next stage of assessment.

Please note that shortlisting may be applied at any stage of the assessment process. The purpose of shortlisting is to identify candidates who best meet the merit criteria for the position to be staffed and to reduce the number of candidates who will move on to the next step of the recruitment process.

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.