Environmental Specialist – Various Streams Anticipatory

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

Health Canada is committed to increasing representation of Black employees and other racialized groups, Indigenous People, women and persons with disabilities. Health Canada would like its workforce to be reflective of the population it serves. Therefore, we encourage candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a member of one of these groups.

Give yourself the best chance to succeed! As the objective of this process is to assess qualifications needed for the position(s) to be staffed, let us know if you have a functional limitation/ disability, which may affect your performance. For example, contact us if you need assistance in completing and submitting your application. Should you then proceed to the next assessment stage, such as an exam or interview, we will send you an e-mail with additional information on the assessment format so that you can determine if you may require an accommodation (such as a different test format, an adaptive technology, or additional time). Assessment accommodations are designed to remove the obstacles without altering the criteria being assessed so candidates with functional limitations can fully demonstrate their abilities.

You may also review jobs open to the public through INFOTEL at 1-800-645-5605. The INFOTEL number for persons using a TTY/TDD is 1-800-532-9397.

Health Canada welcomes applications from Veterans. We recognize your contribution to Canadians and would like to offer you the opportunity to continue your career in an environment where multi-talented employees with diverse skills are appreciated and supported.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Health Canada and the Public Health Agency are dedicated to building an inclusive workforce that comprises individuals who have an array of identities, abilities, background, culture, skills, perspectives, and experiences that are representative of Canada’s current and evolving population. We are passionate about fostering a workplace where all people feel welcome, can reach their full potential, and contribute their unique perspectives and experience to the success of the team.

BRING YOUR WHOLE SELF TO WORK
We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex (including gender identity and/or expression), national origin, sexual orientation, civil union or relationship status, disability, age, parental status, military service, or other status protected under federal law.

You must clearly identify which stream(s) you are applying for in your application. Note that you may apply for as many streams as you wish.

Stream 1: Impact Assessment Specialist
Stream 2: Health Risk Assessment Specialist (contaminated sites)
Stream 3: Air Quality and Health Specialist

Candidates must clearly demonstrate in the screening questionnaire how they meet the education and experience criteria listed in the essential qualifications and asset qualifications, if applicable. You must provide concrete examples that clearly illustrate how you meet the requirements by respecting the maximum number of words provided for this purpose. Candidates are encouraged to fully outline both the breadth and depth of any experience provided, and to highlight any substantive outcomes if applicable. Resumes may be used as a secondary source to validate the qualifications described;
comments such as "refer to my attached resume" will not be accepted and may result in your application being rejected.

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be considered for the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and asset qualifications will be assessed through your application.

Duties

Duties:

WHAT TO EXPECT
Health Canada is seeking individuals with a background in environmental health and project management and communication skills. The ideal candidate enjoys working within a team environment. You will work as part of a national team and coordinate with other teams across the country.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
You will be providing expert health advice related to contaminated sites, or environmental impact assessments, or air quality.

JOB DUTIES TO EXPECT IN EACH STREAM

Stream One: Impact Assessment Specialist

Job Duty 1: Ensure that impact assessment health advice is delivered to Responsible Authorities, in accordance with Departmental policies and within legislated timelines.

Job Duty 2: Impact assessment health advice, guidance or training, is provided to internal and external partners to enhance program delivery.

Stream Two: Health Risk Assessment Specialist

Job Duty 1: Support the consideration of human health in the management of Federal Contaminated Sites under the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) by providing timely expert support/advice to custodial departments in accordance with Departmental guidelines and policies.

Job Duty 2: Develop and maintain working relationships with regional counterparts, key stakeholders and their departments to identify, develop and reinforce knowledge sharing, identification of issues and data gaps and opportunities for collaboration.

Stream Three: Air Quality and Health Specialist

Job Duty 1: Assist in the development, implementation and support of the mandate of the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda/Air Program.

Job Duty 2: Provide environmental health advice, guidance, support and/or training to management, partners, clients and the public in accordance with Departmental guidelines.

Work environment

ABOUT HEALTH CANADA

Health Canada is the Federal Department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health, while respecting individual choices and circumstances.

Intent of the process

Intent of the process:

Anticipatory process for a position in Vancouver (BC), Edmonton (AB), Winnipeg (MB), Toronto
and Ottawa (ON), Longueuil (QC), Halifax (Nova Scotia). A pool of qualified candidates (fully assessed or partially assessed) will be established and may be used to staff similar positions in this group and level. This process may be used for various positions and tenures (including but not limited to term and indeterminate appointments, internal assignments, secondments, deployments, acting
appointments).

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide: Your résumé.

Positions to be filled: 1

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 with acceptable
specialization in environmental science, biology, physics, geology, chemistry, or some
other science relevant to the position.

Note: The courses for the specialization must be acceptable and must have been taken
at a recognized post-secondary institution, but not necessarily within a degree program
in the required specialization.

Degree equivalency

Experience:

Essential Experience for all streams:

1. Significant** experience critically reviewing, interpreting and evaluating scientific
findings against current environmental health based science or legislation.
2. Significant** experience coordinating and providing scientific support and
recommendations pertaining to the assessment and/or management of environmental
impacts or health risks.
3. Recent* experience providing strategic advice to senior management on emerging
circumstances, including possibilities for implementing opportunities and managing
constraints.
4. Recent* and significant** experience developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with internal and external partners or stakeholders, from a variety of disciplines, to achieve results.

Stream 1: Impact Assessment Specialist

Recent* and significant** experience in leading, undertaking, or evaluating environmental impact assessments.

Stream 2: Health Risk Assessment Specialist

Recent* and significant** experience with assessing, characterizing and remediating contaminated sites.

Stream 3: Air Quality and Health Specialist

Recent* and significant** experience assessing and communicating risks to human health associated with air quality.

* For the purpose of this process, “recent” experience is defined as within the last five (5) years.
**For the purpose of this process, “significant” experience is defined as the depth and breadth of experience associated with having performed a broad range of complex activities related to this task over a period of at least one (1) year.

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

Various language requirements
English Essential. Bilingual Imperative (BBB/BBB).

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:

Essential Knowledge of all streams:

Knowledge of the methods used to assess the effects of substances in the environment on human health

Stream 1: Impact Assessment Specialist

Knowledge of the application of regulatory requirements, environmental guidelines, standards or objectives for contaminants in the environment and human health in the area of impact assessment

Stream 2: Health Risk Assessment Specialist

Knowledge of the application of regulatory requirements, environmental guidelines, standards or objectives for contaminants in the environment and human health in the area of contaminated sites/health risk assessment.

Stream 3: Air Quality and Health Specialist

Knowledge of the application of regulatory requirements, environmental guidelines, standards or objectives for contaminants in the environment and human health in the area of air quality

Abilities:

1. Maintaining composure in stressful situations
2. Effectively communicating orally
3. Effectively communicating in writing
4. Interpreting and synthesizing scientific information

Personal Suitability:

1. Effective interpersonal relationships
2. Initiative
3. Respectful of Diversity
4. Judgement

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

Asset Education:

Graduation with a Master’s, Doctoral degree, or other post-secondary training from a recognized post-secondary institution in the field of toxicology, epidemiology, biology, environmental sciences, or other field related to the position.

Degree equivalency

Asset Experience:

Asset experience for all streams:

1. Recent* experience participating in facilitated discussions, consultations, scientific collaborations, or negotiations with Indigenous groups or organizations on environmental protection issues.
2. Experience contributing to the development of environmental and/or health policy and/or guidance documents.

Stream 1: Impact Assessment Specialist

Two (2) years or more of experience in leading, undertaking, or evaluating environmental impact assessments.

Stream 2: Health Risk Assessment Specialist

1. Experience in reviewing Environmental Site Investigations (ESI) or human health risk assessments of contaminated sites.
2. Five (5) years or more experience with assessing, characterizing and remediating contaminated sites.

Stream 3: Air Quality and Health Specialist

Two (2) years or more experience assessing and communicating risks to human health associated with air quality.

* For the purpose of this process, “recent” experience is defined as within the last five (5) years.
**For the purpose of this process, “significant” experience is defined as the depth and breadth of experience associated with having performed a broad range of complex activities related to this task over a period of at least one (1) year.

Asset Knowledge:

Stream 1: Impact Assessment Specialist

Knowledge of the principles of the Environmental Impact Assessment process, particularly as it pertains to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (2012), Impact Assessment Act (2019), Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act (NuPPAA), Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESAA), and/or Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act (MVRMA).

Stream 2: Health Risk Assessment Specialist

1. Knowledge of the quantitative methods used in Human Health Risk Assessment.
2. Knowledge of the principles and practices for risk-based assessment and management of contaminated sites

Stream 3: Air Quality and Health Specialist

Knowledge of the methods and factors used to determine human health effects of air pollutants, particularly for populations at greater risk of negative health impacts.

In support of achieving a diversified workplace, preference may be given 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

Conditions of Employment:

Stream 1: Secret security clearance
Streams 2 and 3: Reliability security clearance

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 designated groups when you apply.

You may be assessed using one (1) or more of the following tools: written exam, interview and/or reference checks.

Candidates must obtain the required pass mark for each qualification in order to be given further consideration in the selection process.

Candidates must meet the Essential Qualifications to be appointed to the position.

Candidates may be expected to meet, in whole or in part, the criteria related to the Assets, Operational Requirements, depending on the position being staffed.

Candidates will be requested to provide copies of their education credentials at some point through this selection process. Candidates with foreign education credentials are required to provide proof of Canadian equivalency. You may consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information at: http://www.cicic.ca

Candidates will be required to provide proof of citizenship. Citizenship MUST be acquired at the time of application. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via e¬mail and/or jobs.gc.ca 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 e¬mail 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 e¬mail systems block these types of e¬mail). It is also the candidate's responsibility to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Indigenous person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-¬free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, 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.