Aquatic Science Biologist, Section Head

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

DFO is the federal Department responsible for safeguarding and managing Canada's fisheries, oceans and freshwater resources. Under the supervision of the Division manager, the incumbent manages and guides a section responsible for a scientific program with specialized components, and scientific studies in fisheries, marine mammal, marine conservation or aquatic sciences. The aim is to support Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s objectives, to ensure the health and productivity of aquatic ecosystems, the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture and to support and promote the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples of Canada

Intent of the process

Following the completion of this selection process, a pool of qualified candidates will be established in order to staff similar, or identical positions, with various tenures and linguistic profiles, within Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter ""Please provide a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and what you would bring to the role.""

Contact information for 2 references.

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 in a natural, physical or applied science with specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE
• Recent* , significant*** experience** planning, managing and administering human, financial and/or material resources.
• Recent, significant experience providing scientific advice as an authority to scientists and/or managers.
• Experience writing, revising and publishing authoritative scientific documents, reports and/or articles in aquatic sciences.
• Recent, significant experience planning and coordinating complex**** activities as a project lead in at least two of the following areas:
Research on commercial fisheries, invasive or at-risk species
Research on marine mammals including cetaceans and/or pinnipeds
Stock assessments of marine mammals
Stock assessments for fished or at-risk species
Surveys of marine mammals
Surveys of fished, invasive or at-risk species
Marine conservation planning, marine protected areas
• Experience working with other federal government sectors, non-federal governments, other stakeholders such as commercial and recreational fishers, indigenous groups, non-governmental organisations or universities.
• Experience leading or working on complex 4 projects or initiatives that contribute to the management or conservation of habitats or aquatic species.
• Experience presenting scientific research to various audiences
• Experience dealing with public media

* Recent means in the last five years.
** Experience is defined as experience acquired through full-time duties over a
continuous period of at least 2 years.
*** Significant experience is defined as experience acquired through full-time duties over a continuous period of at least 4 years.
**** Complex is defined as two or more of the following characteristics: high profile (i.e. attracting public or media attention); involving multiple stakeholders; multi-jurisdictional/multi-disciplinary in nature; involving third-party interests; requiring multiple consultations; or having a significant impact

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

EDUCATION
Postgraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in biological, ecology, oceanographic or conservation science.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE
• Significant experience designing, leading and conducting research of large projects including managing financial, human and material resources, related to marine mammals
• Experience designing, leading and conducting research of large projects including managing financial, human and material resources, related to species at risk
• Experience designing, leading and conducting research of large projects including managing financial, human and material resources, related to Aquatic species
• Experience designing, leading and conducting research of large projects including managing financial, human and material resources related to fished stocks
• Experience designing, leading and conducting research of large projects including managing financial, human and material resources related to invasive species
• Experience designing, leading and conducting research of large projects including managing financial, human and material resources, related to Aquaculture
• Experience designing, leading and conducting research of large projects including managing financial, human and material resources related to marine conservation
• Experience evaluating scientific results and communicating scientific issues, findings or technical information to non-experts such as industry, indigenous organizations and/or stakeholder groups
• Experience in contributing to the work of multidisciplinary groups.

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

Bilingual - Imperative (BBB/BBB)

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of the key groups of stakeholders and their roles in DFO's regulation and consultation processes under the Fisheries Act, Oceans Act and Species at Risk Act.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices in aquatic ecology and biology related to the main mandates of the Science Branch in at least two of the following: assessment of fisheries resources, endangered species, marine mammals, marine conservation, aquatic invasive species and aquaculture.
• Knowledge of modern land claim agreements in the Quebec region.

ABILITIES
• Ability to manage scientific teams.
• Ability to plan, budget and manage human, financial and material resources.
• Ability to communicate technical and scientific information orally and in writing to various audiences.
• Ability to plan and manage complex programs or scientific projects to establish priorities and provide results.
• Ability to analyse complex scientific information and provide advice for decision-making related to governmental mandates.

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

PERSONAL SUITABILITIES
• Strong leadership.
• Working effectively with others.
• Demonstrating initiative.
• Client service oriented.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Occasionally variable work schedule, including being called back outside of regular working hours and on weekends and statutory holidays.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

• Willingness and readiness to travel, work in remote areas or at sea using various platforms (boats, aircraft, ships).
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Medical examination.
Some positions may require:
• Ability and willingness to obtain a Firearms Acquisition Certificate

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

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(s) of their choice.

Our intention is to communicate with candidates through emails and/or through the www.canada.ca/government-jobs applicant account. Candidates participating in this selection process must include in their application a valid email address and make sure that this address is functional at all times and that their system accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block the receipt of these types of email).

ALL JOB APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED USING THE WEBSITE www.canada.ca/government-jobs. NO APPLICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED BY EMAIL.

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.