Aquatic Science Technician Positions *AMENDMENT TO THE CLOSING DATE*

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

On October 6, 2021, the Government of Canada announced details of its plans to require vaccination across the federal public service.

As per the new Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, federal public servants in the Core Public Administration and members of the RCMP must attest to their vaccination status. The requirement for employees to be fully vaccinated applies whether they are teleworking, working remotely or working on-site. This is a condition of employment and it applies to indeterminate (permanent), determinate (term), casual, and student hiring. Should you reach the point in the selection process where it is necessary to verify terms and conditions of employment then the hiring manager or a human resources representative will contact you in order to complete an attestation.

Link to Policy: https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/news/2021/10/backgrounder-covid-19-vaccine-requirement-for-the-federal-workforce.html
Link to Announcement: https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=32694

Duties

Aquatic Science Technician IV :
• work with scientific teams within the division to support planning, organizing and field and laboratory activities;
• plan logistics, identify, organize and prepare vessels, equipment, and instrumentation to provide technical support for field and laboratory scientific studies;
• operate, handle and transport small coastal vessels (up to 30’ length) in support of field programs;
• participate as a member of the dive team and lead/support dive activities for scientific research;
• contribute to sample and data collection, processing, maintenance and analysis in support of research programs;
• operate, test, calibrate and maintain specialized technical instrumentation and equipment, techniques and methodologies;
• contribute to the preparation of reports and scientific manuscripts.


Aquatic Science Technician V:
• plan, organize and manage the routine maintenance and scheduling of a fleet of small vessels;
• work with scientific teams within the division to plan, organize and support field and laboratory activities;
• plan logistics, identify, organize and prepare vessels, equipment, and instrumentation to provide technical leadership for field and laboratory scientific studies;
• plan, organize and manage designated laboratory and storage facilities;
• operate, handle and transport small coastal vessels (up to 30’ length) in support of field programs;
• Participate as a member of the dive team and lead/support dive activities for scientific research;
• Contribute to data collection, input, maintenance and analysis in support of research programs;
• contribute to and be a member of working groups and workplace committees.

Work environment

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) manages Canada’s fisheries and safeguards its waters. Through our services and programs, we contribute to the safety, security and accessibility of the country’s waterways using sound science, forward-looking policy, and operational and service excellence. DFO protects Canada’s oceans, freshwater, and aquatic ecosystems and species, from the negative impact of humans and invasive species. This is proudly accomplished through sound science, and in collaboration with Indigenous communities.

Science Branch ensures Canada’s fisheries, including aquaculture, are protected, managed sustainably and support Indigenous participation. Members of this dynamic group support strong economic growth in our marine and fisheries sectors, contribute to innovative research in aquaculture and biotechnology, and are instrumental in our clean and healthy environments and sustainable aquatic ecosystems. By working with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, industry, environmental organizations, coastal communities and a host of other partners, DFO has developed an outstanding team, valuing democracy, people, integrity, stewardship and excellence.

Intent of the process

This process will be used to fill one Permanent (indeterminate) EG-05 position in Saint Andrews (New Brunswick). It may also be used to fill future EG-04 and EG-05 vacancies in DFO Maritimes Region including Permanent (indeterminate), Temporary (term), Acting, Deployment, Assignment, or Secondment.

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 secondary school diploma or employer-approved alternatives.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE (EG-04 & EG-05 Positions):
• Experience providing technical support for scientific field or laboratory projects.
• Experience inputting, validating, maintaining, and summarizing data on a computer.
• Experience planning and conducting collections of samples or biological data.
• Experience using, maintaining, and troubleshooting specialized aquatic science field and/or laboratory equipment.
• Experience working under the direction of project leaders on the preparation or mobilization/demobilization of marine-related field projects.
• Experience working in marine-related field settings, such as on offshore vessels/platforms, coastal vessels/platforms, and/or in proximity of water (e.g., wharves, jetties, etc.)
• Experience in writing documents (e.g. data and summary reports).
• Experience with the collection and preservation of biological samples according to pre-specified protocols.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

EXPERIENCE (EG-05 Positions):
• Experience operating, handling and transporting small coastal vessels.

KEY LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES (EG-05 Positions):
• Create vision and strategy
• Mobilize People
• Uphold Integrity and Respect
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders
• Promote innovation and guide change
• Achieve Results

The Key Leadership Competencies will be assessed through the “Candidate Achievement Record”.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/services/staffing-assessment-tools-resources/human-resources-specialists-hiring-managers/human-resources-toolbox/personnel-psychology-centre/assessment-counselling-services/candidate-achievement-record.html

Additional information regarding the Key Leadership Competencies can be found here:

https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/professional-development/key-leadership-competency-profile/examples-effective-ineffective-behaviours.html

ABILITIES:
• Ability to communicate effectively orally.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY:
• Working effectively with others
• Judgement
• Showing initiative and being action-oriented
• Dependability

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

EDUCATION:
• Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in a natural, physical or applied science with specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position.

Degree equivalency

OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATION:
• Small Craft Training (SVOP or equivalent) operating certificate
• RHIOT boat operating certificate
• Marine Radio Operators certificate
• Marine Emergency Duties A1
• Marine Emergency Duties A3
• Marine First Aid
• SCUBA certification

EXPERIENCE:
• Experience in scientific laboratory techniques.
• Experience with data mining, statistical analysis, and plotting.
• Experience with developing maps using R, ArcGIS or QGIS software.
• Experience working with aquatic organisms (finfish, invertebrates, marine reptiles, marine mammals, marine plants).
• Experience in supervising and training support staff (employees, contractors and/or students).
• Experience leading a field crew to undertake marine or freshwater field work.
• Experience in the use of passive or active underwater acoustic devices.
• Experience identifying marine vertebrate and invertebrates using taxonomic keys.
• Experience using and maintaining mechanical equipment to assess water quality (such as; salinity, oxygen and pH meters, osmometers, tensionometers) for fish or invertebrates.
• Experience in SCUBA-diving, recreation and/or scientific.
• Experience in tagging of aquatic organisms, tracking and tagging data analysis.

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Drive large pick-up trucks and tow trailers.
• Work on large research vessels at sea for extended periods.
• Travel.
• Work flexible hours and overtime, sometimes on short notice.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

• Valid Health Canada Medical
• Valid driver’s license

All employees of the core public administration are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and attest to their vaccination status unless accommodated based on a medical contraindication, religion, or another prohibited ground for discrimination as defined under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

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

Self-declaring. Because you count. By completing the Employment Equity section in your application, you help create a Public Service that is diverse, inclusive and representative of identities, cultures, perspectives and experiences that make up Canada.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada seek to hire candidates that reflect Canada’s diversity and are committed to fostering a public service culture grounded in diversity, inclusiveness and accessibility.

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

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.