Ice Service Specialist - Apprenticeship and Professional Training Program

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Are you looking for an exciting, challenging and interesting career? If you can work independently and in a team environment, and if hands-on problem-solving, initiative and adaptability are terms that describe you, then an exciting career as an Ice Service Specialist at the Canadian Ice Service of Environment and Climate Change Canada awaits you.

Managed within the Prediction Services Operations, Atlantic and Ice division, the Canadian Ice Service (CIS) is an internationally recognized entity. Run from Ottawa, all of its sections work closely together to fulfill its mission to provide the most timely and accurate information about ice and icebergs in Canada’s navigable waters. This ensures the safety of Canadians, their property and their environment by warning them of hazardous ice conditions in navigable Canadian waters. In addition, the expertise of CIS provides present and future generations of Canadians with sufficient knowledge about their ice environment, in order to support sound environmental policies.

CIS is comprised of Ice Forecast and Analysis Operations, Ice Field Services, Applied Science and Development – Ice, and Partner Engagement; all supported by dedicated IT services.

Ice Field Services runs two main programs: an in-depth training program, and an operational program.

As there are no formal ice field training offered in our learning institutions, an apprenticeship and professional training program in Ice (APTP-Ice) was developed in-house, to train Ice Service Specialists (ISS) in ice and weather observation and briefing techniques. They also learn about ice physics, basic oceanography, ice and meteorological climatology, remote sensing, imagery interpretation, as well as the suite of weather products and techniques. Between three formal in-class sessions, on the job training (OJT) takes place during two ice seasons: in the winter, the trainees observe ice over the southern regions of Canada; in the summer, OJT takes them to the Arctic. This is followed by a two-year check out period, to really develop the ISS expertise. After the three and a half year APTP-Ice is completed, ISS are well equipped to brief clients and support the technical aspects of the program.

Marine Operations is where the ISS really shine. Embedded with CIS’ largest client, the ISS directly support the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) icebreaking mandate by providing weather and ice information services. They also occasionally support scientific missions, as well as some Department of National Defence (DND) operations.

New employees will progress through the APTP-Ice as EG-03 junior technologist trainees and EG-04 technologist trainees and then will graduate as EG-05 senior technologists. The training must be successfully completed no later than April 30 of the fourth year following the year of the hiring under the APTP-Ice; failing to achieve this will result in the new employee’s termination of employment.

Salary scale:

1) EG-03 : from $57 924 to $70 474
2) EG-04 : from $63 720 to $77 523
3) EG-05 : from $70 088 to $85 272

Duties

ROLE OF ICE SERVICE SPECIALIST

Ice service specialists (ISS) are experts in aerial and ship observation, including observation of ice conditions and weather conditions. They are professionals who deliver advice and services in two areas that fall under the jurisdiction of various Government of Canada departments and agencies, including Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard. As well, they occasionally serve other clients inside and outside the government, such as National Defence, the marine industry and the general public.

ISS’ services contribute to the fulfillment of some departments’ mandate, mainly:

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) provides information about weather, ice and icebergs (analyses, forecasts and warnings) to ensure the safety of Canadians involved in marine transportation, the fisheries and offshore oil development; the protection of human life and property such as ships and drilling platforms; and the protection of the marine environment by helping to prevent environmental disasters.

Canadian Coast Guard

The mission of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), a special operating agency within the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, is set out in the Oceans Act and the Canada Shipping Act.

The CCG icebreaking program, in partnership with the CIS, helps maritime traffic move safely and efficiently through, or around, ice-covered Canadian waters. Clients of the program include the commercial maritime industry, ferries, fishing vessels, ports and Arctic communities.

Fisheries and Oceans

Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) guiding legislation includes the Oceans Act, the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act.

ISS works closely with DFO to provide information essential to its mandate (scientific projects in the Canadian Arctic, re-supplying of communities, research and development, and other fields).

PROFILE / CLIENT SERVICE RESULTS

In class and on-the-job training in the theory and principles of operational meteorology, sea and lake ice and icebergs, and in the principles and practices of observing, analyzing, recording and reporting of weather, sea and lake ice, icebergs data both visually and by using remote sensing technology. Knowledge is applied through classroom exercises, simulations of an operational office, and practical exercises in operational offices and onboard ships, aircraft and helicopters, with emphasis on learning on the job.

Work environment

KEY ACTIVITIES OF AN ICE SERVICE SPECIALIST

During the winter: from December through June, ice is present in different degrees from the Great Lakes, through the St Lawrence River and Gulf, to the east coast. ISS are on CCG icebreakers, 7 days a week, conducting ice reconnaissance patrols both from the ships and from helicopters, briefing the captains and relaying information to the CIS Operations office. They are also in the CCG offices in Montreal and St. John’s, working closely with the CCG Ice Officers to promote maritime safety and protect communities.

In the summer, as the ice gradually melts, the emphasis shifts northward. CCG icebreakers support community resupply missions and traffic all over the Arctic, as well as search and rescue efforts and Arctic sovereignty.

The CCG produced the following videos to highlight the icebreaking program and the people that make it work.

Icebreaking Series - Part 1: Canadian Coast Guard's Icebreaking Program
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h7YxKwEyAE

Icebreaking Series - Part 2: The ice patrol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZwbKpLFs2w

Icebreaking Series - Part 3: Icebreaking program specialists
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xmIeL6Bp90

Icebreaking Series - Part 4: The ice analysis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8fGMsb4g_w

APPRENTICESHIP AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR ICE SERVICE SPECIALISTS

The Apprenticeship and Professional Training Program for Ice Service Specialists (APTP-Ice) will ensure the availability of competent, qualified specialists by attracting and recruiting staff. The APTP-Ice will also provide full, rigorous training that will prepare specialists to work in any ice-covered part of the world and from different platforms (ships, helicopters, aircrafts, etc.).

The incumbent receives theoretical and practical training in operational meteorology, in observation of sea and lake ice and icebergs, and in the principles and practices of observing, analyzing, recording and reporting of weather, sea and lake ice and marine oil pollution data both visually and by using remote sensing technology.

The training period may take approximately thirty-six to forty-two (36-42) months depending on operational requirements, and is part of the APTP-Ice.

The incumbent receives approximately eight to ten (8-10) months of in-class training, interspersed with approximately eight to ten (8-10) months of field training (practicums) to acquire practical work experience, followed by a checkout period of approximately eighteen to twenty-eight (18-28) months. Field practicums are staged in various locations including the Arctic and outside Canada (e.g. Greenland/Denmark, Alaska, the U.S. states around the Great Lakes basin).

The incumbent works continuously under the general direction of the course director and under the close supervision of a group of instructors and supervisors.

Intent of the process

An anticipatory pool of qualified candidates will be created and could be used to offer initial appointments on an indeterminate (permanent) basis at the EG-03 level then progressing up to the EG-05 level conditional upon the successful completion of the APTP-Ice. If indeterminate employees of the core public service are selected within this process, acting appointments, assignments and secondments could be made in the course of the developmental program until the EG-05 indeterminate appointments are made.

Positions to be filled: 10

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

EDUCATION:
ED1: College or university education with preference given to those who have education and/or experience in a related position such as maritime operations, meteorology, remote sensing, environmental studies and/or atmospheric sciences. Consideration will also be given to those with a combination of High school diploma and direct and significant experience in maritime operations and/or weather.

Degree equivalency

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

Bilingual - Imperative (BBB/BBB)

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:
K1: Knowledge of the mandate of the Canadian Ice Service and its main clients
K2: Knowledge of continental, national and regional geography
K3: Knowledge of computer technology in the fields of imagery, Geographic Information System (GIS) and communication, such as data transfer

COMPETENCIES:
C1: Initiative
C2: Effective interpersonal relations
C3: Flexibility
C4: Judgement
C5: Multi-tasking

ABILITIES:
A1: Ability to communicate effectively orally
A2: Ability to communicate effectively in writing
A3: Ability to organize, review and analyze technical data
A4: Ability to give advice and make recommendations
A5: Ability to analyze and solve problems

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

EXPERIENCE:
AEX1: Experience in remote or isolated locations
AEX2: Experience in the field of marine oil pollution
AEX3: Experience in the marine, aviation or military environment
AEX4: Working experience as a weather observer
AEX5: Experience as a crew member aboard ships
AEX6: Experience in the analysis of data acquired by remote sensing

KNOWLEDGE:
AK1: Knowledge of radio communication
AK2: Knowledge in marine or air navigation
AK3: Knowledge in basic meteorology

ORGANISATIONAL NEEDS

Are you looking to join an organization that believes in diversity and valorises it? Environment and Climate Change Canada is the place for you!

We wish to have an organization that represents the multiple backgrounds and facets of the Canadian population.

In order to represent this diverse population properly, we may favor qualified candidates that will auto-declare themselves as being part of the designated groups designated by Employment Equity: Women, Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities and Visible Minorities.

Conditions of employment

Secret security clearance

Other Conditions of Employment

1. Obtain and maintain a valid certificate from Health Canada in accordance with Canadian Ice Service standards for field work.
2. Obtain and maintain a valid Canadian driver’s licence.
3. Obtain and maintain a valid Canadian passport.
4. Obtain and maintain a General (radio) Operator Certificate (GOC).
5. Obtain and maintain any training in order to maintain safety and competencies to carry out the required tasks as determined by the employer.
6. Be mobile in order to meet the organization’s operational needs. Operations cover, but are not limited to, the following regions:
• Eastern Canada
• Western Canada
• Great Lakes
• Arctic
• Greenland
• Alaska
• Outside of North America on rare occasions
7. Willingness and ability to work or take training in remote regions and be away from home base for extended periods (from four to eight weeks).
8. Accept to be deployed and/or relocated elsewhere in Canada, at the employer's request, to meet operational needs.
9. Work at the position's home office, especially before and after assignments.
10. Work at the Employer's Headquarters.
11. Travel on short notice.
12. Willingness to work overtime, seven days a week with varying shifts dependent on operational requirements while on assignment, for extended periods (from four to eight weeks).
13. Ability to work and/or travel at sea or by air and in a variety of terrains and degrees of isolation for various periods of time and in all weather conditions.
14. Be able to carry out work responsibilities in stormy sea conditions or onboard aircraft experiencing turbulence, which can result in physical discomfort.
15. Ability to work in operational offices for various clients in different locations.
16. Wear a uniform and use survival and/or safety clothing and equipment.
17. Willingness and ability to work in Canadian Coast Guard regional offices and other clients offices.
18. At times, share cabin accommodation onboard ships.
19. A commitment to follow all other courses in order to keep employee's skills up to date and perform the required tasks.

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.

Applicants must meet the above employment conditions and maintain them throughout employment.

Applicants must successfully complete the APTP-Ice including field training. In the case of an internal candidate, applicants must obtain approval from their home organization for an assignment/secondment agreement during training.

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

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.

Applicants must have all the essential qualifications to be appointed to the position. An applicant can be appointed to the position even if he/she does not have any of the assets qualifications. However, meeting those criteria is preferable and may be a deciding factor in choosing whom to appoint. If the number of applicants who meet the essential qualifications is equal to the number of vacant positions, the manager may decide not to assess the applicants against some of the asset qualifications.

In order for an assignment or secondment to be possible, the home organization must always approve the assignment or secondment; otherwise the assignment or secondment is not possible.

All job applications must be submitted through the Public Service Resourcing System (PSRS). Only the job applications received through the PSRS site will be accepted. All applications must be provided on-line. Do not fax or mail in hard copy documents as these will not be accepted. It is imperative that candidates provide accurate contact information and update it if need be.

A proof of Canadian citizenship must be provided at a later date (birth certificate, valid Canadian passport or citizenship certificate).

You must provide proof of your education credentials and you will have to show an original copy of these documents. Candidates who possess foreign credentials must provide a proof of Canadian equivalency. Please consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for more information at http://www.cicic.ca.

Candidates have the right to participate in the appointment process in the Official Language of their choice and are asked to indicate their preference in their application.

Written exams and interviews will be held between February and May 2022.

The Initial Appointees Integrated Relocation Program stipulates that all newly appointed employees to the Federal public service can claim expenses for relocation within the limitations of the program. Please refer to the Relocation Directive of the NJC at: http://www.njc-cnm.gc.ca/directive/index.php?did=6&lang=eng and the Initial Appointees Relocation Program at: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/psm-fpfm/pay-remuneration/travel-deplacements/iairp-prinefp-eng.asp.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Acknowledgment of receipt of applications will not be sent; we will be communicating only with the selected candidates once the screening process is completed.

The organizational need (employment equity) may be used to make an appointment in this process. The personal information remains confidential under the Privacy Act.

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.