Aquatic Science / Stock Assessment Biologist III

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

The position is responsible for providing information, recommendations and advice based on scientific data and associated analysis to support the sustainable management of Pacific salmon stocks and fisheries. A principle focus of the duties involves working effectively within the framework and forums established pursuant to the Pacific Salmon Treaty. Specific tasks and functions include:
• the use of recognized and/or experimental scientific methods to determine Pacific salmon abundance and freshwater habitat suitability for juvenile salmon rearing;
• collecting, analyzing and interpreting biological and stock assessment data for the purpose of informing fishery management decisions;
• designing and implementing salmon stock assessment projects (including leading project coordination and supporting delivery);
• communicating information on the objectives, design and delivery of salmon stock assessment and research activities to various audiences;
• actively participating in collaborative salmon monitoring and research initiatives involving federal, state, provincial, territorial and indigenous governments; and
• developing science-based recommendations which support Canadian salmon fishery management and conservation interests in domestic and international forums.

Work environment

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) manages Canada's Pacific salmon stocks in a manner to achieve conservation goals while providing for sustainable fishery opportunities in accordance with domestic and international treaties. The Department’s commitment to science-based fishery management decisions which consider traditional and local knowledge relies on monitoring, data analysis, and recommendations produced by DFO’s salmon stock assessment program to generate pre-season forecasts, in-season estimates, and post-season evaluations. Given the international migration and distribution of Canada’s Pacific salmon stocks, DFO works closely with U.S. federal and state salmon assessment and fishery management agencies to achieve obligations and its commitments established within the Pacific Salmon Treaty.

DFO is soliciting interest from dynamic individuals with a background in biology and statistics, who have an understanding of salmon stock assessment techniques, and who are interested in contributing to the Department’s work to maintain the health of Canada’s Pacific salmon stocks and sustainable fisheries. The ideal candidate will have well-developed technical communication skills and the ability to effectively convey complex scientific principles, objectives and outcomes to stock assessment scientists and biologists, fishery managers and the public. The work will involve contributing to, and cooperating with, diverse teams of Canadian and U.S. technicians, biologists, scientists and managers to produce information and advice on salmon stocks in B.C., Alaska and Yukon. In this regard, the selected candidate will be required to travel to the U.S. and must maintain their eligibility to do so (in accordance with both Canadian and U.S. requirements) as a condition of employment.

Intent of the process

This process is anticipatory in nature. The intent of the resulting pool is to staff positions at the BI-03 level for various tenures at full or part-time hours within the Yukon Transboundary Rivers Area (Whitehorse). This process may be used to fill other positions at the same or lower levels.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "to express interest and include any other relevant information not submitted elsewhere within the application."

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:
Experience designing and implementing fish stock surveys or limnological assessments.
Experience conducting quantitative analysis of fish stock or limnological data.
Experience reporting on fish stock assessment, research or monitoring projects.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of the biology and ecology of Pacific salmon.
Knowledge of methods used to estimate adult and juvenile salmon abundance.
Knowledge of principles of experimental design and scientific method.
Knowledge of the (U.S. / Canada) Pacific Salmon Treaty.

Competencies:
Effective leadership.
Dependability.
Showing initiative and being action oriented.
Thinking things through.

Ability:
Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively (orally).

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

Education:
Masters or Doctoral degree from a recognized University with a specialization in natural, physical, or applied science or other specialization relevant to the position.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience working collaboratively with clients or stakeholders such as other government departments or agencies, non-government organizations, First Nations or industry representatives.
Experience leading or participating in multi-disciplinary teams focused on science-based program delivery.
Experience in conducting and reporting on quantitative analyses of biological data related to Pacific salmon habitat, population dynamics or stock assessments.
Experience in managing financial resources.
Experience in managing human resources.
Experience preparing and publishing peer reviewed literature or technical reports.
Experience evaluating fishery assessment, research or monitoring projects.
Experience planning and prioritizing work and resources.
Experience directing and supervising large teams working in remote locations.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of the biology and population ecology of Pacific Salmon stocks in northwestern British Columbia and southwestern Yukon.
Knowledge of the Transboundary Rivers Chapter of the Pacific Salmon Treaty.

Competencies:
Demonstrating integrity and respect.
Flexibility.

Operational Requirements:
Willingness to travel, attend meetings, conduct field work, and work in remote locations for periods of up to 2 weeks in duration.
Willingness to travel by boat, airplane, and helicopter.
Willingness to work weekends/overtime.
Willingness to attain training and maintain certifications for mandatory Health & Safety and departmental requirements.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Health Canada Medical Clearance.
Possession of a valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence (or equivalent).
Candidate must hold a valid passport with no restrictions on travel and be willing and able to travel to the United States.

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.

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.