Aquatic Science Biologist III *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

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

The Population Ecology Division is seeking to fill a BI-03 position in the Genetics Unit, Salmon Section, for 12 to 21 months beginning as early as July 2022. In this position, you will have the opportunity to lead the implementation of multiple Live Gene Banking programs for endangered Atlantic Salmon. You will work with a dynamic team of people to coordinate these conservation programs operated through Biodiversity Facilities in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The main duties of the position involve management and analysis of genetic data, however, there is the opportunity to participate in field work including electrofishing and fish sampling. The position is based in Dartmouth NS at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, though there is the opportunity to work from other DFO facilities in the Maritimes. The following is a list of essential and asset qualifications for the position.

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:
• Graduated with a post secondary degree relevant to the position (e.g. biology, natural sciences, etc.)

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:
• Experience in manipulating and error checking large amounts of data in a spreadsheet-based computer program (e.g. Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel).

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:
• Knowledge of conservation genetics or conservation biology.
• Knowledge of analysis of biological data (e.g. using R, Excel, SPSS, SYSTAT, etc.)

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

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 orally.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

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

EDUCATION:
• Graduated with a postgraduate degree relevant to the position (e.g. biology, natural sciences, genetics, molecular ecology, conservation biology)

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:
• Experience electrofishing and/or possession of electrofishing certification.
• Experience writing scientific documents.
• Experience working and/or leading a team of scientific collaborators.
• Experience summarising scientific data to provide advice to senior management.

KNOWLEDGE:
• Knowledge of the methodologies relevant to any of the following: collection and storage of tissue samples for DNA analysis; extraction of DNA from tissue samples; amplification of genetic markers (e.g. microsatellites, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, etc.); sequencing of extracted DNA via PCR; analysis of molecular genetic markers including data interpretation and error checking.
• Knowledge of salmonid biology.
• Knowledge of population genetics or quantitative genetics.
• Knowledge of processing and sampling techniques to obtain information from live aquatic organisms.
• Knowledge of safe live fish handling techniques.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

• Valid Health Canada Medical.
• Valid driver’s license or mobility to the extent of the possession of a valid driver's license.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours and overtime as required.
• Willingness and ability to travel by air, land or by sea.

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.