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

DFO Maritimes Science Sector is comprised of staff that conducts research, modelling, and monitoring to enhance our understanding of aquatic ecosystems and provides advice to support the management of all the Canadian fisheries and other aquatic activities of our Maritimes region. The Maritimes Science Program has 5 priority areas: populations and ecosystem assessments; safe navigation and emergency response; mitigation of ecosystem stressors; adaptation to a changing environment; and marine spatial planning. Maritimes Science Branch consists of over 400 staff working from multiple locations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Major duties include, but are not limited to:
• Lead and supervise the assessment and documentation of the stock status of aquatic species.
• Liaise with the fishing industry, DFO Fisheries Management, DFO Aquatic Ecosystems Management, and the Canadian public with respect to assigned aquatic species.
• Lead programs in support of assessment and research on aquatic species.
• Lead the management of information and data associated with aquatic species.
• Develop and provide authoritative scientific information and advice, and recommend strategies, standards and methodologies in support of healthy and productive ecosystems and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
• Manage assigned human, financial and material resources.

Intent of the process

The intent of this selection process is to staff one eight (8) month position in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick and a one (1)-year position in Dartmouth , Nova Scotia.

A pool of (fully or partially) qualified candidates will be established through this process to staff identical or similar positions at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maritimes Regions, with various tenures (determinate period or indeterminate), various conditions of employment and for various locations.

Positions to be filled: 2

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A response to a text question addressing the following:

• Where you are interested in working?

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 university in natural, physical or applied science.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:
• Experience conducting quantitative analyses and interpreting data using statistical analytical techniques associated with aquatic ecology or stock assessments.
• Experience conducting scientific work in fisheries science.
• Experience writing scientific papers or reports.
• Experience organizing and conducting research as a project lead.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:
• Knowledge of survey design used in population ecology research.
• Knowledge of population dynamics related to stock assessment.
• Knowledge of statistical methods to analyze and interpret ecological data.

ABILITIES:
• Ability to use R at an intermediate level (data manipulation, using and writing functions, conditional statements, loops).
• Ability to communicate effectively orally.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Ability to retrieve, process, and manipulate data from databases using SQL.
• Ability to perform data quality control and statistical analyses.
• Ability to provide science-based advice and recommendations to scientists, managers, or stakeholders.
• Ability to present scientific work in a clear and concise manner and explain concepts clearly to the general public, and scientists.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY:
• Dependability
• Creating vision and strategy
• Mobilize people
• Uphold integrity and respect
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders
• Achieve results
• Promote innovation and guide change

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

EDUCATION:
• Graduation with a post-graduate degree, with specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:
• Experience conducting scientific work in fish stock assessments.
• Experience using Matlab, R, SAS, SQL, S+, VB, C++, ADMB, or other scientific programming software for data analysis.
• Experience in multivariate statistical analysis of large ecological or oceanographic data sets.
• Experience with spatial analyses.
• Experience in developing stock assessment models, using either a maximum likelihood framework or a Bayesian framework.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
For some positions
• Work in harsh environments through field work or on vessels at sea.
• Travel for extended periods of time (e.g., up to several weeks).
• Work in and around water.
• Work flexible hours and overtime as required.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

• Valid motor vehicle driver's license or mobility to the extent of the possession of a valid driver's license.

For some positions:
• Medical fitness in accordance with certification by Health Canada

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

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.