Scientific Support Assistant

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

Duties

The Scientific Support Assistant will be joining a dynamic team of technicians at the Atlantic Forestry Centre (AFC). Working with our science staff, you will be working in the field and/or lab organizing and setting up field sites and installing experimental set-ups. Based upon established protocols, you will calibrate and maintain equipment, perform tests, collect and prepare samples and data. Technical employees are encouraged to participate in project planning, local committees and are expected to adhere to occupational health and safety practices.

Work environment

Natural Resources Canada's Canadian Forest Service (CFS) is a science-based organization that provides scientific and policy expertise and advice on forest and forest sector issues at the regional, national and international levels. One of its main mandates is to conduct scientific research on Canada's forests. CFS scientists provide expertise on topics such as wildland fire, forest pests, forest inventory monitoring, climate change, integrated resource management, sustainable forest management, restoration, industry innovation and more. CFS is also playing a key role in the transformation of the forest sector towards a future based on innovation and the bioeconomy.

We believe that life is not just about work. We support our employees by promoting better work-life balance and well-being. We are committed to providing high quality services because we understand the importance of forestry to our economy, our communities, our environment and our health. We consider ourselves fortunate to have rewarding jobs that allow us to serve Canadians.

We are proud of what we do at AFC and encourage you to join us!

Intent of the process

The intent is to staff a one-year term position.

A pool of candidates may be established through this process to staff identical or similar positions at the same group and level within Natural Resources Canada with various tenures (determinate period or permanent), various language requirements (English Essential, French Essential, English or French Essential, or Bilingual), and profile(s) (BBB/BBB, CBC/CBC, CCC/CCC, etc.).

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)

A secondary school diploma or employer-approved alternatives.
• Employer-approved alternatives to a secondary school diploma:
- a satisfactory score on the PSC test approved as an alternative to a secondary school diploma; or
- an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Degree equivalency

Experience in preparing and organizing work sites and the installation of experimental set-ups.
Experience in the collection, preparation, classification, measurement, or maintenance of biological samples.
Experience in handling technical data such as collection, compilation, processing, or verification.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of basic forest science.
Knowledge of basic programming, calibration, and maintenance of equipment.
Knowledge of field and laboratory safety requirements and procedures.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to follow and help modify established operating procedures.
Ability to plan, organize, and carry out field work.

Initiative
Adaptability
Effective interpersonal relationships

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

A university degree or graduate from a recognized institute in Forest Technology, Environmental Technology, or related discipline.

Degree equivalency

Experience working as a forestry or environmental technician.
Experience working in a science-based organization.
Experience with land restoration.
Experience working with tree or plant seeds.

Ability to plan work in a research environment.·
Ability to use Microsoft Office software such as Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Excel.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Medical from Health Canada
Valid driver’s permit
Willingness to perform work under field conditions for extended periods *.
 Field activities may involve riding and walking over rough ground, with biting bugs, in remote areas, in inclement weather, and with potential exposure to fire and smoke and occasionally lifting equipment up to 30 pounds.

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

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

A situational exercise may be administered.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language(s) 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.