Physical Sciences Advisor/Radiation Coordinator-Specialist

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Health Canada is committed to increasing representation of Black employees and other racialized groups, Indigenous People, women and persons with disabilities. Health Canada would like its workforce to be reflective of the population it serves. Therefore, we encourage candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a member of one of these groups.

Give yourself the best chance to succeed! As the objective of this process is to assess qualifications needed for the position(s) to be staffed, let us know if you have a functional limitation/ disability, which may affect your performance. For example, contact us if you need assistance in completing and submitting your application. Should you then proceed to the next assessment stage, such as an exam or interview, we will send you an e-mail with additional information on the assessment format so that you can determine if you may require an accommodation (such as a different test format, an adaptive technology, or additional time). Assessment accommodations are designed to remove the obstacles without altering the criteria being assessed so candidates with functional limitations can fully demonstrate their abilities.

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Health Canada welcomes applications from Veterans. We recognize your contribution to Canadians and would like to offer you the opportunity to continue your career in an environment where multi-talented employees with diverse skills are appreciated and supported.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Health Canada and the Public Health Agency are dedicated to building an inclusive workforce that comprises individuals who have an array of identities, abilities, background, culture, skills, perspectives, and experiences that are representative of Canada’s current and evolving population. We are passionate about fostering a workplace where all people feel welcome, can reach their full potential, and contribute their unique perspectives and experience to the success of the team.

BRING YOUR WHOLE SELF TO WORK
We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex (including gender identity and/or expression), national origin, sexual orientation, civil union or relationship status, disability, age, parental status, military service, or other status protected under federal law.

CANDIDATES MUST APPLY ONLINE.

You must clearly identify which stream(s) you are applying for in your application.
Note that you may apply for as many streams as you wish.

Stream 1:  Physical Sciences Generalist Advisor (ChEMTD & RPB)
Stream 2:   Radiation Coordinator/Specialist (RPB)

Duties

Stream 1: Physical Sciences Generalist Advisor

Responsible for providing comprehensive scientific and technical advice, guidance, support and training on various physical science health issues, including chemical or nuclear emergency management and radon. The PC-03 is responsible for (duties include but are not limited to):

• Reviewing, interpreting and analyzing complex scientific and regulatory information, literature, research and/or data.
• Conducting assessments and determines implications of results on existing guidelines, regulations, standards, policies and regulatory programs
• Developing and/or delivering presentations, training and education programs to peers, colleagues, management, other government departments/agencies, and external stakeholders on various topics.
• Fostering collaborative partnerships with other government departments/agencies.
• Participating, coordinating and/or leading multidisciplinary project teams, working groups and committees, and responding to emerging issues.
• May participate in an operational role during training, exercises and emergencies.


Stream 2: Radiation Coordinator/Specialist

Responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting scientific data on various radiation emission/radiation protection issues, including environmental and occupational exposure. The PC-03 is responsible for (duties include but are not limited to):

• Providing scientific advice and recommendations.
• Planning, organizing and delivering programs to assess environmental radiation and/or human health issues.
• Planning, designing, conducting, and coordinating theoretical studies, laboratory experiments and field investigations.
• Reviewing and evaluating new knowledge and developments in equipment technologies.
• May participate in an operational role during training, exercises and emergencies.

Intent of the process

The intent is to staff the position in Ottawa. Other regions where Health Canada has an office may be considered by exception: Edmonton (Alberta), Vancouver (British Columbia), Winnipeg (Manitoba), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Ottawa (Ontario), Toronto (Ontario), Montréal (Québec), Regina (Saskatchewan).

A pool of qualified candidates (fully assessed or partially assessed) will be established and may be used to staff similar positions in this group and level. This process may be used for various positions and tenures (including but not limited to term and indeterminate appointments, internal assignments, secondments, deployments, acting appointments).

Positions to be filled: 3

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

Education
Both Streams:

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution, with acceptable specialization in physics, geology, chemistry or some other science relevant to the position.


Note: The courses for the specialization must be acceptable and must have been taken at a recognized post-secondary institution, but not necessarily within a degree program in the required specialization.

Degree equivalency

Experience
Stream 1 – Physical Sciences Generalist Advisor:
Significant* experience researching and assessing human health risks associated with hazardous substances
Significant* experience providing scientific recommendations to a variety of organizations
Experience working with multi-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional partners

Stream 2 – Radiation Coordinator/Specialist:
Significant experience planning and conducting theoretical studies, laboratory experiments or field investigations.
Significant* experience developing scientific test methods, procedures, or standard operating protocols.
Significant* experience in analysing and interpreting scientific or technical data.
Experience providing scientific recommendations to a variety of organizations

*Significant is defined as having the depth and breadth of experience that would normally be acquired over a period of at least 3 years.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Education
Both Streams:
Master’s or Doctorate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in science or applied science with specialization in chemistry, biology, physics or other relevant science related discipline.

Degree equivalency

Experience

Stream 1 – Physical Sciences Generalist Advisor:

Experience in emergency management related to hazardous substances
Experience being on call 24/7 as a duty officer
Experience as a technical expert on a national or international committee or working group
Experience working with multiple partners related to toxicovigilance.
Experience in developing emergency preparedness or response policies, plans, procedures or similar documents.


Stream 2 – Radiation Coordinator/Specialist:

Experience in the acquisition, processing, analysis, and/or interpretation of radiation data, including but not limited to using spectroscopic instrumentation, personal dosimetry equipment, list mode data acquisition and interpretation, or analytical programming tools such as Python or Root.
Experience using mathematical models to study the movement and impacts of contaminant releases to the environment
Experience with Monte Carlo Radiation Transport simulations
Experience in radiochemistry
Experience developing and implementing software-based solutions to support laboratory processes and data management.

Both Streams- Physical Sciences Generalist Advisor and Radiation Coordinator/Specialist:

Experience with the practical application of the principles of health physics or radiation protection
Experience performing statistical or spatial data analyses, working with computational models, working with large datasets or managing databases
Experience with quality assurance or working within an accredited quality management system (e.g., ISO)

Operational Requirements
Both Streams:
Available to work overtime on short notice
Occasional travel may be required
May be required to serve as 24/7 Duty Officer on a rotational basis

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

Various language requirements
Bilingual imperative BBB/BBB
English Essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge
Stream 1 – Physical Sciences Generalist Advisor:
Knowledge of methods and data sources to assess human health risks from exposure to hazardous substances

Stream 2 – Radiation Coordinator/Specialist:
Knowledge of theoretical and practical principles of environmental radiation measurement or dosimetry

Abilities
Both Streams:
Ability to communicate effectively orally
Ability to communicate effectively in writing
Ability to research and analyse scientific data, and summarize information

Personal Suitability
Both Streams:
Respectful of diversity
Judgement
Thoroughness
Initiative
Effective Interpersonal Relations

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

Knowledge
Stream 1 – Physical Sciences Generalist Advisor:
Knowledge of statutory and operational frameworks governing federal emergency management in Canada

Organizational Needs:
In support of achieving a diversified workforce, consideration may be given to candidates self-identified as belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal peoples, Persons with disabilities, Members of visible minorities, and Women.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Secret security clearance

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.

Please identify clearly for which position(s) you are submitting an application.

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.

A random and/or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

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.