Physical Scientist Specialist / Organic chemistry **RE-POSTING OF PROCESS 23-DOE-QUE-EA-570243**

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

*** Please note that this is an extension for selection process PC-02/CH-02: 23-DOE-QUE-EA-570243. If you have already submitted your application for this process, you do not need to re-apply on this one and your application will be automatically included for assessment. ***

The hiring organization will accept applications on-line only. All job applications must therefore be submitted through the Government of Canada jobs website. Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact the person named below.

It is our intention to communicate with candidates via email for assessment purposes. This will include communication of invitations to written tests and interviews. To that end, candidates must include a valid email address in their application. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that this address is functional and that it accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email). It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure accurate information is provided and updated as required.

Duties

Stream 1: PC-02 Organic Chemistry
Reporting to the Organic Chemistry Supervisor, the PC-02 is responsible for (these duties include but are not limited to):
• operate a high resolution magnetic sector mass spectrometer (HRMS) including all maintenance and troubleshooting when necessary;
• operate an atmospheric pressure gas chromatography (APGC) mass spectrometer including all maintenance and troubleshooting;
• assist in sample preparation (extraction, clean-up etc.) when necessary;
• process data and test results based on established procedures and guidelines; manage non-compliant results according to the procedures in place;
• keep comprehensive records of samples, observations, measurements, tests performed and procedures followed;
• oversee method development and method validation for new and existing methods;
• provide scientific information and advice to the supervisor and/or clients on subjects falling within his/her area of expertise;
• conduct research on emerging compounds of interest;
• ensure that the work is carried out according to best OHS practices;
• write, review and follow the standard operating procedures and analytical methods according to ISO/IEC 17025.

Stream 2 : CH-02 Inorganic chemistry
Reporting to the Inorganic Chemistry Supervisor, the CH-02 is responsible for (these duties include but are not limited to):
• participate in the preparation of samples and reagents;
• perform analysis of metals, nutrients and physico-chemical parameters, including all instrument maintenance and troubleshooting (as required);
• process data according to established procedures and guidelines and compile statistical data; manage non-compliant results according to the procedures in place;
• participate in data review;
• participate in method development, validation and verification for existing and new methods;
• provide scientific information and advice to the supervisor and/or clients on matters within their area of expertise;
• ensure that the work is carried out according to best OHS practices;
• write, review and follow standard operating procedures and analytical methods in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025;
• manage hazardous waste and plan annual collections.

Work environment

Stream 1: PC-02 Organic chemistry (1 position)
The organic chemistry stream will consist primarily of laboratory work using state-of-the-art chemical instruments (HRMS, APGC) in support of several departmental priorities such as Enforcement, and the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). The position will also support departmental priorities by improving existing analytical techniques as well as developing new analytical techniques.

Stream 2: CH-02 Inorganic chemistry (1 position)
The inorganic chemistry stream will consist primarily of laboratory work performing routine and non-routine analysis in support of several departmental priorities such as Enforcement, and Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance (WQMS) program. The chemist will analyze and interpret different types of data from laboratory tests or from research initiatives in order to draw conclusions and produce reports. The position will also support departmental priorities by improving existing analytical techniques as well as developing new analytical techniques.

Intent of the process

The intent of this selection process is to staff one (1) bilingual (BBB) indeterminate (permanent) full-time PC-02 position in Montreal, Quebec under Stream 1 – organic chemistry and one (1) bilingual (BBB) indeterminate (permanent) full-time CH-02 position in Montreal, Quebec under Stream 2 – inorganic chemistry (anticipatory).

A pool of qualified candidates could be established and used to staff similar full-time or part-time positions with Environment and Climate Change Canada with different locations, security profiles, language requirements and tenure of employment depending on the position to be staffed.

Note: depending on the number of applicants, the needs of ECCC and the HR plans of the environmental science and technology laboratories, the use of assets for the purposes of managing job applications and applicants may therefore be used, consequently it is important for you to answer this section if it applies.

Positions to be filled: 2

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

Education: all streams
Degree from a recognized post-secondary institution, with acceptable specialization in chemistry, physics, geology or other discipline relevant to the position.

Degree equivalency

Experience: all streams
Ex1. Significant work experience* in the preparation of samples (for example extraction and clean up).

Note: * significant experience means work experience normally acquired over a period of at least 2 years.

Ex2. Significant work experience* in the instrumental analysis of samples.

Note: *significant experience means work experience normally acquired over a period of at least 2 years.

Ex3. Work experience in the analysis, synthesis and/or interpretation of information and technical data ( for example, in mass spectrometry, ion chromatography, automated colorimetry, etc.).

Note:* significant experience means work experience normally acquired over a period of at least 2 years.

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

Education: all streams
Degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in environmental science or Master's degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in chemistry or environmental science.

Degree equivalency

Experience: all streams
ExA1. Significant work experience* in the preparation of environmental samples (soil, sediment, biota and water).

Note:* significant experience means work experience normally acquired over a period of at least 2 years.

ExA2. Significant work experience* in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.

Note:* significant experience means work experience normally acquired over a period of at least 2 years.

ExA3. Experience with the use and writing codes for computer languages (e.g.,Visual Basic, Visual Basic for Applications, C/C++, or others) for processing and analysing data.

ExA4. Work experience with managing laboratory operations and applying the principles of project management.

Specific asset experience for STREAM 1: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
ExA1.Significant work experience* with a liquid chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer for the analysis of organic compounds.

Note:* significant experience means work experience normally acquired over a period of at least 2 years.

ExA2. Significant work experience* with daily operations and data processing on a gas chromatography apparatus coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS).

Note:* significant experience means work experience normally acquired over a period of at least 2 years.

ExA3. Work experience with the use of a gas chromatograph coupled to a high resolution mass spectrometer (GC-MS) or a liquid chromatograph coupled to a high resolution mass spectrometer (LC-MS) of the following types: Time of Flight (ToF), Orbitrap or magnetic sector (adjustment, daily operation and data processing).

Note:* significant experience means work experience normally acquired over a period of at least 2 years.

Specific asset experience for STREAM 2: INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
ExA1.Significant work experience* in the analysis of metals, nutrients or physico-chemical parameters.

Note:* significant experience means work experience normally acquired over a period of at least 2 years.

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

Various language requirements
English Essential
French Essential
Bilingual imperative (BBB/BBB)

Information on language requirements

Knowledge: all components
C1. Knowledge in preventive maintenance and instrumental troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
C2. Knowledge in method development and validation.
C3. Knowledge of the principles of quality assurance and quality control in a laboratory.
C4. Knowledge of laboratory safety principles.

Specific knowledge for Stream 1: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
K1. Knowledge of the main extraction techniques in organic chemistry (e.g. soxhlet, solid phase extraction (SPE), etc.) and sample purification.

K2. Knowledge of the principles of gas chromatography (injectors, columns, etc.) and/or liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (ionization sources, data processing, tuning) and their application to organic chemistry.

Specific knowledge for STREAM 2: INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
K1. Knowledge of inorganic analytical chemistry techniques, including instrumentation, to perform analysis of designated substances and contaminants.

Abilities: all streams
A1. Ability to communicate effectively orally.
A2. Ability to communicate effectively in writing
A3. Ability to work in a team.
A4. Ability to solve problems.
A5. Ability to manage time.
A6. Ability to analyze, synthesize and interpret technical information

Personal Suitability: all streams
P1. Initiative.
P2. Adaptability.
P3. Rigor (attention to details).
P4. Judgment

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

Knowledge: all streams
KA1. Knowledge in the application of chemistry in relation to environmental law enforcement (e.g. Fisheries Act).

Operational Requirements: all streams
Willing to work for extensive hours, in a standing position and to use computers in an office or in the field.
Willing to work for extensive hours under a chemical fume hood, with occasional organic solvent vapours and constant noise.
Known allergies should be controlled by the use of an acceptable device (eg dust mask) or medication; they must not interfere with the performance of the work.
Willing to work occasionally with a chemical respiratory mask.
Be fit and willing to do occasionally field work.
Be fit and willing to work outside, in variable and/or unfavorable weather conditions.
Be fit and willing to do overtime and work during the weekends.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Possess a valid driver's license.

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 written exam may be administered.

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

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Candidates with foreign credentials must provide proof Canadian equivalency. Consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information at http://www.cicic.ca.

Candidates from outside the public service may be required to pay for travel and relocation costs associated with this selection process.

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.