Scientific Evaluator (Stream 1) / Environmental Fate Modeller (Stream 2)

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

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.

You may also review jobs open to the public through INFOTEL at 1-800-645-5605. The INFOTEL number for persons using a TTY/TDD is 1-800-532-9397.

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
Health Canada offers flexible work arrangements including telework for a portion of the work week. Our hybrid work model consists of an on-site presence of at least 2 days a week.

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.

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: Scientific Evaluator
Stream 2: Environmental Fate Modeller

***VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: It is the responsibility of the candidate to clearly outline that they meet each of the screening criteria (i.e., Education and Experience Qualifications) by RESPONDING TO THE SCREENING QUESTIONS IN THE ONLINE APPLICATION. Please note that it is not sufficient to only state that the requirement is met or to provide a listing of current responsibilities, rather, the candidate must provide concrete examples that illustrate how they meet the requirement. Lack of EXAMPLES and DETAILS may result in your application being rejected, as the Assessment Board will have insufficient information to determine whether or not you meet the qualifications.

Duties

A Scientific Evaluator reviews laboratory and field data (basic scientific studies describing fate, behaviour, and ecotoxicity). This data is analyzed and used to characterize the environmental exposure and effects of a pesticide, which are then integrated together to evaluate the likelihood that exposure to a pesticide can cause adverse effects on individual organisms, populations, or ecological systems.

As an Environmental Fate Modeller, you will be part of a dynamic team that uses exposure models to estimate concentrations of pesticides in both surface water and groundwater. You will participate in meetings with agency staff and clients and present the modelling results to them and in scientific meetings. The incumbent will:
• Estimate the rate of transformation of pesticides in the environment using degradation kinetics
equations.
• Conduct sensitivity analyses on the surface water and groundwater model results to identify the
factors that are most important in influencing concentrations in drinking water sources.
• Evaluate the effects of physical, chemical, and biological processes including dilution,
dispersion, and degradation on the fate of pesticides in the environment.
• Exercises strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Prepare memos, modelling notes and scientific presentations.
• Maybe asked to supervise students.

Join our team and challenge yourself while contributing to meaningful work!

Work environment

The Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is responsible for pesticide regulation in Canada. The PMRA's primary mandate is to prevent unacceptable risks to Canadians and the environment from the use of pesticide products.

The Environmental Assessment Directorate (EAD) falls within PMRA and applies modern, evidence-based scientific approaches to assess whether the environmental risks of pesticides are acceptable.

Intent of the process

A pool of qualified candidates (fully or partially assessed) will be created and may be used to staff similar positions at the BI03 group and level with various linguistic requirements (English Essential and Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB), various security requirements, various conditions of employment as well as various tenures as mentioned above.

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:
BOTH STREAMS:
Ed1 - Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a natural, physical or applied science with specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position (including but not limited to biological, chemical, soil or environmental sciences, environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, environmental risk assessment, environmental engineering, hydrology, environmental modelling, long range transport of chemicals, or soil microbiology).

Degree equivalency

BOTH STREAMS:
Ex1 - Significant* experience in assessing and interpreting scientific data/information and scientific studies/literature related to the environmental toxicology or fate of pesticides (or other chemicals) in the environment.
* “Significant” refers to the depth and breadth of experience associated with the performance of a broad range of related activities which were the candidate’s primary work responsibilities. It will be assessed based on the scope, complexity and the diversity of the work performed.
Ex2 - Experience in writing technical reports summarizing and integrating key scientific information.

Stream 1 (Scientific Evaluator):
Ex3 - Experience in the design and/or conduct of scientific studies (can include or consist of course work) in an environmental field.

Stream 2 (Environmental Fate Modeller):
Ex4 - Experience in environmental chemistry or environmental fate modelling or long-range transport of chemicals or prediction of environmental properties.
Ex5 - Recent* experience in data analysis and programming using R, Python or similar computer programming language.
* “Recent” is defined as experience normally acquired within the last 2 years

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

Asset Qualifications

Asset Education:
BOTH STREAMS:
AEd1 - Graduation from a recognized university with a post graduate degree (MSc or PhD) in a field relevant to the duties of the position (including but not limited to biological, chemical, soil or environmental science, environmental engineering and/or post doctorate research work in one of the following areas: environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, environmental risk assessment, environmental fate modelling, long range transport of chemicals, prediction of chemical properties, ground water or surface water research).

Degree equivalency

Asset Experience:
BOTH STREAMS:
AEx1 - Experience in conducting statistical analyses of environmental data, statistical modelling of environmental data, or trend analysis.
AEx2 - Experience in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze or present scientific data.

Stream 1 (Scientific Evaluator):
AEx3 - Training and/or experience in one (or more) of the following areas of specialization:
 Species at risk and/or wildlife biology
 Cumulative and/or mixture effects of pesticides (or other chemicals)
 Water monitoring
 Environmental chemistry and/or fate of pesticides (or other chemicals)
 Environmental effects of pesticides (or other chemicals) on pollinators
 Environmental effects of pesticides (or other chemicals) on plants (terrestrial or aquatic, including algae).
AEx4 - Experience in bioinformatics or computational toxicology, including data analysis or programming in R, Python or similar computer programming language.

Stream 2 (Environmental Fate Modeller):
AEx5 - Experience in the design and conduct of scientific studies on the environmental fate of pesticides (or other chemicals) in the environment.
AEx6 – Experience in interpreting and documenting modelling outcomes.

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

Various language requirements
English Essential, Bilingual Imperative (BBB/BBB)

Information on language requirements

BOTH STREAMS:
K1 - Knowledge of the assessment of environmental fate (transformation and transport processes) or ecotoxicology of pesticides (or other chemicals).

Abilities:
BOTH STREAMS:
A1 - Ability to provide science-based recommendations.
A2 - Ability to plan and manage workload effectively and independently.
A3 - Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
A4 - Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Stream 1 (Scientific Evaluator):
A5 - Ability to integrate and synthesize scientific information from different sources.
A6 - Ability to prepare concise reports or presentations.

Stream 2 (Environmental Fate Modeller):
A7 – Ability to solve problems or conduct data analysis using R, Python or similar computer programing language.

Personal Suitability:
BOTH STREAMS:
PS1 - Team player
PS2 - Initiative
PS3 - Reliability
PS4 - Respectful of Diversity

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

Asset Ability:
Stream 1 (Scientific Evaluator):
AAb1- Ability to conduct environmental risk assessments on chemicals that advise on the level of risk.

*ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS:
In support of achieving a diversified workforce, consideration may be given to candidates self-declaring as belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal peoples, Persons with disabilities, Members of visible minorities, and Women. Therefore, we encourage candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a member of one of these groups.

*OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Adherence to strict timelines.
Willingness to work overtime on occasion.
Willingness to travel both nationally and internationally.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status 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 written examination may be administered.
Candidates must meet the essential qualifications to be appointed to a position.
Candidates may be required to meet the asset qualifications or the organizational needs, depending on the requirements of the specific position being staffed.
Please identify clearly your substantive group and level and your employment status on your resume and/or application form.
A secondment is a temporary resourcing option. The approval of your substantive supervisor may/will be required before an offer can be made.
Please ensure that your Personal Record Identifier (PRI) is included in your application.
You must provide proof of your education credentials.

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.