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.
The Science and Engineering Directorate, also known as the CBSA Laboratory, is leveraging science and technology to support the frontline and advance the agency’s modernization Agenda.
We:
• develop innovative tools and solutions to facilitate operations at the borders
• analyze confiscated goods for illegal substances, even trace amounts
• determine the composition of imports to help apply tariffs
• identify counterfeit documents through forensic analysis
• provide facial identification services
• study and research trends to provide the best scientific advice to support business decisions
• offer advice on the latest technological developments and best practices
Our main Laboratory, located in Ottawa, operates in an ISO 17025 laboratory environment while our regional Laboratories operates under similar practices. We are responsible for analyzing samples and providing scientific advice to our operational clients (CBSA, RCMP, etc.) across Canada. The advertised positions are for the Field Drug Detection and Analysis Section.
Note: Although the positions are posted at the CH-02 level, the Science and Engineering Directorate offers a structured career progression model that typically allows advancement to the next level (CH-03, Senior Chemist) within two to four years, depending on the candidate’s relevant experience and position availability.
CBSA Laboratories are mainly located in Ottawa, Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver. The immediate need is to fill positions in Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver. However, a pool of qualified candidates will be established and may be used to staff identical or similar positions within the Information, Science and Technology Branch of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
**HYBRID WORK MODEL INFORMATON**
As of September 9, 2024, and in line with Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) Direction on prescribed presence in the workplace, the CBSA has adopted an approach to support the hybrid work model arrangement. Employees will be required to work 3 (three) days a week in their designated work location, and 2 (two) days a week remotely when it is operationally feasible. However, due to position specific operational requirements, this position does not qualify for flexibility under the Hybrid Work Model. As a result, candidates must be able and available to report to CBSA office location(s) 5 days a week to be considered for this position.
Positions to be filled: Number to be determined
Your résumé.
EDUCATION:
Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in chemistry.
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. For the purposes of these standards, the term "specialization" refers to at least 10 chemistry courses (semester length).
EXPERIENCE:
- Recent* and Significant** experience conducting analysis in a science laboratory, including the interpretation of data from various analytical chemistry laboratory techniques such as, but not limited to Fourier Transformed Infrared (FT-IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Gas-Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS), etc.
Definition:
*Recent experience is defined as experience acquired within the last 5 years.
**Significant experience is defined as experience normally acquired in a cumulative period of one year.
Various language requirements
English Essential, French Essential or Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB
Information on language requirements
KNOWLEDGE
- Knowledge of general chemistry, organic chemistry, quality assurance principles, analytical techniques and analytical instrumentation.
COMPETENCIES:
- Ability to interpret data from various analytical laboratory techniques such as, but not limited to, Fourier Transformed Infrared (FT-IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Gas-Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS).
- Ability to communicate effectively orally.
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
- Working effectively with others.
- Client service orientation.
- Showing initiative.
ASSET EDUCATION:
- Master’s degree in Chemistry from a recognized post-secondary institution.
- PhD (Doctoral) degree in Chemistry from a recognized post-secondary institution.
ASSET EXPERIENCE:
- Recent* and significant** experience in the analysis of controlled drugs and substances or prescription drugs.
- Recent* and significant** experience in the analysis of various goods such as polymer, food, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and cannabis products.
- Recent* and significant** experience in the analysis of materials and interpreting data from instruments such as Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR), Mass Spectrometer (MS) and Ion Mobility Spectrometer (IMS).
- Recent* and significant** experience producing formal analytical reports for clients related to the analysis of exhibits submitted for testing.
- Recent* and significant** experience operating and maintaining modern laboratory instruments.
- Recent* and significant** experience in the validation of analytical methods.
- Recent* and significant** experience working in a quality system environment (either a laboratory accredited under ISO 17025 or operating under similar principles).
- Recent* and significant** experience in sampling methodologies.
- Recent* and significant** experience performing scientific field work.
- Experience in working with law enforcement authorities.
Definition:
*Recent experience is defined as experience acquired within the last 5 years.
**Significant experience is defined as experience normally acquired in a cumulative period of one year.
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willingness and ability to wear required personal protective equipment as per laboratory safety standards and procedures.
- Willingness and ability to work overtime as required.
- Willingness and ability to work various shifts on rotation, weekends as well as statutory holidays, as required.
- Willingness and ability to travel as required.
- Willingness and ability to be available after hours on call back or stand-by basis, as required.
ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS:
The CBSA processes millions of travellers every day – people of all ages, sizes, shapes, backgrounds, and abilities. Consequently, we want to increase the representation of employment equity groups in order to maintain a diverse workforce that reflects the population we serve.
We are focused on hiring talented individuals from these communities to make our Agency better and continue to enhance diversity. In order to achieve our goal, we may first consider qualified candidates, who have self-declared, when applying, as belonging to one or more of the designated employment equity groups.
The CBSA promotes employment equity and encourages all candidates to indicate if they belong to one or more of the designated groups (women, members of visible minorities, Aboriginal peoples or persons with disabilities*) when they apply. For information on self-declaration please visit:https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government/self-declaring-government-canada-jobs.html.*Note that the terms “Aboriginal peoples”, “persons with disabilities” and “members of visible minorities” are used, to align with the terminology defined in the Employment Equity Act. We understand and recognize that candidates may prefer to use other terms.
Reliability Status security clearance
Obtain and maintain, in the weeks after being hired, a Restricted Area Identity Card or Port Pass (where required).
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
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ASSESSMENT
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VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Candidates MUST submit their application through the online system available at: GC jobs. Applications submitted in any other format will not be accepted. If there are limitations or special circumstances preventing you from submitting your application via the PSRS online portal, you must contact the CBSA Recruitment team AND receive approval to apply via an alternate means PRIOR to the closing date.
When submitting your application to this selection process, you will be required to answer screening questions to demonstrate how you meet the Essential Qualifications (Education and all Essential Experiences) as well as any Asset Qualifications (if applicable).
When answering the screening questions, remember that the assessment board cannot make assumptions about your Education and Experience. It is not sufficient to say that you have the required qualifications or to list your current or past responsibilities. Rather, you must provide concrete examples with significant details to explain WHEN, WHERE and HOW you acquired each qualification. This is similar to what would be expected of you when asked to provide a concrete example of a particular situation in the context of an interview.
Candidates must also submit a resume with their application, which will only be used to validate the information provided in their answers to the screening questions.
Should your responses to the screening questions contain insufficient details to demonstrate that you meet the screening criteria, your application will not be given further consideration in this process. Candidates will not be solicited for incomplete or possible missing information.
You may be assessed using a variety of assessment tools, such as, but not limited to: standardized tests, written exams, interviews, simulation exercises, reference checks, etc.
A random and/or top down selection (volume management strategy) of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.
You must provide proof of your education credentials. If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. For more information please click on “Degree Equivalency” in the Education section above.
LEAVE / ABSENCES DURING THIS SELECTION PROCESS: It is the responsibility of the candidate to notify the Departmental contact of any pre-approved leave throughout the duration of the process in order to facilitate scheduling of evaluations. One (1) alternate date will be possible only if requested for the following reasons: 1) Medical reasons with doctor’s certificate 2) Death in your immediate family 3) Confirmation of pre-approved travel plans or training plans (made before the advertisement posting date) 4) Religious reasons or 5) Participation in an assessment for another selection process.
Management may choose to invoke an asset(s) at any point of the process.
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OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
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Persons are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.
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COMMUNICATION
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Communication for this process will be sent via email. Applicants MUST check their e-mail accounts frequently as there may be a deadline for responses. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).
If you need to communicate with us during any stage of this process, please indicate the selection process number (2025-EA-ISTB-CH_02-1058) in the subject field of your email.
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OTHER INFORMATION
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Acknowledgement of receipt of applications will not be sent; we will contact candidates when the screening process is completed.
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.