About the position
DutiesThe overarching aim of this position is to develop new knowledge and tools that can help mitigate the impact of wildland-urban interface fires on the built environment. Specific outcomes will include (i) an improved understanding of factors that reduce the risk of house loss during interface fires, and (ii) the development of models to aid wildfire risk assessment for the built environment.
Duties will include:
1. Design, recommend, and implement methodologies to compile and create datasets related to the impact of wildland-urban interface fires on the built environment. These include (but are not limited to) datasets describing fire impacts to buildings, as well as environmental conditions that affect wildfire exposure such as fire severity, weather, topography, vegetation, and human land use. Perform quality control on these datasets and devise new variables relevant to the study of wildland-urban interface fires.
2. Undertake systematic synthesis, statistical analysis and modelling, and interpretation of large datasets describing the impact of wildland-urban interface fires on buildings. Analysis will require the development and application of Bayesian Network models.
3. Produce research results by writing, developing, and disseminating high-quality scientific output for publication in scientific and technical reports and journals. This also includes presenting some of the work to internal and external collaborators.
4. Respond to internal and external requests/enquiries from clients and other researchers regarding data, models, and fire-related information. Collaborate with scientific colleagues and other stakeholders both domestically and internationally.
5. As needed, participate in fieldwork designed to measure aspects of the wildland-urban interface fire environment, including (but not limited to) building susceptibility to fire and vegetation structure, composition, and ignitability.
Work environment
At Natural Resources Canada, a Federal government job means developing leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and supporting creativity and innovation. We know it takes people from diverse pools of talent to make this happen. That is why we are looking for people like you. As an employee at Natural Resources Canada you can enjoy diverse employment opportunities, a range of career development programs, and a learning culture that supports you to learn on an ongoing basis. We support balancing your work and private life by offering the benefits of flexible work arrangements.
Positions to be filled
1
Important messages
You must provide proof of your education credentials.
Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language 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.
Candidates from outside the public service may be required to pay for travel and relocation costs associated with this selection process.
Successful completion of both a RAP work assignment and your educational program may lead to a temporary or permanent federal public service position for which you meet the merit criteria and conditions of employment.
Natural Resources Canada is committed to employment equity and building strength through diversity. We welcome applications from qualified people and encourage members of the designated groups (Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities and Women) to apply and to self-identify.
For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via email for screening and assessment purposes. This will include communication of screening results and 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.
We thank all applicants for their interest in our position(s). For the purpose of this staffing process, only candidates selected for further assessment will be contacted
Conditions of employment
Reliability Status security clearance - NOTE: Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment, and therefore will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-relevant documents.
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You need (essential for the job)
Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following
Education
A masters degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in, natural or physical sciences, engineering, or some other science related to the position.
Enrolled or willing to enroll in a PhD program at a university in south-western British Columbia (e.g., Victoria, Vancouver).
Learn more about degree equivalency.
Experience
Ex1 Significant* experience compiling, managing, and analyzing datasets for scientific research.
Ex2 Significant* experience working with analytical packages and tools in the R language.
Ex3 Experience undertaking field and desktop-based research on the effects of wildland-urban interface fires on the built environment.
Ex4 Experience developing and evaluating Bayesian Network models.
Ex5 Experience using geographic information systems (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for scientific research.
Ex6 Experience writing scientific papers, theses, or technical reports
*Significant means that the experience substantially contributed to a published scientific article, technical report, or thesis in the abovementioned academic fields.
Applied / assessed at a later date
Knowledge
K1 Knowledge of science related to wildland-urban interface fires and their impacts on communities.
K2 Knowledge of advanced statistics applied to fire science (e.g., generalised linear mixed models).
Abilities
A1 To communicate effectively orally in English.
A2 To communicate effectively in writing in English.
Personal Suitability
PS1 Planning and organization skills.
PS2 Integrity and respect.
PS3 Dependability/Reliability.
PS4 Exhibits good judgement.
Our commitment
We're 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 contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
Learn more about assessment accommodation.
How to apply
Learn more about applying for Government of Canada jobs.
Information you must provide
- Your résumé
- A cover letter - Please provide a cover letter demonstrating how you meet ''Knowledge of science related to wildland-urban interface fires and their impacts on communities'' as well as ''Knowledge of advanced statistics applied to fire science (e.g., generalised linear mixed models''. Please ensure to provide concrete examples.
- Contact information for 2 references
- A list of the courses you have taken as well as any courses that you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year
We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted.