Master’s in geography/environmental science - Research Affiliate Program

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Assessment accommodation

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.

Duties

The Kivalliq Region, situated in the central Canadian Arctic, is characterized by its extensive perennially cryotic ground (i.e., permafrost), often reaching several hundred meters in depth. This perennially frozen ground poses significant development challenges, which have been historically limited due to the lack of comprehensive studies on permafrost conditions. However, recent interest in infrastructure projects, such as the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link, has renewed focus on the area.

To address these development challenges, the Geological Survey of Canada has undertaken regional-scale modeling of ground ice content within the permafrost. Despite these advancements, the acquisition of field data, such as near-surface permafrost cores, remains essential to validate and refine these models.

The main objective of this thesis will be to characterize the ground ice type, quantify its volumetric content, and determine the geotechnical properties and geochemical signature of the near-surface permafrost, found in several areas and representative landscape of the Kivalliq region. Associated field datasets will be crucial for ensuring the sustainability and stability of future development projects in this permafrost-dominated region.

The study will include an important field research component (mainly in proximity of the Rankin Inlet and Arviat communities) including the sampling and analysis of frozen active layer/near-surface permafrost cores. Detailed methods include shallow drillings, cryostratigraphy, and laboratory analysis on collected samples for geotechnical and geochemistry parameters. With the support of research directors and colleagues, the candidate will write and publish their results and interpretations in open file reports (and/or peer-reviewed papers) and make presentations at scientific conferences. The final product will be an MSc thesis in geography. The project is expected to start in October 2024.

Work environment

The student hired under this RAP will undertake their MSc project within the department of geography, environment and geomatics, at the University of Ottawa, which is in downtown Ottawa (Ontario).

A graduate studies program undertaken in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada means developing leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and supporting creativity and innovation. Canada's governments depend on geoscience to inform policy, manage the country's landmass and develop its natural resources responsibly. The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) is the national organization for geoscientific information and research. Since 1842 the Geological Survey of Canada has produced cutting-edge, authoritative geoscience to support mineral exploration, climate change research, marine and coastal resilience, and natural hazards mapping. Our work supports decision-making in the mining and energy sectors, as well as national sovereignty, hazards risk management and more. The GSC is proud to create a workplace that supports an accessible, equitable, inclusive, and diverse workforce at the ready to tackle current and future science challenges. The GSC provides a stimulating work environment with a passionate team and promotes work-life balance.

Intent of the process

The intention is to staff one student position for the completion of an MSc in geography at the University of Ottawa: on the quantification and characterization of ground ice in Nunavut’s Kivalliq region.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "1500 words max. indicating the areas of research in which you have knowledge and/or experience. How the candidate meets the education and experience listed below; as well as their motivation on pursuing graduate studies."

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

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

Essential Education:
• Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in Geography or Earth Sciences.

Degree equivalency

Essential Experience:
• Experience conducting fieldwork in cold regions using coring equipment (i.e., for coring permafrost or glaciers).

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

English or French

Information on language requirements

In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience/knowledge can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.

Essential knowledge:
• Knowledge of the physical geography of cold regions.
• Knowledge of one of the following (or a combination): geographic information systems (GIS), hydrology, Quaternary Paleogeography and geomorphology.

Abilities:
• Ability to work in the field in remote areas.
• Ability to work alone and in a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively within the team, academic and governmental partners.
• Ability to communicate results effectively with the public.

Personal suitabilities:
• Motivation
• Autonomy
• Initiative
• Integrity
• Professionalism

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

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

Conditions of employment

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.
Therefore, the student will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-related documents.
• The student will need to be registered full-time, or accepted and registered full-time by the date of appointment, in the University of Ottawa’s MSc program in geography (geography, environment and geomatics department).
• The student must be prepared to carry out regular laboratory
• Willingness and ability to perform fieldwork may be required.
• For fieldwork, the student must be able to pass a Health Canada medical, and possess or obtain safety courses as needed, including first aid/CPR.

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

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.

For further information on the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), please visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/recruitment/students/research-affiliate-program.html

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.

For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via email. 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).

A written examination may be administered.
An interview may be administered.
Reference may be sought.

You must provide proof of your education credentials and a list of courses may be required.

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

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

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

Preference

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Contact information

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