Josh's Water Jobs – Senior Scientist

Department: Government of Yukon -> Environment – Water Resources – Water Quality
Location: Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2C6 CA (Primary)
Job Type: Permanent
End Date:
Full/Part Time: Full-time
Standard Hours Bi-weekly: 75
Classification: ST17
Salary: $99,800.00 – $115,857.00
Union: YEU
Days Off: Saturday/Sunday
Travel: 10%
Admissibility: Open to all Candidates, Preference – Canadian Indigenous Ancestry, Preference – Yukon First Nations ancestry

This competition is open to all candidates who meet the above noted Admissibility. A hiring preference will apply for qualified candidates of Canadian Indigenous ancestry, with a priority for qualified Yukon First Nation candidates. This initiative is in support of Yukon government’s goal for a representative public service. For more information on the hiring preference visit www.yukon.ca/hiring-preference.

Job Summary and Requirements

This is a full time permanent position, working 75 hours bi-weekly.

Our role

The Water Resources Branch works with diverse partners to protect water for the environment and people. We do so by building knowledge generated from our water monitoring networks, focused research, and by applying our learnings in the development of reports, guidance documents, and policies. Our professionals provide expertise to inform Yukon’s regulatory processes and work closely with many partners during critical seasonal periods. We are a committed, collaborative and engaged group of professionals who take pride in water stewardship for all Yukoners.

Your role

The Senior Scientist – Water Quality leads the surface water quality program for the Department of Environment and is responsible for setting directions, planning, developing and implementing the program . This includes managing and supporting water quality monitoring initiatives (including audits of licensed undertakings, research studies, community monitoring projects, etc.), enhancing the current long-term water quality monitoring network, reviewing and analyzing data and providing expert advice on surface water quality matters to support effective water monitoring, protection and management. As part of the Senior Scientists team, this position reviews proposed exploration and development projects undergoing assessment and water licensing to ensure integration of water quality considerations. As part of the Senior Management team, this position supports the branch and the department by providing advice on water management policies and strategies. A copy of the job description is attached to this posting located at the bottom of the page.

For information on how to apply for this position, email Laura Figueroa, Human Resources Consultant via Laura.Figueroa@yukon.ca

For more information about this position, please contact:  Heather Jirousek, Director of Water Resources Branch at (867) 667-3145

Essential Qualifications

If this position interests you, please submit your resume clearly demonstrating how you meet the qualifications below, as selection for further consideration will be based solely on the information you provide in your resume. Please clearly demonstrate how, when, and where the qualification was met through substantiation including descriptive examples of work performed. During the application process, you will be asked to provide examples related to the essential qualifications below. A cover letter is not required and will not be considered (you can skip this step when prompted in the application process.)

A Master’s degree or higher in Natural or Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related scientific or technical discipline.
Considerable experience in water quality science, research and monitoring of anthropogenic impacts (e.g., mining, municipal) and/or ambient baseline monitoring including analysis, interpretation and communication of complex scientific information for a wide variety of audiences.
Considerable experience in the management of complex water resources programs, including planning, designing, and implementing programs.
Considerable experience providing expert advice on technical, policy and research questions and/or conducting reviews for proposed projects undergoing environmental assessment or regulatory review processes (e.g. water licenses, mine reviews) from a surface water quality perspective.
Experience in geochemistry, ecotoxicology, limnology, or aquatic ecology is considered an asset.
Understanding of Yukon’s Final Agreements and experience working with Indigenous people is considered an asset.

Candidates who have a degree in a related discipline combined with experience equivalent to the essential qualifications listed above will be considered.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Suitability

Candidates should have and may be assessed on:

Ability to analyze, interpret, and present complex scientific information to a wide variety of audiences;
Ability to review large and complex projects undergoing environmental assessment and regulatory process and provide expert advice to limit or mitigate potential impacts on surface water quality;
Sound academic knowledge of surface water quality science and familiarity with northern water quality issues;
Ability to navigate through challenging and contentious issues with individuals or organizations who may have widely varied interests;
Ability to communicate effectively, engage with stakeholders and team members, and develop strong partnerships;
Ability to lead change and innovation;
Ability to influence others.

Additional Information:

Conditions of Employment: Valid Class 5 driver’s license

Job Requirements: Field work in all weather conditions and remote areas, lifting of heavy objects, travel via ATV, boat, snowmobiles, helicopters, exposure to infectious agents found in water and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Applications are accepted until 11:59pm Yukon Standard Time on the day of the closing date posted below.

Why joining us is a great idea

Yukon government has been recognized as a Top 100 Canadian Employer since 2014.

We support balancing personal and professional needs through comprehensive benefits, the ability to build your professional skills through learning and developmental opportunities, and flexible work and leave options.

There’s no best way to tell you why Yukon is an amazing place to live and work but you can see some of what our Territory has to offer here: