Forensic Biologist

Role Responsibilities

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services is seeking a dedicated and highly skilled Forensic Biologist to support fisheries and wildlife forensic casework across the province of Alberta.

Reporting to the Forensic Unit Supervisor, this results oriented role provides forensic expertise to enforcement officers and research support to non enforcement personnel. The Forensic Biologist will play a key role in maintaining the Alberta Fish and Wildlife Forensic Lab in a state of operational readiness, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring facility cleanliness in accordance with relevant standards.

To successfully perform in this role, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:
•    A thorough understanding of evidence handling and analysis requirements and procedures.
•    Deep expertise in microsatellite analysis and DNA sequencing.
•    Strong specialized technical skills and investigative techniques relevant to forensic casework.
•    Knowledge of applicable provincial and federal legislation and related statutes governing investigations.
•    An understanding of interrelationships between the branch and other organizations, departments, and agencies.
•    Ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners to achieve shared objectives.
•    Highly developed verbal and written communication skills.
•    Advanced organizational and time management abilities.
•    Strong, timely decision making skills.
•    Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

•    Agility: You are able to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment.
•    Systems Thinking: You consistently take a holistic and long-term view of challenges and opportunities at multiple levels across related areas.
•    Develop Networks: You proactively build networks, connecting and building trust in relationships with different stakeholders.
•    Build Collaborative Environments: You lead and contribute to the conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively to achieve outcomes.
•    Creative Problem Solving: You are able to assess options, and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.
•    Drive For Results: You are able to determine what outcomes are important and maximize the use of resources to achieve results that are aligned with the goals of the organization while maintaining accountability to each other and all stakeholders.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in a scientific discipline related to the position, plus 2 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: 
•    Master’s degree, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Doctor of Medicine (MD) plus 4 years related experience; or 
•    Bachelor’s degree in science with specialization in Molecular Biology and/or Genetics plus six years of forensic or diagnostic casework/case management experience.

A valid driver's license is required.

The following are considered assets: 
•    Proficiency in automated DNA extraction platforms, polymerase chain reaction, capillary electrophoresis, fragment analysis, and DNA sequencing.
•    Course work in forensic science and familiarity with population genetics software. 
•    Preference will be given to candidates that have experience performing wildlife DNA analysis and working in a forensic laboratory.
•    Experience with hunting, fishing, and wildlife identification.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

The hours of work for this position are Monday to Friday 8:15 AM-4:30 PM, 36.25 hours a week.

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

Please note: It is anticipated that this position will transition to the new Alberta Sheriffs Police Service at a future date.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.