Career Profiles

This is not an exhaustive list of all career profiles at Natural Resources Canada.

On this page

• Administrative Services (AS)
• Information Technology (IT)
• Engineering and Scientific Support (EG)
• Engineering and Land Survey – Engineering (EN-ENG)
• Commerce (CO)
• Economics and Social Sciences Services (EC)
• Physical Sciences (PC)
• Scientific Research (SE-RES)
• Clerical and Regulatory (CR)
• Executives (EX)

Administrative Services (AS)

The planning, development, delivery or management of administrative and federal government policies, programs, services or other activities directed to the Public Service.

Educational Requirement

A high school diploma or a combination of education, training and/or experience or a satisfactory result on a Public Service Commission test that would be comparable to the formal education requirement.

Salary Range:

$48,796- $108,305

Types of positions may include:

• Administrative and Executive Assistants
• Planning Officers
• Coordination Officers
• Security Officers
• Executive Correspondence – Writer/Editor
• Records Management Officers
• Occupational Health & Safety Officer

Duties may include:

• Co-ordinate and plan for office services, such as accommodation, relocations, equipment, supplies, forms, disposal of assets, parking, maintenance, occupational health & safety and security services;
• Oversee and implement administrative procedures, establish work priorities, conduct analyses of administrative operations related to budgeting, contracting and project planning and management processes;
• Schedule and confirm appointments and meetings of employer, answer telephone and electronic enquiries and relay calls and messages, record and prepare minutes of meetings, arrange travel schedules and make necessary reservations;
• Co-ordinate administrative procedures, public relations activities and research and analysis functions for management, ministers, deputy ministers, corporate officials and executive, committees and boards of directors;
• Analyse incoming and outgoing memoranda, submissions and reports and prepare and co-ordinate the preparations and submission of summary briefs and reports to executives, committees and boards of directors;
• Conduct research, compile data, and prepare reports for consideration and presentation by executives, committees and boards of directors;
• May supervise and train office staff.

Information Technology (IT)

The planning, development, installation and maintenance of information technology processing systems to manage, administer or support federal government programs and activities.

Education

Graduation from a two-year program of study from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in computer science, information technology, information management or another specialty relevant to the position to be staffed.

Salary Range

$53,611 - $134, 571

Types of positions may include:

• Computer Network Technicians
• User Support Technicians
• Information Systems Testing Technicians
• Database Analysts and Data Administrators
• Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
• Web designers and developers
• Computer and Information Systems Managers

Duties may include:

• Maintain, troubleshoot and administer the use of local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), mainframe networks, computer workstations, connections to the Internet and peripheral equipment;
• Evaluate and install computer hardware, networking software, operating system software and software applications;
• Communicate electronically and in person with computer users experiencing difficulties to determine and document problems experienced;
• Collect, organize and maintain a problems and solutions log for use by other technical support analysts;
• Execute, analyze and document results of software application tests and information and telecommunication systems tests, participate in the redesign of applications and other software;
• Design, construct, modify, integrate, implement and test data models and database management systems;
• Develop policies and procedures for network and/or Internet database access and usage and for the backup and recovery of data;
• Develop Web site architecture and determine hardware and software requirements;
• Source, select and organize information for inclusion and design the appearance, layout and flow of the Web site;
• Create and optimize content for the Web site using a variety of graphics, database, animation and other software.

Engineering and Scientific Support (EG)

The conduct of analytical, experimental and investigative activities in the natural, physical and applied sciences; the design, construction, modification and assessment of technical systems and equipment or the calibration, maintenance and operation of instruments and apparatus used for these purposes; and the observation, calculation, recording and the interpretation, presentation and reporting of the results of tests or analyses.

Education

A high school diploma or a combination of education, training and/or experience or a satisfactory result on a Public Service Commission test that would be comparable to the formal education requirement.

Salary Range

$41,953 to $99,464

Types of positions may include:

• Chemical Technologists and Technicians
• Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Forestry Technologists and Technicians
• Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians
• Land Survey Technologists and Technicians
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Non-Destructive Testers and Inspection Technicians
• Technical Occupations in Geomatics and Meteorology

Duties may include:

• Assist in the development of chemical engineering processes, studies of chemical engineering procurement, construction, inspection and maintenance and the development of standards, procedures and health and safety measures;
• Assist in developing and conducting programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards;
• Participate in field surveys, inspections or technical investigations of topography, soils, drainage and water supply systems, road and highway systems, buildings and structures to provide data for engineering projects;
• Conduct or direct geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging or underground mine survey programs;
• Assist in the preparation of rock, mineral or metal samples and in conducting physical and chemical laboratory tests;
• Analyze latitude, longitude and angles and compute trigonometric and other calculations to plot features, contours and areas to a specific scale;
• Develop specialized computer software routines, Internet based GIS, database and business applications to customize geographic information.

Engineering and Land Survey – Engineering (EN-ENG)

The Planning, design, construction or maintenance of physical or chemical processes, systems, structures or equipment; and the development or application of engineering standards or procedures.

Education

Undergraduate or bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in mechanical engineering, civil engineering electrical engineering, aeronautical engineering, geological engineering, naval architecture or some other engineering specialty relevant to the duties of the position.

Occupational Certification:  For some positions, candidates must be eligible for certification as a professional engineer.

Salary Range

$49, 349 - $134, 429

Types of positions may include:

• Chemical Engineers
• Civil Engineers
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Geological Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Metallurgical and Materials Engineers
• Mining Engineers
• Petroleum Engineers

Duties may include:

• Conduct economic and technical feasibility studies in areas related to chemical, petroleum, pulp and paper or other processing industries;
• Conduct research into the development or improvement of chemical engineering processes, reactions and materials;
• Plan and design major civil projects such as buildings, roads, bridges, dams, water and waste management systems and structural steel fabrications ;
• Monitor air, water and soil quality and develop procedures to clean up contaminated sites
• Conduct technical analyses of survey and field data for development of topographic, soil, hydrological or other information and prepare reports;
• Plan, develop and co-ordinate programs of geotechnical, geological, geophysical or geohydrological data acquisition, analysis and mapping to assist in the development of civil engineering, mining, petroleum and waste management projects or for regional development;
• Determine and advise on appropriate drilling and blasting methods for mining, construction or demolition.

Commerce (CO)

The planning, development, delivery and management of economic development policies, programs, services and other activities designed to promote the establishment, growth and improvement of industry, commerce, and export trade; the regulation of trade and commerce.

Education

Successful completion of a high school diploma or a combination of education, training and/or experience or a satisfactory result on a Public Service Commission test that would be comparable to the formal education requirement.

Salary Range

$53, 641 - $117, 593

Types of positions may include:

• Program Officer
• Business Development Officer
• Network Liaison Officer
• Policy and Promotion Advisor
• Science Policy Advisor
• Climate Change Officer
• Energy Guide Officer
• Intellectual Property Officer
• Chief, Alternate Fuels Program
• Manager, Renewable Power Program

Duties may include:

• Planning, development, delivery and management of economic development policies, programs, services and other activities designed to promote the establishment, growth and improvement of industry, commerce and export trade; and the regulation of trade and commerce;
• Promote more efficient use of resources in particular geographic areas through the conduct of studies and investigations and the implementation of programs and projects for this purpose;
• Promote the development and use of modern industrial technologies;
• Promotion economic development directed towards groups, regions, industries or the Canadian economy as a whole;
• Promote the export of Canadian goods and services, including the tourist industry; the expansion of Canada’s share of global trade by providing advice to Canadian companies, trade associations or other agencies of government, by safeguarding and promoting Canadian trading relationships, or by bringing the export aspects to bear in Canada’s aid and financing programs;
• Study and assess developments in international trade and trading arrangements, and their implications for the Canadian economy.

Economics and Social Sciences Services (EC)

The conduct of surveys, studies and projects in the social sciences;  the conduct of economic, socio-economic and sociological research, studies, forecasts and surveys; the research, analysis and evaluation of the economic or sociological effects of departmental or interdepartmental projects, programs and policies; the development, application, analysis and evaluation of statistical and survey methods and systems; and the development, analysis and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative information and socio-economic policies and recommendations.

Education

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in economics, sociology or statistics.

Salary Range

$48, 355 - $122, 331

Types of positions may include:

• Economic Policy Researchers
• Economic Analysts
• Policy Advisors
• Industry Specialist
• Forest Sociologist
• Statistical - Project Coordinator
• Strategic - Planning Officer

Duties may include:

• Conduct research and develop models to analyze, explain and forecast economic behaviour and patterns, and devise methods for collection and analysis of data;
• Forecast production and consumption of specific products and services based on records of past production and consumption and general economic and industry-specific conditions;
• Prepare forecasts of income and expenditure, interest rates and exchange rates and examine statistical data on the exchange of goods and services among nations;
• Analyze factors which determine economic growth and advise government agencies on policies to increase economic activities, analyze factors which determine labour force participation, employment, wages, unemployment and other labour market outcomes;
• Study mathematical formulae and statistical techniques and apply them to the testing and quantifying of economic theories and the solution of economic problems;
• Monitor economic data to assess the effectiveness, and advise on the appropriateness, of monetary and fiscal policies;
• Forecast production and consumption of renewable resources and supply, consumption and depletion of non-renewable resources;
• Conduct research on market conditions in local, regional or national area to set sales and pricing levels for goods and services, to assess market potential and future trends and to develop business strategies.

Physical Sciences (PC)

The analysis, identification interpretation, classification, measurement survey and management of earth resources and the behaviour of earth and space and related systems; and the provision of data, information and advice in the application of geosciences and physical sciences to economic and environmental issues.

Education

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in physics, geology, chemistry or some other science relevant to the position.

Salary Range

$33,558 to 55076 - $117, 295

Types of positions may include:

• Coastal Geologist
• Corrosion Specialist
• Deforestation Specialist
• Environment Advisor
• Fibre Bio-Geoinformatics Analyst
• Forest Geomatics Researcher
• Geophysicist
• Marine Collections Curator

Duties may include:

• Analyze, identify, interpret, classify, measure, survey and manage earth resources and the behaviour of earth and space and related systems;
• Provide data, information and advice in the application of geosciences and physical sciences to economic and environmental issues;
• Plan and conduct studies, evaluate and interpret information and scientific research papers, reports, contracts or agreements, and provide of advice in the above programs;
• Plan, co-ordinate and manage technology transfer in any of the above activities
• Lead any of the above activities.

Scientific Research (SE-RES)

The planning, conduct, evaluation and management of fundamental research, knowledge enhancement, technology development and innovation relevant to defense science, historical research and archival science, mathematics and the natural sciences. The work of federal research scientists ensures that departments have the sound scientific base for strategic and effective policies, regulations and programs to anticipate and meet the future needs and challenges of the department. Research scientists perform their work in pursuance of departmental mandates in order to attain the specified outcomes or to conceptualize, identify, formulate and set in motion new outcomes in delivering programs.

Education

Doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field of natural sciences related to the duties of the position.

Salary Range

$53, 161 - $133, 410

Types of positions may include:

• Research Scientist in Earth Sciences, Forestry, Minerals & Metals, Innovation & Energy Technology
• Environmental Chemist
• Earthquake Seismologist
• Ecophysiologist
• Geosciences GIS/3D Specialist
• Physical Scientist
• Thermochronologist
• Tree Development Physiologist

Duties may include:

• Plan, conduct and evaluate research and development and innovation in the natural sciences within or outside the federal government, sometimes in collaboration with other agencies, designed to advance scientific knowledge and technology through significant and original additions to current understanding, concepts and theories;
• Manage or co-ordinate organizations in the federal government conducting programs of research, knowledge enhancement, technology development and innovation in the natural sciences;
• Provide scientific advice on the direction, conduct and management of these programs;
• Provide advice on the above research programs;
• Lead any of the above activities.

Clerical and Regulatory (CR)

The provision of administrative services, including adapting, modifying or devising methods and procedures, in support of Public Service policies, programs, services or other activities, such as those dealing with administrative, financial, human resources, purchasing, scientific or technical fields.

Educational Requirement

Successful completion of two (2) years of high school or a combination of education, training and/or experience or a satisfactory result on a Public Service Commission test that would be comparable to the formal education requirement.

Salary Range

$35,958- $60,637

Types of positions may include:

• Assistants
• Administrative Clerks
• HR Assistants
• Data entry Clerks
• Financial Administrative Assistants
• Program Support Clerk
• Records Classifier

Duties may include:

• Prepare correspondence, reports, statements and other material, operate office equipment, answer telephones, verify, record and process forms and documents such as contracts and requisitions and perform general clerical duties according to the established procedures;
• Assist personnel officers and human resources specialists and compile, maintain and process information relating to staffing recruitment, training, labour relations, performance evaluations and classification;
• Sort and file documents according to established filing systems, locate and retrieve documents from files as requested and maintain records of filed and removed materials;
• Maintain and prepare reports from manual or electronic files, inventories, mailing lists and databases;
• Assist with administrative procedures such as budget submissions, contracts, administration and work schedules;
• Maintain and update manual and computerized filing and registration systems, and compile and prepare reports and documents relating to personnel activities;
• Receive and register invoices, forms, records and other documents for data capture;

Executives (EX)

The Executive Group comprises positions that have significant executive managerial or executive policy roles and responsibilities or other significant influence on the direction of a department or agency. Positions in the Executive Group are responsible and accountable for exercising executive managerial authority or providing recommendations and advice on the exercise of that authority.

Key leadership competencies

Create Vision and Strategy, Mobilize People, Uphold Integrity and Respect, Collaborate with Partners and Stakeholders, Promote Innovation and Guide Change, and Achieve Results

Education

Deputy Heads are required to identify educational requirements for Executive (EX) group positions either through organizational policy or on a case-by-case basis. Typically, Executive positions require a degree from a post-secondary institution.

Salary Range

$105, 700 - $202, 500

Types of positions may include:

• Director
• Senior Director
• Senior Assistant
• Director General
• Assistant Deputy Minister
• Head/Chief

Duties may include:

• Manage programs authorized by an Act of Parliament, or an Order-in-Council, or major or significant functions or elements of such programs;
• Manage substantial scientific or professional activities;
• Provide recommendations on the development of significant policies, programs or scientific, professional or technical activities;
• Exercise a primary influence over the development of policies or programs for the use of human, financial or material resources in one or more major organizational units or program activities in the Public Service.