Opportunities for Student Employment and Training
What is GEM?
GEM is a federal geological mapping initiative focused on the North. Guided by the Northern Strategy, the Government of Canada's objective in funding GEM is to increase northern prosperity. To accomplish this objective, the Earth Sciences Sector (ESS) of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), through the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), will implement an extensive program of field-based geoscience activities over the next five years. Visit: http://gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/gem/
The Government of Canada will invest $100 million over the period 2008-2013 in GEM. A minimum of 75% of these funds will be spent in the Territories, with the remainder available for cost-shared projects with the Provinces. Some funds will go directly to the Polar Continental Shelf Project (PCSP) to assist it in providing logistical support for GEM activities.
What does GEM mean for undergraduate and graduate students in the Earth Sciences?
The GSC has a long history of training and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in the Earth Sciences, commonly through seasonal or part-time employment. The advantage to the GSC has been the indispensable contribution of students and their university supervisors to its geoscience programs. The advantages to students have been many, including:
- a stimulating work environment,
- a salary or a stipend contribution,
- experience that is highly valued by future employers,
- logistical support for undergraduate and graduate thesis work, and
- an opportunity to see Canada.
GEM projects commonly have a three to five-year life cycle, and most will include several years of field-based activities during the Arctic summer. Students will be needed to work on these geoscience projects in both the field and the laboratory. Graduate students will have opportunities to work on MSc and PhD theses that contribute to achieving the goal of the GEM program to increase northern prosperity. While previous experience is always an advantage, GEM will also look to hire and train junior undergraduate students.
How do I obtain more information about these employment opportunities?
The GSC will be present at most of the Open House meetings held by provincial and territorial geological surveys. If you are interested in working with the GSC, come see us at these events, or contact the Program Managers listed below.
Applying for Student Employment: RAP and FSWEP
The Research Affiliate Program (RAP) is the primary tool by which the Geological Survey of Canada recruits graduate students to participate in its public geoscience programs. RAP is administered by the PSC of Canada.
Reference Number: RSN09J-009309-000166
Closing Date: April 30, 2010 - 23:59, Pacific Time
The prime objective of Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) is to provide full-time students with work experience related to their Field of Study and to provide them with learning opportunities. The program is also designed to give fulltime secondary school, CEGEP, college, technical institute and university students employment opportunities. The core of the program is a computerized national inventory of students seeking a job with the public service. This inventory is managed by the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Canada, the agency that administers various federal government staffing programs. Students who would like to find a job within the federal government must first complete the FSWEP application form, which is available on-line only.
Additional information about GEM:
GEM Coordinator- Linda Richard
Program Manager responsible for Energy - Keith Dewing
Program Manager responsible for Minerals - John Percival
Program Manager responsible for Knowledge Management - Andrew Moore