Senior Coastal Modeller

National Research Council Canada; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 63,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Research Council Canada is seeking a Senior Coastal Modeller to join their Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre. This role involves leading research and development efforts in coastal engineering, focusing on innovative solutions for flooding and erosion management. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hydrotechnical engineering, project management, and effective communication skills, contributing to impactful research that addresses climate change challenges.

Benefits

Comprehensive health and dental coverage

Robust pension plan

Office closure at the end of December

Disability and life insurance

Qualifications

• Significant experience directing engineering principles and problem-solving approaches.
• Expert knowledge of coastal physical processes and numerical modelling.
• At least 10 years of experience in managing complex technical projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of models and technologies for managing coastal flooding and erosion risks.
• Engage with clients and partners for project management and proposal development.
• Supervise application of numerical methods and data analysis.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Data Analysis

Numerical Modelling

Environmental Fluid Mechanics

Education

Graduate degree (MSc or MAppSc) in Civil, Environmental, Water Resources, Coastal, or Ocean Engineering or Geosciences

PhD in Civil, Environmental, Water Resources, Coastal, or Ocean Engineering or Geosciences

Job description

Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the identified work site at least three times per week at their own expense.

At NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the hiring team using the contact information below.

The Role

We are looking for a Senior Coastal Modeller to support our Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering (OCRE) Research Centre. The successful candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

We are currently seeking a Senior Coastal Modeller with exceptional skills and a proven track record in the fields of coastal or hydrotechnical engineering. This opportunity will appeal to an individual who is career-driven, experienced in project management and engagement, possessing strong communication skills, and with aspirations to expand their skills and move into a Research & Development (R&D) leadership or management role.

NRC Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering (OCRE) supports a broad cross-section of industry sectors by developing creative and practical solutions to engineering challenges in rivers, lakes, and marine environments. We provide expertise and tools to identify, adapt, and integrate advanced solutions into systems that improve the performance and safety of ocean, coastal, and marine operations, meet the challenges of climate change, and protect infrastructure, property and people from severe weather events and other environmental risks.

The Senior Coastal Modeller will play a crucial role in guiding and supervising the development and application of numerical methods, data analysis, and decision support tools. The objective is to deliver solutions to effectively manage flooding and erosion risk in coastal and riverine environments. As a subject matter expert, the Senior Coastal Modeller will leverage expertise in coastal / riverine physical processes, and / or coastal / riverine engineering to support NRC-OCRE R&D objectives.

The primary responsibility of the Senior Coastal Modeller will be to lead NRC-OCRE's efforts to develop impactful research and development by developing new models, technologies, and innovations. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the development of capabilities, processes, and standards to advance and maximize the impact of our work. The successful candidate will be expected to lead client and partner engagement, proposal development, project management, dissemination of research, technical services delivery, and technical review of reports and deliverables. The position requires a strong background and demonstrated expertise in some of the following areas : surface water hydraulics / hydrodynamics, environmental fluid mechanics, water quality modelling, numerical modelling and / or analysis of physical processes in coastal and / or riverine environments (waves, hydrodynamics, and sediment transport), coastal engineering, coastal processes, flood / erosion risk management, nature-based solutions, hydrology, climate science and modelling, data analysis and interpretation, programming, and project management.

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates :

Education

Graduate degree (MSc or MAppSc) or from a recognized institution in Civil, Environmental, Water Resources, Coastal, or Ocean Engineering or Geosciences.

A PhD in Civil, Environmental, Water Resources, Coastal, or Ocean Engineering or Geosciences is considered an asset.

An equivalency may be considered for candidates who are 6 months to completing a Masters with minimum 10 years of experience in the field of Civil, Environmental, Water Resources, Coastal or Ocean Engineering, or Geosciences.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Significant
• experience directing or overseeing the application of engineering and applied science principles, including problem and constraint identification, streamlined problem-solving approaches, modelling and simulation, analysis, and clear and effective dissemination of technical findings to a range of audiences through written and oral forms of communication (, presentations).
• Significant
• experience in engagement / marketing activities, and / or in the development and management of effective partnerships and collaborations.
• Significant
• experience with numerical modelling and analysis for providing solutions to a variety of topics related to coastal and / or water resources engineering challenges, including may include flood and erosion hazard assessment and management, wave impacts on shorelines and infrastructure, water quality assessment, hazard risk management, nature-based solutions, and climate change impacts assessment and adaptation.
• Experience with numerical and / or physical models resulting in expert knowledge of coastal physical processes (, waves, sediment transport, water quality).
• Significant
• experience in managing and executing complex technical projects, proposal development, project management, and working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Significant refers to at least ten (10) years of experience.

Condition of Employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language Requirements

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria :

• Advanced skills in oral and written communication in English, writing clear and concise proposals, reports, conference papers and / or journal papers and effectively communicating results to clients and / or at scientific conferences.
• Understanding of project management principles, practices, tools, and techniques; as well as the ability to manage complex projects (, the ability to plan, organize, execute, and control resources so that projects are completed on time, within budget, and with the desired quality and impact) with diverse stakeholders.
• Solid knowledge of the principles of fluid mechanics, coastal engineering, and / or water resources, as well as coastal and riverine physical processes (hydrodynamics, water quality, and sediment transport).
• Solid knowledge of the principles of using numerical modeling to investigate a diverse range of problems related to coastal engineering, water resources, water quality, and coastal hazard risk management.
• Proficiency in numerical models for simulating waves, hydrodynamics, and transport of water pollutants and sediment through coastal and riverine areas.
• Ability to ideate, initiate and lead research projects and guide teams of researchers to generate creative solutions for previously unexplored or unsolved problems.
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 3)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 3)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 3)
• Research - Partnering (Level 3)
• Management services - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 3)
• Management services - Organizational and environmental awareness (Level 3)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s) : Management Services; Research

View all competency profiles

Compensation

This position is classified as a Research Council Officer (RCO), a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $63,470to $179,422per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC). As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.