Permanent Member, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.

Located in Ottawa, Ontario, CNSC was established in 2000 under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Natural Resources. CNSC operates independently from political direction while ensuring sound management and government practices within the legislation and guidelines of the Government of Canada. As part of this mandate, the Commission makes independent, fair and transparent decisions on licensing nuclear-related activities.

Permanent Members participate in hearings and meetings of a quasi-judicial administrative tribunal, and analyze and evaluate cases before this administrative tribunal, including the licensing of major nuclear facilities, for the purpose of rendering decisions that are in keeping with the discharge of his/her responsibility under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. The Commission may, with the approval of the Governor in Council, make legally binding regulations.

Diversity and Official Languages

The Government of Canada will consider proficiency in both official languages in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. You are likewise encouraged to indicate your ability to communicate in Indigenous languages.

In order to achieve a balanced and representative workplace, factors of equity, diversity, and inclusion will also be considered. Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study, or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;


• An advanced degree in geology or mining engineering, or a degree in Indigenous studies would be considered an asset;


• Experience collaborating with and/or working in scientific, health, environmental science, energy or engineering organizations, or academic institutions;


• Experience with the development, interpretation and/or application of legislative and regulatory frameworks or policies;


• Experience in making complex decisions involving large amounts of technical evidence and incorporating the need to balance the interests and rights of a diverse range of stakeholders and Indigenous peoples;


• Experience interacting with and/or working in regulatory agencies or quasi-judicial administrative tribunals;


• Experience building relationships, promoting partnerships, and working with Indigenous peoples and communities or other stakeholder groups to support and/or shape decision-making processes would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in environmental protection and safety matters as it relates to the energy sector would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, as well as its legislative framework, including the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, and the regulatory and business environments within which the Commission operates;


• Significant knowledge of scientific or engineering areas of expertise, basic knowledge of nuclear fundamentals, and practical knowledge of business, law or finance;


• Knowledge of the rights of Indigenous peoples (Section 35 of the Constitution Act), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the principles respecting the government of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples;


• Awareness of Indigenous knowledge systems and Indigenous Peoples’ concerns and priorities as they relate to development, environmental assessment and/or environmental protection;


• Knowledge of administrative law, principles of natural justice and the rules and practices followed by adjudicative tribunals in Canada;


• Ability to analyze significant amounts of complex technical information and make effective, unbiased decisions;


• Ability to listen, interpret, evaluate, and assess a wide variety of issues with a view to regulating the use of nuclear energy in Canada in keeping with the safety mandate of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission;


• Ability to make timely decisions that are based on science, facts and evidence, and that are free of political interference and industry influence; and


• Superior oral and written communication skills, including the ability to lead discussions with licensees and public intervenors, discuss evidentiary and procedural matters, and write clearly, concisely and comprehensively.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards, integrity and impartiality


• Sound judgment


• Superior interpersonal and communication skills


• Tolerance to stressful situations


• Tact and diplomacy

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website under the Forms and reference material.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflicts of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.
  


• You shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in any activity, have any interest in a business or accept or engage in any office or employment that is inconsistent with the member’s duties (statutory)


• You must be available for 2-3 day periods, up to 10 times per year. Including 40-60 days per year in preparation time for Commission proceedings, the conduct of proceedings, travel and post-hearing deliberations. Most preparation is conducted from your place of residence.


• You must be willing and able to travel to participate in Commission proceedings.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be willing to travel across Canada.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.
A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on February 27, 2019. Candidates must apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.