Member, Canadian High Arctic Research Station

The mission of Polar Knowledge Canada (Canadian High Arctic Research Station) is to conduct world-class cutting edge Arctic research. Polar Knowledge Canada is responsible for advancing Canada's polar knowledge and strengthening Canadian leadership in Arctic science and technology.

This federal organization anchors a strong research presence in Canada's Arctic that serves Canada and the world, and advances knowledge of Canadian Arctic in order to improve economic opportunities, environmental stewardship and the quality of life of its Northern residents and all other Canadians. Polar Knowledge Canada continues to support the Government of Canada's commitment to and respect for the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

Polar Knowledge Canada operates out of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station campus in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.

The nine-member Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight of Polar Knowledge Canada's organization and administration, including specific responsibilities for approving the science and technology plan, as well as annual work plans and budgets as outlined in the federal Canadian High Arctic Research Station Act (2014). This includes developing and maintaining a clear direction, a strategic plan, and priorities that are consistent with Polar Knowledge Canada's role within the Government of Canada.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Polar Knowledge Canada website.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to achieve one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

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.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language.

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;


• Experience working with Indigenous partners and associated communities and stakeholders, and recognizing the importance of Indigenous Knowledge in advancing Arctic and/or Northern research;


• Experience working in northern, Arctic and/or Antarctic scientific research (western science or Indigenous Knowledge) and/or related northern, Arctic or polar issues;


• Experience in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with officials from different levels of government and diverse stakeholders; 


• Experience serving as a member or chairperson of a board of directors, or local government/organization preferably in a public sector organization and/or a large private sector organization would be considered an asset; and


• Experience working with international organizations would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and mission of Polar Knowledge Canada, its program and strategic priorities;


• Knowledge of the government of Canada's strategic priorities for the North and Arctic and understanding of the operating context of the Canadian North;


• Knowledge of the key players, challenges, and emerging issues in Arctic science and technology in Canada and internationally;


• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, societies and economies, along with the environmental characteristics of Arctic regions;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the Board to seize opportunities, resolve problems, and lead organizational change;


• Established credibility with government, Arctic and Northern stakeholders; and


• Excellent communications skills, both written and oral;

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

Familiarity with Indigenous languages of the North, particularly Inuktitut or Inuinnaqtun, would be considered an asset.

• Strategic and innovative


• Sound judgment


• High ethical values and integrity


• Strong interpersonal skills


• Collaborative

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 Forms and reference material.


• All appointees will be subject to the Conflict 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 Commissioner, 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.


• Successful candidates must be willing to travel to Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, and/or another location within Canada for at least one of the Board’s meetings in each year.


• A minimum of three Board meetings will be held each year; of which, at least one will take place in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.


• Successful candidates must be able to dedicate approximately 20 days per year for Board meetings, including travel and preparation.

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 (more information here) will begin on March 21, 2022. Candidates should 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 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.