Staff Scientist

Ecojustice Canada is seeking a Staff Scientist for a temporary position at the Ecojustice Clinic, University of Ottawa. The role involves teaching and supervising science students, coordinating with Ecojustice lawyers, and providing scientific advice on environmental issues. Candidates should have a graduate degree in science or engineering, with a focus on environmental science. The position emphasizes interdisciplinary skills and strong communication abilities.
Staff Scientist

Ecojustice Clinic at the University of Ottawa

About Ecojustice:

Ecojustice Canada is Canada’s leading non-profit organization devoted to using the law to protect and restore the environment. Since 1990, we have helped hundreds of groups, coalitions and communities expose lawbreakers, hold governments accountable and establish powerful legal precedents in defence of air, water, wildlife, natural spaces and human health.

We are independent, acting solely on behalf of what is right for the Canadian environment and the people of Canada. To learn more about the impactful work that we do to protect and restore Canada’s environment, go to: http://www.ecojustice.ca/

The Ecojustice Clinic, situated within the University of Ottawa campus, is a leading edge interdisciplinary public interest environmental law clinic. In partnership with the University of Ottawa, the Clinic serves as a catalyst in building Canada’s environmental capacity by providing Faculty of Law and Faculty of Science students with hands-on experience in environmental law, science and policy matters.

About the Role:

This is a temporary opportunity to provide leave coverage for the regular Staff Scientist for a ten-month period from approximately July 2014 to May 2015.

The Staff Scientist occupies a unique position that involves teaching, supervision and coordination of Ecojustice Clinic science students at the University of Ottawa. These students contribute to ongoing Ecojustice projects under the guidance of the Staff Scientist, who also liaises with other Ecojustice lawyers and science staff across the country. The Staff Scientist is engaged in “problem-based” pedagogy that facilitates science student contributions to, and understanding of, public interest environmental law work.

The Ottawa Ecojustice Staff Scientist is responsible for supervising and teaching the Ecojustice Clinic course, offered to undergraduate students enrolled in a science program at the University of Ottawa. The Staff Scientist also liaises with science and law experts at Ecojustice on environmental issues, both in the context of the seminar component of the course (University of Ottawa pedagogy aspect), and as part of program work (Ecojustice program aspect). He/she participates in Ecojustice priority teams on case development, litigation and law reform files, by providing scientific advice on Ecojustice files.

The Staff Scientist contributes research and pedagogical expertise to a unique and dynamic partnership between Ecojustice and the University of Ottawa. With the presence of the
Staff Scientist, the Ecojustice Clinic became the world’s first interdisciplinary environmental law clinic, at the cutting edge of community service and experiential learning.

About You:

You have a graduate degree (PhD or Master’s level) in science or engineering, with expertise in environmental science or a related field. A specialization in climate change and fossil fuel energy from an environmental impacts perspective will be considered an asset.

You also have the following attributes:

- Strong interdisciplinary skills, knowledge and experience;
- Excellent technical/scientific writing and communication skills;
- Demonstrated pedagogical ability and commitment to scientific rigour;
- Flexible, adaptable, good judgement and uses discretion in dealings with sensitive information;
- Able to explain scientific information and concepts to non-scientists;
- Able to work in a team environment, across disciplines, with individuals across Canada, including using remote communication tools (web-based, conference calling, etc.);
- Bilingual preferred.

A basic understanding of legal concepts will be considered an asset, and candidates not possessing such skills will be expected to acquire them via on-the-job training.

Application Process:

Ecojustice offers a positive working environment and is an equal opportunity employer. The Ecojustice Clinic at the University of Ottawa is conveniently located along the Transitway - a rapid transit corridor - next to Campus and Laurier Transitway Stations.

The salary and benefits package includes a transportation incentive for eligible staff choosing to take public transit, walk, or cycle to work.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit their cover letter and resume by April 21, 2014.

Thank you for your interest in this employment opportunity. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted.