Jasper National Park of Canada
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Parks Canada Job Facts
Columbia Icefield© Parks Canada
Q: Where do I find a job application form for Parks Canada?
A: Parks Canada does not use application forms for its staffing processes. The application process usually consists of sending a resume and cover letter via email, fax or mail when a vacant position is posted.
Q: Who can apply?
A: All persons who are legally able to work in Canada may apply with the Agency.
Q: Where do I look for Parks Canada job postings?
A: You can find Parks job postings in the following places:
- On this website. Click Current job postings to see all current job postings!
-
www.jobs.gc.ca
- Local employment centres
- Local newspapers
- University & College employment centres and websites
- If you are a student apply with the FSWEP program
Q: What types of position are usually available at Parks Canada?
A: The Agency has indeterminate jobs, seasonal jobs and determinate jobs. We also run both internal and external staffing processes, depending on the requirements. Most indeterminate jobs are open internally, and external processes are for the most part seasonal and determinate competition. As a result, many external applicants use determinate positions in other to join the Agency, which gives them the opportunity to apply on internal competitions.
Determinate (Term): position for which there is a fixed duration (e.g. Term of 4 month)
Indeterminate (Full time year round): position for which there is no fixed duration and the employee works year round.
Seasonal (Part of the year): position for which there is no fixed duration, however the employee works only a certain period of time during the year (e.g. the employee works every summer for 6 months only).
Resource conservation© Parks Canada
Q: What do I need to put on my resume to get an interview?
A: In order to make to most when applying for a position, you need to look at the job poster carefully and ensure that you:
- reside in the area of competition or the area of consideration, this information is located next to “Open to”;
- pay special attention to what is listed below the heading Screening Criteria;
- meet all of the screening criteria in order to be selected for an interview;
- describe clearly on your application how you meet the screening criteria; and
- get your application in by the deadline. Late submissions cannot be accepted.
Q: Will you keep my resume on file for other positions?
A: Unfortunately, due to the large volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to keep your resumes on file for future opportunities.
Q: I have some questions about the job posting, who should I contact?
A: On every job poster there is Contact Person for Further Information. This can usually be found towards the bottom of the poster.
Q: I got an interview, what now?
A: Every job posting will include a Statement of Qualifications. Take a look at the factors that are listed under Knowledge, Ability and Personal Suitability. These are areas that you will be asked questions about or be tested on during the interview.
Visitor Services© Parks Canada
- A good rule of thumb is to start preparing a few days in advance. Do research about the Parks Canada Agency and the park or site where the job is located. Familiarize yourself with the position for which you are applying and ensure that at the very least, you have an idea of what the Knowledge factors are.
- Think of good examples of ways you have demonstrated the Abilities and Personal Suitability criteria. You may be asked to describe some previous experiences and it’s helpful to have ideas in advance.
- Interviews are often quite stressful for people – you can find tips on the Internet on how to relax and prepare:
- Have a good night's sleep
- Dress appropriately
- Eat right
- Make the interview your day's sole priority
- Try to relax and focus.
- Get directions to the interview location
- Be on time
- Listen carefully to the questions and be sure you answer them completely, and as asked.
Q: The interview is over, what’s next?
A: Usually, you will be told at the conclusion of your interview how quickly you can expect to hear the results. (If not, it’s a good idea to ask!) Generally, count on a week or two after the last interviews. Remember, the board needs to do reference checks, usually on several candidates, and it can take time to get in touch with everyone. Security screening is also being completed at this time and can sometimes take a couple of weeks.
Q: I qualified on the competition, what does that mean?
A: If you are the successful candidate, you will be contacted with an offer. At that time you’ll discuss start dates and other logistics to get you started in your new position.
If you qualified and did not get an offer, this means that you were able to demonstrate in the assessment phase that you are able to do the job but that one or more candidates scored higher than you. You may get an offer at some point in the future if a similar position opens up (or even for this job later down the road). Competition results are usually valid for one to two years, after which a new process will be held.
Public Safety
© Parks Canada
Q: I didn’t qualify on the competition, what does that mean?
A: If you are not offered a job, you will be told that you either did or did not qualify for the job. If you did not qualify it means you did not demonstrate that you meet the criteria defined on the Statement of Qualifications. A pass mark is set by the interview board, which may range from 50 - 85%, depending on the job and the factors assessed. If you did not qualify, then you did not achieve a pass mark in one category, or overall. You may have done very well in some areas, but need to improve in others.
Q: Do I have to wait before I can apply on another competition?
A: No. You can apply as soon as you see another competition that you’re interested in.
We welcome your questions and comments please send us an email.