4161 Natural and applied science policy researchers,
consultants and program officers
Category: Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services
Major Group 41 : Professional occupations in law and social, community and government services
Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, prepare reports, provide consultation and advice and administer programs in a variety of areas related to the natural and applied sciences. They are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments, computer and office furniture manufacturers, educational institutions, research organizations, consulting firms, environmental and conservation organizations, or they may be self-employed.
Example Titles
certified ergonomist
emergency management analyst
emergency preparedness planner
energy policy analyst
environmental impact analyst
environmental issues lobbyist
ergonomics specialist
fisheries analyst
industrial hygienist
natural resources policy analyst
occupational hygienist
patent agent
program officer, natural and applied sciences
recycling program co-ordinator
scientific consultant
supervisor, environmental program development
technology transfer officer
transportation safety analyst
Main duties
The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
- Ergonomists or human factors specialists conduct research and advise on, and intervene in the physical, social and psychological interrelationships between persons, their equipment and working or living environments to ensure that the design, configuration and use of equipment, procedures and environmental conditions maximize safety, productivity and comfort.
- Occupational or industrial hygienists study, evaluate and control physical, chemical and biological hazards and stresses in the workplace. They report and document investigations and conclusions, suggest changes to work environments and processes and provide information to workers and managers or employers on methods to reduce the risk of injury or illness from specific occupational hazards. They may also teach safe work procedures, participate in emergency response planning, testify at hearings and report findings at scientific conferences or in scientific journals.
- Patent agents advise clients on elements of patent law and on the patentability of inventions, conduct patent searches, prepare patent applications and represent clients before the patent office.
- Technology transfer officers are responsible for transferring and integrating new technologies, usually from university or government research and development environments, to commercial and industrial applications and ensure the protection of intellectual property of researchers and developers.
- Science policy and program officers conduct research and advise on policies or develop or administer programs related to transportation, emergency preparedness, communications, natural resources, agriculture, the environment, traditional and alternative energy technologies, land use, recycling and other scientific fields. They promote public awareness and education on such issues as utilization of natural resources, the environment, and reprocessing and reduction of waste.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor’s degree or college diploma in a related scientific or technical discipline is usually required for occupations in this unit group.
- A master’s degree in a related scientific discipline may be required.
- Certification through the Canadian College of Certified Professional Ergonomists is required to use the title “Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist (CCPE)”. Membership with the Association of Canadian Ergonomists may be required.
- Occupational hygienists may require certification by the Canadian Registration Board of Occupational Hygienists or le Conseil d’accréditation en hygiène industrielle du Québec.
- Patent agents require 12 months of work experience in the patent field and successful completion of examinations set by the Commissioner of Patents. They may also be required to be listed in the register of patent agents.
- Occupations in this group that are involved in green building design and technologies development may require the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification offered by the Canadian Green Building Council.
Additional information
- Progression to supervisory or managerial positions in these fields is possible with experience.
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