Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

• 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

• Promote public awareness and education on issues such as utilization of natural resources, the environment, and reprocessing and reduction of waste.

• 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.

• Report and document investigations and conclusions

• Suggest changes to work environments and processes

• Provide information to workers and managers or employers on methods to reduce the risk of injury or illness from specific occupational hazards

• May 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

• Represent clients before the patent office.

• Technology transfer officers

• Transfer and integrate 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.

• 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.

• Progression to supervisory or managerial positions in these fields is possible with experience.