Public Health Agency of Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Share this page

Canadian Field Epidemiology Program

How to apply

How to apply

Candidates must apply through the Public Service Commission (PSC), which handles the application process for all federal government employees.

The Canadian Field Epidemiology Program (CFEP) office does not accept applications directly.

The Field Epidemiologist job postings will be available on the PSC website in September.  Look for the job posters (EC-05 and MD-MOF-01) in the “National Capital and Eastern Ontario Region” section of the website.  Please ensure that you apply to the appropriate poster for your qualifications (EC-05 or MD-MOF-01).  The posters will contain the application form and detailed information on how to apply.  Questions regarding the application process should be directed to the PSC.

The deadline for applications is usually on or around September 30 of the year before entry to the program.

Who should apply?

The CFEP is interested in candidates who understand Canadian public health infrastructure and issues, possess excellent interpersonal skills, are committed to public health as a career and wish to enhance their knowledge and skill in applied public health and field investigation.

We welcome applications from persons with varied professional backgrounds, including: epidemiologists, nurses, physicians, public health inspectors, veterinarians and other health professionals who meet the following screening criteria:

Screening criteria

1. Area of Selection

Persons residing in Canada and Canadians citizens residing abroad.  Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

2. Education

MD-MOF-01 Applicants:
Physician applicants must possess a degree from a recognized school of medicine and a license to practice medicine in a province or territory of Canada.

Doctors of veterinary medicine and foreign medical graduates not holding a license to practice medicine in Canada DO NOT qualify for the MD-MOF-01 position, and therefore should ONLY apply to the EC-05 competition.

EC-05 Applicants:
Applicants must demonstrate successful completion of all required course work leading to a Master’s degree in Epidemiology or Public Health by June 01, 2011, or hold an MSc in Epidemiology or Public Health.

3. Experience

Minimum of one year of applied public health experience.

Experience with the use of computer applications and software which support scientific work such as word processing, data presentation and statistical analysis.

4. Language requirements

Knowledge of written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of French is beneficial in order to work in and provide assistance to French-speaking communities.

Competitive process

Applicants who meet the screening criteria will also be assessed against the Statement of Merit Criteria for this position.

Candidates will be required to provide three (3) letters of recommendation from academic and work sources. As well, candidates may be assessed using one (1) or more of the following tools:

  1. An interview
  2. Reference checks

Detailed instructions and timelines will be posted on the CFEP website as the competition progresses.

Pay and benefits

Field Epidemiologists are two-year term federal government employees. The Treasury Board of Canada offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Physicians are paid at the MD-MOF-1 level and epidemiologists are paid at the EC-05 level.  There is no tuition fee for the program.