Social statistics and economics (EC) — Recruitment and development program

Post-secondary recruitment - Economist/Sociologist/Analyst

Please consult the information below for details about the positions and the application process.

  • Information block 1: The work of an Economist/Sociologist/Analyst

    The work of an Economist/Sociologist/Analyst

    Be part of a statistical revolution. Join a world of opportunities.

    Build your future with us. The future of our organization lies in the hands of bright, driven people. People like you.

    Become a part of Statistics Canada’s core mission: To serve Canada with data that matters—data that can make a difference. As part of our team, you can make a difference.

    Do any of these fields pique your interest?

    • Accounting,
    • Agriculture,
    • Criminology,
    • Commerce,
    • Data Science/Analytics,
    • Demography/Population,
    • Studies,
    • Environmental Sciences,
    • Economics,
    • Education,
    • Epidemiology,
    • Finance,
    • Geography,
    • Health,
    • Sociology, or
    • Statistics.

    Expand your knowledge, and help us grow our organization. Our work supports Canada’s economy, environment, and social programs, and assists decision makers in formulating needed policies for our society and our economy.

    The question is: Are you ready?

  • Information block 2: Work environment

    Work environment

    The advantages of a strong workplace cannot be understated.

    Diverse. Accommodating. Nurturing. Rewarding.

    For employees to reach their full potential, a workplace MUST be all of this. And ours is.

    Statistics Canada’s Recruitment and Development programs provide you with the tools you need to succeed. You will work with some of the best minds in the world, and they are the folks who will be your mentors and coaches. You will learn leading-edge techniques and gain a stronger understanding of survey methods, systems and processes. Through this program, you will have a unique opportunity to:

    We support talent. Let your talents and interests shine. And even discover and grow new ones. If you’re looking for a place to build a career, you’ve found it!

    • expand your existing knowledge and know-how
    • explore your analytical and quantitative capabilities
    • strengthen your teamwork and project management skills
    • propose innovative ideas
    • and more

    Economist/Sociologist/Analyst

    Recruits in this stream start at the EC-02 level and graduate at the EC-04 level. The EC Recruitment and Development Program (RDP) at Statistics Canada combines practical, on the job experience (rotational assignments) with formal training. Recruits acquire the knowledge and skills to move from entry level to working/graduation level positions. Generally, recruits spend a minimum of 24 months in the program.

    As an Economist/Sociologist/Analyst at Statistics Canada, you will have the opportunity to conduct analyses of socio-economic trends and developments, to assess the feasibility and impact of new or modified statistical program and to undertake the analysis of statistical programs. As an Economist/Analyst at Statistics Canada, your role is to undertake the analysis of statistical program data and assist in the preparation of analytical material for internal use and publication purposes. The nature of your work will depend on which program or survey you are placed with.

  • Information block 3: Training and development

    Training and development

    For the Economist/Sociologist/Analysts stream:

    Statistics Canada gives high priority to human resource training and development. Employees are encouraged to develop their interests and are supported throughout their career. Statistics Canada offers a complete, well-organized development program in both official languages. The following are some key elements of this program.

    Survey Skills Development Course

    All new employees participate in this six-week full-time course. Participants work in teams to design and conduct a complete sample survey on a predetermined socio-economic topic. Steps include negotiation of an agreement with the client, questionnaire design, sample design, data collection in the field, estimation, analysis of the survey results and presentation of the conclusions. This practical training is complemented by classroom sessions.

    Data Interpretation Workshop

    The Data Interpretation Workshop is a six week course that provides intensive, hands-on, analytical training. During the course, participants will have the opportunity to develop, produce and present an original analytical article that is relevant to the information needs of Statistics Canada. By doing so, participants will have the opportunity to improve their capacity to use different statistical techniques that are used to support empirical analysis and data confrontation activities at Statistics Canada. The course includes directed individual work as well as in-class activities.

    Business and Economic Statistics Training (BEST) - This course provides participants with a solid base of knowledge and exposure to the subjects and disciplines of Statistics Canada's business and economic statistics programs. This course is required for employees who work in the Economic Statistics areas.

  • Information block 4: Pay rates

    Pay rates

    EC - Economics and Social Science Services Group Annual Rates of Pay (in dollars)

  • Information block 5: About available positions

    About available positions

    As an Economist/Sociologist/Analyst, you will be involved in the following activities:

    • participating in the analysis of statistical program data and assist in the preparation of analytical material for internal use and publication purposes
    • identifying statistical trends and developments
    • participating in the analysis of data and suggest possible feedback on collection, processing, editing, compilation and presentation methods and procedures, and assist in the development of recommendations for improvements to survey methods and activities
    • providing data and assistance to users, within and outside Statistics Canada
    • participating in subject matter studies and reviews to support the work of project teams or senior officers

    Throughout your career, you will be given a wealth of training and career development opportunities. This training will include topics such as running a household survey, advancing your data analysis skills, learning about business survey, perfecting your project management skills, and so much more! You will gain valuable practical experience that will enhance your professional skills and will allow you to advance to senior positions.

  • Information block 6: Who can apply

    Who can apply

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

  • Information block 7: Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

    1. What is the “postsecondary recruitment of economists/sociologist/analysts” at Statistics Canada?

    Statistics Canada recruits, in partnership with the Public Service Commission’s Postsecondary Recruitment Program. Every year, in which a need for new recruits is identified, vacancies are advertised through the Public Service Commission in September. During the recruitment campaign, Statistics Canada visits selected campuses across the country to make short presentations about the work and benefits of employment at Statistics Canada, and to meet with prospective candidates.

    2. Do you hire non-Canadian candidates? All persons residing in Canada and Canadian citizens residing abroad can apply.

    Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

    3. How many candidates with an undergraduate degree do you hire compared with candidates with post-graduate degrees?

    Over past years, there has been a balanced distribution of successful candidates among those holding bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees.

    4. Are these jobs permanent or temporary?

    The selected candidates will be offered indeterminate employment (a permanent job) with a work week of 37.5 hours.

    5. What are the benefits of being an economist/sociologist/analyst?

    • three weeks of vacation leave, increasing with years of service
    • modified work schedule
    • dental care and health-care plans
    • registered pension plan
    • special leave for education, maternity/paternity, etc.
    • personal leave and volunteer leave
    • sick leave
    • leave with income averaging

    6. Do you provide training?

    Statistics Canada gives high priority to human-resource training and development. Your individual interests and your effort in terms of career development are encouraged and supported throughout your career. Statistics Canada offers a comprehensive development program in both official languages. Some key elements of this program include the Survey Skills Development course, in-house courses, seminars, conferences, and the possibility to pursue university education.

    7. How do things work? What can I expect when I start working at Statistics Canada?

    Upon arrival, you will work closely with a more experienced economist/sociologist/analyst. He or she will assign your tasks, advise you on technical and professional matters, supervise your training and guide you in your career plan.

    8. Do you work in teams/groups?

    You will work in teams with other economists/sociologist/analysts. Your immediate team will work with multi-disciplinary project teams in a matrix environment. Such teams consist of four main groups: subject-matter (e.g., economists, sociologists, and geographers), survey operations, systems development and survey methodology (mathematical statisticians).

    9. I only speak one official language, will that be an issue?

    At Statistics Canada, you will work with colleagues who speak English and/or French. All managers at Statistics Canada are expected to be able to work in both official languages, and all staff are encouraged to become bilingual and make use of both English and French in all aspects of their work. However, bilingualism is not a criterion for recruitment. Training in the other official language (in-house courses and courses given by public or private training institutions) is encouraged and supported by Statistics Canada.

    10. If I am hired as an economist/sociologist/analyst at Statistics Canada, where will I work?

    All economist/sociologist/analyst positions are located at Statistics Canada's head office in Ottawa. You will be working at Tunney’s Pasture, a complex of government offices surrounded by scenic green space about two kilometres west of downtown Ottawa, along the Ottawa River.

    11. What if I need to move to Ottawa—do you pay for the move?

    Expenses related to relocation are usually paid by Statistics Canada.

    12. Do you provide help to find a place to live?

    When you are hired, you receive information that will help you find a place to live in the National Capital Region.

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