Career Opportunities with the Canadian Hydrographic Service

You feel that aquatic transportation can become safer and more efficient with the development and publication of accurate nautical charts and related publications. You think that Canada's sovereignty and security is improved by defining and delimiting Canada's marine territory. The Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS), part of DFO Ecosystems & Oceans Science Sector, wants to meet you.

The CHS is a world leader in the development of electronic charting and methods for undersea mapping of Canada's waters including the Arctic. A CHS hydrographer:

  • Collects data, and publishes and distributes hydrographic information, such as navigational charts, bathymetric maps, sailing directions, predicted tides and current tables, and related publications about Canada's offshore, coastal and inland waters;
  • Publishes jointly with Natural Resources Canada national earth science maps that display bathymetry, sediment thickness and surficial geology, as well as magnetic and gravimetric fields in the Canadian offshore;
  • Provides professional advice and services related to hydrography; and
  • Develops and refines methodologies, technologies and standards needed to carry out hydrographic activities.

CHS clients include:

  • Commercial marine transportation industry,
  • Commercial fishing industry,
  • Canadian Hydrographic Service
    Recreational boating industry,
  • Non-renewable resource sector,
  • Marine engineering,
  • Marine scientists,
  • Coastal zone and ocean managers,
  • Ports and harbours managers,
  • The Department of National Defence,
  • Natural Resources Canada,
  • Environment Canada,
  • Transportation Safety Board,
  • Canadian Coast Guard, and
  • The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

CHS offers science professionals and students the opportunity to become a certified hydrographer through the multidisciplinary hydrographer (MDH) training program. Candidates for MDH training will have one of the following qualifications:

  • A diploma in surveying, cartography, geomatics or a related discipline from a technical college;
  • A university degree in geodesy, geomatics, survey engineering, geography, geographic information systems (GIS) or a related discipline;
  • A certificate of registration or a commission as a land surveyor; or
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience.

The MDH national career plan allows new hydrographers to achieve a senior position after four years of formal study, course work and practical field training.

For more information, see DFO Science Career Resources or return to Exciting Careers in Aquatic Sciences.

Note: All job opportunities within DFO are announced on the Public Service Commission of Canada's career website.