Natural & Applied Sciences
This category contains professional and technical occupations in the sciences, including physical and life sciences, engineering, architecture and information technology.
When conducting labour market research in areas where occupations are defined by a 4 digit NOC (National Occupational Classification) code, the first digit of the code for all Natural and Applied Science occupations is 2.
Is a career in Natural and Applied Sciences a good fit for me?
A career in Natural and Applied Sciences will appeal for those interested in thinking critically, methodologically and analytically. These careers usually require additional schooling and higher levels of education. They are thus paid more for their services. People employed in this field experience positions in laboratory environments, health settings, field environments, office environments and educational settings. The vast array of positions that can be associated with this industry make specific traits hard to nail down. However, usually, people employed in this industry need to be inquisitive and questioning, they need to have a strong attention to detail, and they need to be able to interpret data in various forms, understand diagrams and charts, be observant and take risks.
Still unsure?
How Do I Get There?
There are a range of natural and applied sciences occupations and therefore a variety of paths to follow to reach the career of your choice. Entry-level natural and applied sciences occupations typically require some post-secondary training and often require job-specific licensing/additional training. Make sure you research your specific occupation ahead of time so that you know you will meet these requirements.
Training options for natural and applied science professions include private training school, college, and university. See the lists below for a better idea of which post-secondary destination is right for you.
Private Training
There are nearly 50 registered private training schools in New Brunswick, 15 of which offer training for careers in natural and applied science professions.
Academy of Learning
- Computer Service Technician
- PC Support Specialist
DaVinci College of Art & Design
- Graphic Design and Web Development
- Network Administrator Specialist
Eastern College
- IT Systems Administrator
- Network Support Specialist
McKenzie College
- Software Tester
Oulton College
- Advanced Web Development and Programming
- Network Administration & Security
Public College
New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) offers a variety of programs specializing in natural and applied sciences professions including:
- Chemical Technology
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Civil Technician
- Desktop Support
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Environmental Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Technician
- Network Administration
- Network Support
- Web and Mobile Application Development
- Welding Technology
Maritime College of Forest Technology
- Forest Technology
University
Universities in New Brunswick offer a range of degrees focused on natural and applied science. Professionals often begin with an undergraduate program in science, applied science, mathematics, kinesiology, engineering followed by a number of years of classroom and technical training, cooperative education placements in their field of study, as well as graduate-level programs where applicable. Progression to management positions is possible with experience.
Some examples of university programs in New Brunswick are:
UNB Programs
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Engineering
- Bachelor of Computer Science
Mount Allison University
- Bachelor of Applied Sciences
- Bachelor of Sciences
Crandall University
- Bachelor of Science
Université de Moncton (Programs offered in French)
- Baccalaureat en Des Sciences
What Skills Do I Need?
A review of job advertisements across New Brunswick for Natural and Applied Sciences positions revealed that employers are consistently asking for the following Essential Skills:
- Effective Communication – Being able to communicate research findings orally and in written format is often essential for grants and funding to remain with varying departments of government and in the private sector. Thus effective communication (written and oral) was the most sought after skill in the natural and applied sciences industry.
- Thinking skills – Ability to troubleshoot, make executive decisions, process information, problem solve, organize and prioritize work were also essential skills in the natural and applied sciences industry.
- Working well as part of a team – Teamwork and collaboration were essential to the successful operation of many organizations in the natural and applied sciences industry. Many scientists and associated professionals are required to work with others in a team environment, individually but reporting back to a team and in multi-disciplinary environments where varying perspectives may be required in order to complete/explore a task at hand.
Other Essential Skills that were requested, but less frequently than those listed above were:
- Interest in continuous learning – Employers requested that applicants must be willing to take additional training as required in varying fields to maintain a standard of excellence, perpetuate and sustain growth and industry expansion.
- Critical thinking and analytical skills – Employees in the natural and applied sciences industry should be able to design, execute, analyze and interpret varying tests, experiments and research.
Other skills most frequently included by employers were:
- Record keeping and data collection
- Attention to detail
- Meeting tight deadlines
- Working under pressure
- Participating in analysis and the interpretation of experiments
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to work well with minimal supervision
- Responsible, able to follow instructions and accountable
Resources for Careers in Natural and Applied Sciences
For detailed Labour Market Information on Natural and Applied Science positions, including all job titles in this category:
Province of New Brunswicks Occupational Profiles
Additional Resources
Canadian Association of Physicists
Canadian Nuclear Association
Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association
Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance
Agricultural Alliance of NB/Alliance Agricole du NB
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of New Brunswick
Engineers Canada
Architectural Association of NB
Association of New Brunswick Land Surveyors
Canadian Information Processing Society
Computer Research Institute of Montreal
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Landing a Job in Natural and Applied Sciences
To secure a position in Natural and Applied Sciences you will need to highlight the skills that employers are looking for from their employees. The previous section on skills will help you recognize the most sought after skills. If there are areas you feel you need to work on, it would be a good idea to practice.
For detailed information on how to conduct an effective job search, visit the job search section of our website by clicking here
In order to prepare for an interview in Natural and Applied Sciences it would be a great idea to think of a time when you have demonstrated each of the skills listed above. Here are some additional interview questions to help you prepare:
- Tell us about your basic technical experience and qualifications.
- What steps do you take for solving a technical problem?
- How do you remain abreast of new developments in your field?
- How much do you know about the software you are required to use?
- Have you ever had to deal with conflicting deadlines?
- How do you establish good communication and information flow with others?
- Please describe a situation when your initiative ideas for improvement have made a significant difference.
Inquisitive, enjoy research and finding solutions?
