Research Technician - Plant Biology

Duties

In support of the organic agricultural production and plant pathology research programs, the incumbent will:
- create and implement plot plans; plot seeding and maintenance; plant, disease, weed and insect identification;
- assess crop conditions and rate for pest damage, and identify readiness for harvest;
- be the lead in the collection and recording of organic agronomic, plant and crop
disease field trial data;
- collect and process soil and plant samples;
- assist with lab analysis of plant samples;
- keep accurate records;
- maintain equipment and facilities for projects;
- enter data and create summaries of records and procedures;
- contribute to statistical data analysis;
- contribute to the production of presentations, reports and publications;
- coordinate equipment and facility use for projects;
- demonstrate or explain technical and administrative procedures;
- provide instruction for work requirements to summer students and others to
ensure project protocols are met;
- interact with producers, departmental employees and the general public
regarding work requirements and results;
- work with all employees at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre
towards maintaining a safe environment with which to accomplish assignments.

Work environment

As one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, AAFC is proud to celebrate our achievement in creating a diverse, respectful, and positive workplace where all employees are valued and recognized for their unique qualities, ideas, voices and perspectives.

Intent of the process

Immediate staffing need: 1 full time permanent position

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and temporary employment for the location indicated for this process.

In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, and there is a temporary need, he/she may be considered for acting or assignment/secondment opportunities. A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and temporary employment for the location indicated for this process.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Graduation from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in agronomy, biology, plant pathology, or a related agricultural program.

Degree equivalency

Experience planning and conducting field experiments related to crop management and contributing to their design.
Experience operating field equipment (e.g., tractor, plot seeder, combine, mower, or other related small implements).
Experience evaluating plant growth and identifying crop pests (diseases, insects and weeds).
Experience collecting and processing plant and soil samples (e.g., cleaning, weighing, maintenance, analysis).
Experience using statistical software.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Experience in organic crop production.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of field crop production.
Knowledge of organic production methods.
Knowledge of pests (weeds, insects and pathogens).

Ability to make observations (including identifying health problems in crops), collect, and record data.
Ability to interpret research results and write informal reports.
Ability to perform statistical analysis.

Concern for Safety
Interactive Communication
Problem Solving
Teamwork

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Placement of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) employees affected by work force adjustment.

In support of achieving a diversified workforce, consideration may be given to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following employment equity groups: aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability; visible minorities, women.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Valid Driver’s license.
Ability and willingness to work overtime.
Ability and willingness to travel.
Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
With appropriate safety precautions in place, able and willing to work in laboratory, greenhouse and field for extended periods at a time; able and willing to work outdoors under various weather conditions and under normal safety precautions able and willing to work with hazardous materials.

Other information

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.jobs.gc.ca.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence, may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and weaknesses of the work team.
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed.
- Depth, breadth, type of work-specific experience.
- Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications.

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.