Intern, Agro-Ecosystem Health - Research Affiliate Program

Duties

Under the direction of a soil scientist, the intern will help research assistants with (1) preparing research plots in the field; (2) setting up and operating measurement devices (static chambers, lysimeters, various probes, etc.); (3) collecting plant, soil, air and groundwater samples; and (4) performing sample extraction in the laboratory, in accordance with established protocols for various projects on agri-environmental quality and sustainability. Specifically, the duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Collecting soil samples by means of various augers and shovels.
• Collecting air samples by means of syringes and groundwater samples by means of hand pumps.
• Collecting plant samples by means of hand-held instruments.
• Providing support in the field for the maintenance of experimental plots.
• Providing support in the laboratory for sample extraction and analysis.
• Participating in the handling of various samples and in various extraction processes for carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, in accordance with the protocols provided.
• Participating in the collection of data from data loggers in the field and data inventories in the laboratory.
• Assisting with the maintenance of research equipment.

Work environment

The Québec Research and Development Centre focuses its research in two areas: the health of agro-ecosystems and the improvement of crops such as forages. Specifically, the goal of the agro-ecosystem health research program is to establish best agricultural practices that enable agri-businesses to be profitable while also protecting the environment from risks associated with soil degradation and with water and air pollution. The work is performed as part of a research group of about 20 people: research scientists, research professionals, graduate students and student interns. A large number of measurement devices have to be set up and operated in the field to monitor greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient leaching. As well, a large number of tools have to be used to collect plant, soil, air and water samples for laboratory analysis. Candidates must be prepared to work outdoors in cold, hot or humid conditions, as well as to learn how to safely handle the laboratory products and equipment required for sample extraction and analysis.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

A list of the courses you have taken as well as any courses that you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year.

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)

Must be enrolled in a bioecology technology program at a recognized post-secondary institution and must have completed at least two years of study in that program.

• You must clearly indicate your education level on your application.

• Proof of education will be required prior to appointment.

The candidate must be recognized as a full time post-secondary student in an accredited institution AND required to do a research work term in order to fulfill academic requirement.

Degree equivalency

Experience conducting laboratory or field experiments.

Experience collecting and performing analysis on samples.

In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.

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

French essential

Information on language requirements

- Interactive communication
- Planning and organizing
- Teamwork

Ability to follow instructions

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

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment, and therefore will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-relevant documents.

Valid driver’s licence.

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, ability and willingness to work in laboratory or field environments for extended periods at a time.

Ability and willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions, exposed to stinging insects.

With appropriate safety precautions in place, ability and willingness 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.

Successful completion of both a RAP work assignment and your educational program may lead to a temporary or permanent federal public service position for which you meet the merit criteria and conditions of employment.

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 Canadian citizens.

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