Research Assistant

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request special accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Information on accommodation for persons with disabilities

Please note that you must apply online as there is a screening questionnaire that must be completed as part of your application. We will not accept applications received by email. Thank you.

Tips for candidates who wish to apply:
• The application process will take approximately 40 to 60 minutes to complete.
• When submitting your application, please provide complete and thorough details of your education and experience. The system will prompt you with specific questions for each qualification, so ensure to answer the questions, if applicable.
• When answering the questionnaire, do not assume that the hiring board has any previous knowledge of your background, qualifications, or work history. You must be specific and provide concrete examples and details for each experience and education element, as applications will be screened on the information provided. Your résumé will only be used as a secondary source to validate the qualifications described.
• Please note that written communication may also be assessed through your application submission.

Duties

The incumbent will report to a scientist to accomplish tasks such as: planning and implementing field and greenhouse/growth chamber experiments on station and on producer land. They will sample soils and plants, conduct soil physical measurements, sample for greenhouse gases, and sample soil biology. They will be responsible for organizing and analyzing data and related databases, and contributing completed data and analyses to reports and research papers. The incumbent is expected to work as part of a larger team and to interact effectively with research scientists, staff, students, and casual labour.

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.

The position, located at the Brandon Research and Development Centre, is a field and lab position which supports the nutrient management program. The successful candidate will work under the direction of the research scientist. The successful candidate will work predominantly with soil and plant samples to understand nutrient cycling as influenced by soil management. Soil management to adapt to climate change and soil test diagnostics are among current topics in the group. Understanding the role of cover crops, crop rotations, organic amendments, and tillage in building more resilient agroecosystems will also be studied. The position may also participate in greenhouse and growth chamber experiments.

Intent of the process

The immediate intent of this process is to fill one (1) indeterminate full time position in Brandon, MB.

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and/or 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, deployment, assignment or secondment opportunities.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized postsecondary institution with an acceptable specialization in one of the following fields:
Soil Science;
Environmental Science;
Water Science/Hydrology;
Natural Resource;
Plant Biology;
Agriculture
Or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Degree equivalency

Experience providing technical support in a field environment.
Experience planning and conducting field experiments and contributing to experimental design.
Experience in measuring soil physical, biological and/or chemical properties in field and/or lab environments.

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

Graduation with a Master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with an acceptable specialization in one of the following fields; Soil Science, Environmental Science, Water Science/Hydrology, Natural Resource, Plant Biology or Agriculture.

Degree equivalency

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of related field research methodologies, tools, theories, practices, and principles.
Knowledge of methods of soil and/or plant sampling and preparation.

Adaptability
Initiative
Interactive Communication
Teamwork
Planning and Organizing
Problem Solving
Concern for Safety
Written communication

Ability to use scientific instruments and/or tools, and to apply and/or adapt scientific techniques and methodologies.
Ability to make observations, collect, and record data accurately and interpret and analyze results.
Ability to interpret research results and write informal reports.
Ability to prioritize, plan, and carry out laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field experiments.

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

Experience in creating and collecting data using data loggers such as Campbell Scientific or other products.
Experience collecting and performing analysis on plant, manure, soil and/or water samples.
Experience in operating farm equipment. (for example: seeding, tillage and harvest)

Knowledge of methods of soil and plant sampling and sample preparation.
Knowledge of the impacts of abiotic stresses such a water, nutrients, and temperature on plant production.

Ability to perform statistical analysis and interpret and analyse results.

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

Information on employment equity

Preference may be given to AAFC employees affected by workforce adjustment.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - .
Valid Driver’s Licence
Ability and willingness to work overtime.
Ability and willingness to travel within Manitoba and to other AAFC Research Centres.
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/or field environments 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

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the targeted groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

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).

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.