Cropping Systems Specialist - AMENDMENT to CLOSING DATE

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

Duties

The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating field operations on plot land used for research by scientists at AAFC Lethbridge (and respective substations). The land is fundamental to a diversity of research including plant breeding, integrated pest (weed, disease and insect) management, agronomy, and soil science. Under the guidance of a Field Operations Committee, the incumbent will coordinate resources required for research on plant breeding, pest management, agronomy and soil science, this will include (among other things) the maintenance of long-term cropping system experiments. As such, the incumbent will coordinate research projects using field resources and laboratory protocols (mainly related to plant tissues and soil samples), direct the field operations team, and garner feedback from research scientists for on-going and future experiments.

Main responsibilities:
- Coordinate human, financial, and material resources associated with the Research Centre’s field operations.
- Oversee field experiments and other projects under guidance of AAFC Lethbridge scientists. Provide feedback on resources required (e.g. machinery, agricultural inputs, and personnel training) to sustain on-going operations to the field operations committee and the administrative manager of the Lethbridge research & development centre.
- Develop and implement land, air, and water stewardship practices that include sustainable rotations, irrigation management, conservation farming practices, and adoption of current technologies for data collection, record keeping and machine guidance.
- Encourage and maintain a safe work environment in line with the regulatory framework.

Secondary responsibilities:
- Collect, compile, analyse and interpret data from selected field experiments; adapt study methods as needed; assist in the writing of scientific reports for publication; and present information at workshops and industry trade meetings.
- Participate in technology transfer activities to disseminate new knowledge to crop producers across western Canada.
- Assists in the preparation of research proposals; provide advice on the feasibility and resources required to perform new studies; keeps abreast of technical advances maintains awareness of current research.
- Coordinate and/or assign tasks to technical assistants and students allocated to the studies including monitoring work in progress and evaluating performance. Ensure quality and administrative standards are maintained.

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

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, deployment, assignment or secondment opportunities.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

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

Graduation with an MSc. degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization relevant to the duties of the position (e.g. plant or soil science, agronomy) OR graduation with a BSc. degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in a biological science or in a field relevant to the duties of the position combined with at least three (3) years of relevant experience working in agricultural research and development.

Degree equivalency

Experience in the design and implementation of field experiments.
Experience with scientific data collection, organization and analysis.
Experience exchanging scientific or technical information with at least 2 of the following groups: producers, industry, and scientific colleagues.
Experience managing multi-year projects with associated land, labor and capital resources, including planning and budgeting.

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

Experience working on a multi-disciplinary team.
Experience in the initiation and management of multi-disciplinary research projects with various stakeholders and research collaborators.
Experience planning and conducting field experiments under rain-fed and irrigated conditions.
Experience planning and conducting research in pest management (integrated management of weeds, insects, and diseases).
Experience conducting agronomic evaluation of plant breeding trials in a diversity of crops grown in western Canada.
Experience developing and implementing agronomic management strategies for sustainable crop production in Canada.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of sustainable cropping systems, crop selection, and implications for environmental protection and profitability.
Knowledge of current farming technologies, including cropping systems, agricultural machinery, and pest management practices relevant to Western Canada.
Knowledge of integrated management strategies for enhanced crop yield and reduced environmental impact.
Knowledge of experimental design and management of field experiments.

Writing Skills
Interactive Communication
Planning and Organizing
Problem Solving
Teamwork
Concern for Safety

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

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

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Possession of a valid driver's license or personal mobility to the extent normally associated with the possession of a valid driver's license.
Ability and willingness to travel.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.
Ability and willingness to work overtime, including evenings and weekends.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging on the duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to work under various environmental and weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field environments for extended periods at a time.
Ability and willingness to work with chemicals and pesticides and obtain a Pesticide Applicator’s License.

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).

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.

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.