Soil Biochemistry Technician

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

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.

Duties

Under the direction of research scientist, the technician provides field and laboratory technical support for a research scientist by conducting chemical, biological and physical determinations of soil, plant, water and gas samples from environmental research projects. The job will require developing methods and tools for use in field and laboratory studies. It will entail maintaining accurate laboratory records of experiments performed and results obtained and communicating these to other members of the research team.

It will involve interacting with other researchers across the country to coordinate field research and laboratory analyses. It also requires the preparation of technical reports, and contribution to the preparation of scientific publications, presentations and purchase of equipment

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

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

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

In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, 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)

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in soil science, environmental sciences, or agronomy or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Degree equivalency

Experience in the measuring soil chemical and biological properties related to carbon cycling

Experience in soil and crop management techniques used in research studies

Experience in statistical analysis and interpreting experimental results

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 acceptable specialization in soil, biological, or environmental sciences.

Degree equivalency

Experience with soil biological and microbiological techniques

Experience in supporting research involved with soil carbon and nutrient cycling using stable isotopes

Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team and with external partners and clients

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of techniques and equipment used in soil biochemistry research

Knowledge of laboratory quality control procedures and statistical analysis of experimental results

Knowledge of the principles of carbon and nitrogen cycling in soils and the environment

Interactive communication
Planning and organizing
Initiative

Ability to maintain, calibrate, and trouble-shoot analytical laboratory equipment

Writing skills

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

Ability to plan work, organize equipment, and write reports

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.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork and to travel at field sites across Canada

Ability to lift equipment and samples (20 kg max), walking in rough terrain, and be exposed to the environmental (e.g., insects, sun, rain)

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Conditions of Employment

Valid drivers license

Ability and willingness to work overtime including evenings and weekends

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.

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.

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada thanks all those who apply.

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.