Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

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Duties

1) Conduct fieldwork (e.g. install monitoring equipment, water and soil sampling, download data from sensors, etc.) on a plot located at the Fredericton Research and Development Centre;
2) Collaborate with technical staff and other graduate students at the field research site for obtaining required data;
3) Process and interpret the data to develop understanding of role of tile drains and terraces in controlling subsurface drainage.

Work environment

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), in collaboration with University of New Brunswick (UNB) is conducting research at the Fredericton Research and Development Centre (FRDC) to understand the role of diversion terraces and tile drainage as Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) aimed at soil and water conservation. As part of this research, subsurface movement of water and solutes will be investigated using a combined approach involving geophysical methods and numerical modelling of flow and contaminant transport. Field scale trial plots will be established on a sloped field at FRDC. Soil water content and the amount and quality of water flowing through different pathways (e.g. surface runoff, infiltration, tile drains) will be monitored. A tracer release experiment will be carried out to examine the detailed process of subsurface flow and the movement of the tracer will be monitored using electrical resistivity imaging. Data from the monitoring and sampling program will be used to develop a numerical flow and transport model, which will provide support for optimisation of the BMPs. The objectives of the research program are to i) determine the significance and dynamics of subsurface (lateral) flow; ii) assess the effectiveness of selected BMPs in controlling soil moisture in the experimental plots.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 300 words (maximum) "Please elaborate on your preparation for a post-graduate research project that is focused on understanding the role of tile drains and terraces in controlling subsurface drainage."

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

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

Currently enrolled or eligible to be enrolled in a hydreogeophysics-focused Master’s program at the University of New Brunswick.

Degree equivalency

Experience with the design and acquisition of electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) surveys.
Experience with the sampling of surface water, groundwater and pre-processing of the samples.
Experience with soil sampling.

* In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through the studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of advanced math and physics.
Knowledge of aqueous geochemistry.
Knowledge of geological sciences, including sedimentology and hydrogeology.
Knowledge of geomatics, including surveying and mapping software (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS, SURFER).

Teamwork
Initiative
Analytical Thinking
Problem Solving

Ability to communicate effectively.

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

Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Ability and willingness to occasionally work long hours and weekends during field work.
Ability and willingness to work in research and field environments.

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

Only unofficial transcripts and a resume are required at the time of application, however up to two references as well as the official transcripts might be required during the selection process.

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.

Candidates will be required to pay for their own travel related to assessment and successful candidates will be responsible for obtaining their own living accommodations.

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.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

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