Soil Bio-Fertility 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

Duties

Under the direction of a research scientist, the technician conducts laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments to elucidate carbon and nutrient dynamics in agricultural ecosystems. The job involves establishing experiments, performing detailed chemical and biological analyses, summarizing results, and communicating findings to other members of the research team. It requires developing new methods, overseeing a soil fertility laboratory, maintaining accurate laboratory records of experiments performed, and performing rudimentary statistical analyses. As well, the position involves accessing pertinent scientific literature, preparing technical reports, and assisting in crafting scientific publications and oral presentations.

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

Immediate need: 1 full time permanent position in Lethbridge, Alberta.

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and temporary employment.

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 a bachelor’s 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 of chemical and biological properties related to soil fertility.
Experience conducting experiments measuring plant response to soil management.
Experience acquiring and managing analytical data, 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, including current molecular approaches.
Experience conducting experiments using stable isotopes to trace nutrient flows.
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 current chemical, microbiological and molecular techniques for studying processes related to soil nutrient dynamics.
Knowledge of the principles of nutrient cycling in soils and the environment.

Writing skills
Interactive communication
Planning and organizing
Initiative

Ability to maintain, calibrate, and trouble-shoot laboratory equipment.
Ability to make observations, collect and record data accurately and interpret and analyze results.
Ability to summarize results in writing and in tables or graphs to contribute to the preparation of draft reports, posters or presentations.

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

Organizational Needs:
Placement of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) employees affected by Work Force Adjustment.

Operational Requirements:
Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork.
Ability to lift equipment and samples (20 kg max), walking in rough terrain, and be exposed to the environment (e.g., insects, sun, rain).

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Ability and willingness to work overtime including evenings and weekends.

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.