Graduate Student – Master of Pest Management - Research Affiliate Program

Update: 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 specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

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).

Duties

This position involves the study of pest management and its research in agricultural crops leading to a Master of Pest Management from Simon Fraser University. The research is loosely defined within boundaries, however there is opportunity for the successful candidate to expand the scope of investigation. Duties will include conducting field trials in British Columbia and Prince Edward Island that test the ability of novel microorganisms and bioproducts to protect vegetable crops from wireworm damage. Laboratory research supporting the field trials can include wireworm behavioural responses to the bioproducts, development of infection degree-day models, and the comparative evaluation of CO2 (wireworm attractant and bioproduct component) production under simulated conditions, or other areas of study as suggested by the successful candidate. The day-to-day work will take place at two locations: Simon Fraser University during periods of coursework and some of the laboratory work; and Agassiz, BC for field and laboratory research. The hours of work indicated are paid, while the remainder of the work week will be spent on MPM academic activities.

Work environment

Day-to-day work will take place at a Government of Canada research facility and Simon Fraser University – each a professional and relaxed setting. Laboratory work will require some prerequisite safety training. In spring and summer, work will take place in agricultural fields, and frequently, entire days will be spent outdoors.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 2,000 words (maximum) "Candidates must clearly demonstrate IN THEIR COVER LETTER how they meet the education and experience factors listed in the essential and asset qualifications by using concrete examples. Candidates must use each education/experience factor as a header and then write one to two paragraphs per element demonstrating how they meet them by giving concrete examples. Resumes may be used as a secondary source to validate the experience described in the cover letter. FAILURE TO CLEARLY DEMONSTRATE HOW YOU MEET THE SCREENING CRITERIA WILL RESULT IN THE REJECTION OF YOUR APPLICATION. CANDIDATES WILL NOT BE SOLICITED FOR INCOMPLETE OR POSSIBLE MISSING INFORMATION."

Contact information for 3 references.

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)

Willing to enroll in the Master of Pest Management (MPM) degree program at Simon Fraser University and start in January 2019.

Undergraduate courses in an applied science e.g. biology, entomology, agriculture, or closely-related field

Degree equivalency

Demonstrated experience involving self-motivation, responsibility, and ability to work independently
Experience in an agricultural setting.
Experience working with insects and pest management.
Experience managing higher-level projects or being granted higher levels of responsibility.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of principles of agriculture.
Knowledge of biological concepts.
Knowledge of experimental design and statistics.
Knowledge of entomology and pest management.
Knowledge of MS Office and statistical software.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing
Work independently
Interpersonal skills
Creativity and innovation
Strategic and analytical thinking
Planning and organizing
Initiative

Ability to make observations, collect and record data accurately, summarize results and contribute to the preparation of research papers.

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:
Preference will be given to a Canadian citizen.

Operational Requirements:
Valid driver’s license

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment, and therefore will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-relevant documents.

Ability and willingness:
• to travel for field work, including to Prince Edward Island
• to work outdoors in various weather conditions for long periods of time
• to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
• to create a balance between working in Agassiz (AAFC, for project work) and Burnaby (SFU, for coursework, academic advising, and committee meetings)

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 designated 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.

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.