Weed biological control (Entomology) Technician - Research Affiliate Program

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

The successful applicant will work semi-independently in a research environment as part of a larger team of collaborating researchers, students, technicians and stakeholders. They will design and perform experiments in the field in BC rangelands and in the laboratory at AAFC Lethbridge Research and Development Centre to study the ecological interactions among weed biocontrol insects, their host weeds and environmental factors. For these experiments, they may be required to grow and maintain plants, and establish and maintain laboratory colonies of insects. Measurements of plants and insects in these experiments will be made at both individual (fine-scale) and population (larger-scale) levels, but will also involve a broader, ecological community level perspective involving other plant or insect species.

The person hired will review scientific literature and interpret results within the context of their own research. They will analyse the results of their experiments with appropriate statistical tests or mathematical modelling, and will present their findings in written and oral format according to guidelines acceptable to the scientific community. These collective efforts will form the basis of a PhD thesis.

Work environment

Work will be co-located at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Kelowna, BC and at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, with scheduling of location depending on the requirements of the PhD student’s research project and university degree. Alternation of location is not expected to occur more than 1-2 times during the life of the graduate program, with a stay at the alternate location to be approximately 3-4 months in duration and to fall within a university term (e.g. during a spring term to conduct greenhouse experiments in Lethbridge).

The research mainly involves developing and conducting long-term experiments and assessments of field populations of invasive plants and their insect herbivores, and will involve travel to isolated rangeland sites in or near the Okanagan Valley of BC. Some research also will involve developing and conducting laboratory experiments at AAFC Lethbridge Research and Development Centre to assess individual factors that may be influencing insect-plant responses observed in the field. Work may be required during evenings and weekends. Field work and work with insects or some plant species under laboratory conditions may be associated with exposure to potential allergens (dust, pollen, insect scales). Time will be spent in the laboratory using a microscope to dissect plant material in the identification and quantification of insect samples or of insect herbivore damage to plants. Considerable time also will be spent in the field assessing insect or plant populations, or taking measurements of individual plants or insects. The successful applicant will interact with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds; e.g., ranchers, provincial or municipal collaborators, students, research technicians, research scientists.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 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)

Enrolled in a Doctorate (PhD) program in the Department of Biology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan.

Degree equivalency

Experience carrying out field research activities.
Experience analyzing scientific data using the statistical program ‘R’.
Experience performing experiments with insects and plants.

*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 insect-plant interactions.
Knowledge of the theory and practice of weed biological control.
Knowledge of field research methods in ecology.

Initiative
Planning & Organizing
Adaptability
Teamwork

Ability to work with minimum supervision.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

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 - 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.

Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Ability and willingness to travel to isolated rangeland field sites.
Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory and under field conditions where climate varies.
Ability and willingness to work with insects.
Ability and willingness to sit for periods of 1-2 hours daily using a microscope.
Known allergies must be controlled either through the use of dust masks and/or medication and not impinge on tasks to be performed.
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 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.