Research Assistant - Significance of groundwater contribution to nutrient loading - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

The position will be located at Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), (Montreal, Quebec). As part of the program, the student might spend an internship of up to 6 months at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Fredericton Research and Development Centre (Fredericton, NB). The field work will take place in the Assiniboine Delta Aquifer (MB).

Duties

The contribution of groundwater to the nitrogen and phosphorus loading to surface water in the Lake Winnipeg Basin (LWB) is currently unknown. Several studies have been conducted in the past with respect to the sources of nutrients that have potential to contribute to groundwater loading; however there are significant gaps regarding the fate and transport of these nutrients in the subsurface, as well as to the dynamics and magnitude of groundwater nutrient fluxes delivered to the surface water bodies (i.e. Lake Winnipeg and tributaries).

The Assiniboine Delta Aquifer (ADA) is an area where groundwater discharge and nutrient loading to surface water is expected to play a significant role. The Assiniboine River is a major contributor of water to Lake Winnipeg. The river is listed as a vulnerable water body in the Nutrient Management regulations of Manitoba’s Water Protection Act. A previous study of groundwater in the ADA reports that 50% of samples collected from wells located downgradient from agricultural fields - the dominant type of land use above the aquifer (46%)- have nitrate concentrations above the groundwater drinking limit. Phosphorus delivered to LWB via groundwater, can also be of concern in areas with concentrated inputs and highly permeable sediments.

The objectives of the research program are to:
i) assess the magnitude and dynamics of nitrogen and phosphorus mass stored in the aquifer.
ii) estimate the travel time of groundwater nitrogen and phosphorus from recharge to discharge zones.
iii) develop models of groundwater mediated nutrient fluxes delivered to surface water.
iv) identify biochemical processes with significant impact on the fate of nitrogen and phosphorus transported in the subsurface.
v) assess the significance of groundwater delivered nutrients with respect to surface water loadings.

Work environment

1) Travel to field research site in the Assiniboine Delta Aquifer (ADA; Manitoba) to acquire superficial geology and surface and groundwater water quantity and quality data relevant for understanding and water movement in the unsaturated and saturated zones;
2) Collaborate with technical staff and other graduate students at the field research site, university and departmental center or other organizations for obtaining required data;
3) Conduct chemical and isotopic analyses on the samples collected in the field (training will be provided);
4) Process and interpret the data to develop the understanding of movement of water and nutrients in the unsaturated and saturated zones;
5) Develop conceptual and numerical models for understanding significance of groundwater contributions to the nutrient loading of Lake Winnipeg.

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 M.Sc. research project that is focused on understanding the significance on nutrient loading delivered by groundwater to surface waters."

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)

EDUCATION:
Student must be currently enrolled or eligible to enroll in a geochemistry focused M.Sc. program at the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, at Université du Québec à Montréal by March 2019.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE

Experience with the sampling of groundwater and pre-processing of the samples
Experience with chemical and/or isotopic analyses of water samples
Experience with software used for storing, analyzing and interpreting hydrogeochemistry and spatial data (e.g. MS Office; PHREEQC or similar; ArcGIS or similar; MODFLOW or FEFLOW or similar)

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

English or French

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:
- Strong knowledge of aqueous geochemistry and quantitative hydrogeology

ABILITY:
- Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally
- Ability to work in a research environment

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

- Must be willing to occasionally work long hours and weekends during field work
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- Must be willing to travel and spend extended periods of time at locations in QC, NB and MB

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

Reference checks will be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.
-
A situational exercise may be administered.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

A random and/or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

Candidates from outside the public service may be required to pay for travel and relocation costs associated with this selection process.

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.