Research Technician - Entomology

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

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion and is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers. We welcome all applicants and strongly encourage candidates to self-declare if they belong to an Employment Equity designated group (i.e. Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities or Women).

Duties

Two highly qualified and motivated individuals are required to staff positions as Research Technicians (EG-04) in Entomology research programs; one position each in Lethbridge AB and in Summerland BC. The successful candidates will, under the direction of the Research Scientist, coordinate and perform activities using a variety of field, lab and molecular techniques for research on insects associated with (AB) crops, livestock and stored products or (BC) tree fruits and invasive weeds. The successful candidates will:
• Develop, adapt, and implement protocols to collect data on insects associated with crops, livestock and stored products (AB) or tree fruits and invasive weeds (BC)
• Identify diverse insect taxa using taxonomic keys.
• Use molecular techniques, equipment and software to identify insect species; and (AB) characterize their associated microbiomes or (BC) identify plant species.
• Assist with all aspects of field work; e.g., collection of insects using different techniques from crops, pastures and natural habitats; collection of fresh cattle faeces (AB) or herbaceous plants (BC); recording of weather data; establishment of research plots.
• Assist with all aspects of laboratory work; e.g., observations of insect behaviour; establishment and maintenance of healthy insect colonies; preparation and mounting of insect and plant specimens; DNA extraction, long-term storage, amplification, interpretation of FASTA files and phylogenetic analyses.
• Improve and (or) trouble-shoot field and laboratory methods.
• Remain current on the use of laboratory and field equipment and protocols as required to meet research needs.
• Manage and analyze data, write in-house reports, and assist with preparation of articles and presentations.
• Contribute to research on insects, their hosts and/or their endosymbionts.
• Contribute to and maintain preserved collections of insects, some of which may be valuable voucher specimens.
• Assist with the staffing, training and supervision of undergraduate students and co-ordinate their work.
• Assist with the training of graduate students.
• Procure and manage an inventory of laboratory and field supplies.

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.
- 1 full time temporary position in Summerland, British Colombia (4 years - sunset funding).

A pool of qualified and partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar permanent and temporary positions.

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: 2

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)

- Bachelor of Science degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in entomology or a related discipline (i.e., biological sciences, ecology).

IF YOU HAVE FOREIGN CREDENTIALS, please follow the link below for information on how to obtain a degree equivalency. You must obtain an equivalency, at your own expense, in order to be considered for appointment into the public service.

Degree equivalency

- Experience using taxonomic keys for insect identification.
- Experience establishing and maintaining healthy laboratory colonies of insects.
- Recent* experience coordinating and conducting entomological research activities in a lab or field environment.
- Recent* experience using molecular techniques (e.g., extraction, amplification, purification), equipment, and software to identify insects or other relevant organisms (i.e. DNA barcoding).

*Acquired within the last 3 years.

Applicable to position in Lethbridge (AB) only:
- Experience with next generation sequencing methods and bioinformatics software to characterize insect microbiomes.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Asset Qualifications:

- Master of Science from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in entomology or a related discipline (i.e. biology, ecology).

Degree equivalency

- Research experience in both lab and field environments.
- Recent* experience working in an insect quarantine.
*Acquired within the last 3 years.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

- Knowledge of theory and practice of research in insect ecology and integrated pest management (including biological control).
- Knowledge of field entomology methods and equipment to assess changes in insect populations.
- Knowledge of methods to prepare and preserve insects for identification.
- Knowledge of molecular methods and tools used to identify insects.

- Adaptability
- Initiative
- Teamwork
- Attention to detail

- Ability to use scientific equipment and to apply and adapt scientific techniques and methodologies.
- Ability to make observations, prepare data sheets, record data accurately, statistically analyze the data, and interpret the results.

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Asset Qualifications:

Applicable to position in Lethbridge (AB) only:
- Knowledge of microbial ecology.

Applicable to position in Summerland (BC) only:
- Knowledge of plant identification.

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

- Valid driver’s license.
- Ability and willingness to work overtime including evenings and weekends.
- Ability and willingness to work with chemicals and pesticides.
- Ability and willingness to work with insects in laboratory and field settings under variable weather conditions and terrains and for extended periods of time.
- Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication in a manner that does not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
- Ability and willingness to sit for long periods at a lab bench making observations using a microscope.

Applicable to position in Summerland (BC) only:
- Ability and willingness to undertake overnight trips to remote locations.

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

ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

Various assessment tools may be used, such as, standardized tests, interviews, references, board member knowledge, etc.

All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

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.

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.

A test may be administered.

An interview may be administered.

Reference checks may be sought.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Asset qualifications may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

APPLICATION & CORRESPONDENCE INFORMATION

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, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

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