Research Assistant - Lab Technician (Anticipatory)

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

In support of lab-based programs, the incumbent will assist and support in the performance of basic lab analyses. The work will include preparing reagents, following standard operating procedures, keeping accurate records, care and maintenance of equipment and facilities, etc. The incumbent will work with the team to maintain a safe working environment.
Some positions may also have a field and greenhouse component. The incumbent will assist in the implementation of research projects, including trial setup, seeding, sampling, harvest, operating field equipment (seeder, mower, harvester, etc.), field maintenance (mowing, weeding, etc.), processing samples (grinding, weighing, sorting, etc.), data collection and entry.

Work environment

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) helps farmers and industry feed our country. We work to increase Canada’s exports, while providing leadership in the growth and development of a competitive, innovative and sustainable Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.

The Swift Current Research and Development Centre was established in 1920 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, in the semi-arid prairie region. The region where the Centre is situated encompasses 20 per cent of the arable land in Canada (the Brown soil zone). In addition, Swift Current Research and Development Centre research extends across the Dark Brown and Thin Black soil zones via the associated research site at Indian Head.

Canada is known worldwide for producing high performance and quality wheat, which researchers located at Swift Current have played, and continue to play a key role developing. Long-term-rotation field experimental plots have been in place at Swift Current for more than 40 years and at Indian Head for more than 50 years.

The Centre's mandate is to address severe drought, erosion, frost, pests, and crop disease related problems, and to provide support to the expanding settlements in the region characterized by a semi-arid climate.

Intent of the process

To staff the described position on a permanent full-time basis.

In addition, a pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions on a permanent full-time or part-time basis or on a temporary full-time or part-time basis.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Secondary school diploma OR an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

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 providing technical support in a research or laboratory environment.
Experience preparing samples in a laboratory setting (e.g., soil and plant extractions and digestions).

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of laboratory procedures and equipment.

Concern for Safety
Interactive Communication
Planning and Organization
Teamwork

Ability to use scientific instruments (e.g., weigh scale, pipettes, lab glassware) and to apply scientific techniques.
Ability to observe, collect, and record data accurately.
Ability to use basic Excel to collect and report data.

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

Post-secondary certificate, diploma and/or degree from a recognized institution with a specialization in Chemistry, Soil Science, Biology, Agriculture, or a related field.

Degree equivalency

Experience working in a chemistry lab.
For some positions, field-based research experience will be an asset.

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

In support of achieving a diversified workforce, consideration may be given to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following employment equity groups: aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, visible minorities, women.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Valid Driver’s license

Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and this must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
With appropriate safety precautions in place, able and willing to work in laboratory environments for extended periods; and under normal safety precautions able and willing to work with hazardous materials.

For some positions, candidates may be required to work outdoors under various weather conditions.

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

ASSESSEMENT 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.