Research Assistant in Pilot Plants - Food Science: Dairy Processing

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

•Keep abreast of research and development projects with the scientist in charge;
•Participate in the development of experimental protocols according to the objectives of research projects for the manufacture of dairy products in the pilot plant;
•Plan, organize and carry out dairy manufacturing trials in the pilot plan;
•Ensure the safety of raw materials and dairy products manufactured in the pilot plant;
•Ensure that the composition of the products manufactured in the pilot plant meets the targets established in the experimental protocols;
•Maintain the various dairy processing equipment of the pilot plant in good working order;
•Compile data, prepare tables and figures, write reports and present results at meetings.

Work environment

The Centre focuses on conducting research and developing methods to preserve food and maintain its quality, and to process food safely and efficiently. Research is also conducted on food ingredients having health and other benefits beyond basic nutritional values.

Food safety is also a major area of research, and in doing this work, the Centre collaborates with the University of Montreal's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Through the Centre's Industrial Program, pilot plants are leased to agri-food companies in support of their small-scale food processing and testing needs.

Intent of the process

Immediate need: To staff one (1) indeterminate full-time position for the location indicated for this process.

A pool of qualified and partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions with various tenures for the location indicated in the poster.

In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, he/she may be considered for acting, deployment, assignment or secondment opportunities.

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)

EDUCATION
Postsecondary diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in natural science, physical science or applied science,
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
Experience in carrying out technical development projects in dairy processing in a plant.

Recent* and significant** experience* in dairy formulation and processing in a plant, especially different types of cheese.

Experience in coaching and training human resources and distributing work.

Experience in operating, in taking care of the maintenance of food processing.


* Recent experience is defined as experience in performing the duties normally acquired within the last five (5) years.

** Significant experience is defined as experience associated with having performed a broad range of related activities which could normally be acquired over a period of approximately 2 years.

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

ASSET EDUCATION
Bachelor of science from a recognized post-secondary institution in one of the following fields:
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Biology
Food science and technology
Food engineering

Degree equivalency

ASSET EXPERIENCE
Recent* and significant** experience in dairy formulation and processing in a plant, especially different types of yogurt.

Experience in calibration of food processing.

* Recent experience is defined as experience in performing the duties normally acquired within the last five (5) years.

** Significant experience is defined as experience associated with having performed a broad range of related activities which could normally be acquired over a period of approximately 2 years.

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

Bilingual - Imperative (BBB/BBB)

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge in dairy processes and technologies in dairy processing, especially for different types of cheese.

knowledge of basic principle in microbiology, chemistry and biochemistry of milk.

Knowledge of dairy product quality and safety provincial requirements (Quebec)

Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and directives.

COMPETENCIES
Adaptability
Initiative
Interactive communication
Teamwork
Judgement
Planning and organization
Creativity and Innovation

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

KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge in dairy processes and technologies in dairy processing, especially for different types of yogurt.

Deep knowledge in microbiology, chemistry and biochemistry of milk.

Knowledge of dairy product quality and safety national requirements (Canada).

ABILITIES
Ability to make observations, accurately gather and record data as well as interpret and conduct analysis of results.

Ability to draft reports, technical bulletins or scientific posters, and contribute to the production of scientific communications.

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

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

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Valid driver's licence.

Ability and willingness to work overtime as required.

Ability and willingness to travel on occasion.

Ability and willingness to work with strong acids and bases.

Ability and willingness to work in variable environmental conditions (Cold rooms 4°C).

Ability and willingness to work to manipulate heavy loads (boxes approx.: 20-25 kg).

In case of allergies, know how to control them using personal protective equipment or medication so they do not interfere with the work to be carried out.

Ability and willingness to work in laboratories, pilot plants and facilities of private-sector stakeholders.

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.