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

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).

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. They will design and perform experiments in the laboratory and in the field to study the biology of insects breeding in cattle dung. For these experiments, they may be required to establish and maintain laboratory colonies of insects.

They will use taxonomic keys and a microscope to develop expertise in insect identification. They 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. They 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 M.Sc. thesis.

Work is co-located at the University of Lethbridge and at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, AB.

Work environment

Research involves frequent and close contact with fresh cattle dung and insects that breed in cattle dung. Work may be required during evenings and weekends. Field work and work with insects is associated with exposure to potential allergens (dust, pollen, insect scales). There will be travel to field sites with potential overnight travel. Considerable time will be spent in the lab using a microscope to sort, identify and quantify insect samples. The successful applicant will interact with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds; e.g., ranchers, 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)

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in biology, ecology, entomology or another relevant field.

Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by September 2019 in a Master’s program at the University of Lethbridge with specialization in the biological sciences.

Degree equivalency

Experience* collecting and summarizing experimental data.
Experience* developing and performing research experiments using insects.

*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through their 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 biology, ecology, sampling, handling, rearing, storage and identification.
Knowledge of experimental design and data analyses.

Oral and written communication
Planning and organizing
Adaptability
Initiative

Ability to work with minimum supervision.

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 work in a laboratory and under field conditions where climate varies.
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 with insects and fresh cattle dung.
Ability and willingness to sit for periods of 1-2 hours daily using a microscope.

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.