Research Technician - Plant Pathology

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

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.

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

Under the direction of the Research Scientist, the incumbent will assist in planning and conducting laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments. The person contributes to the development of the relevant protocols and understanding of plant pathogen detection, identification, biology and control and plant-microbial interactions. Duties include but not limited to:

1. assists to isolate and identify the causal agents of diseases of fields and horticultural crops using traditional microbiological and molecular techniques/tools,
2. culture, maintains and long-term storage of plant pathogens,
3. preparation of pathogen inoculation, disease ratings etc. required for the disease screening in greenhouse and fields,
4. contributes to the development of bioassays or analytical techniques required in plant pathology/microbiology,
5. applying pesticide treatments in greenhouse and field experiments,
6. collecting data; contributing to basic data analysis; and summarizing research results as outlined in research protocol
7. the operation and maintenance of laboratory/greenhouse/field equipments,
8. assist in purchasing equipments and supplies, day to day laboratory operation, and the supervision of part- time and seasonal labor.

Intent of the process

Immediate need: 1 full time permanent position.

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and temporary employment.

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 or assignment/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)

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized postsecondary institution in microbiology, plant pathology, molecular biology, plant biology, agriculture or fields relevant to the duties of the position. An acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience in relevant fields may also be considered.

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 in basic microbiology, plant pathology, molecular biology, and relevant agricultural or life sciences
Experience in planning and conducting laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field experiments
Experience in isolation, identification, characterization, and storage of pathogens/microorganisms associated with crop diseases using traditional and molecular approaches

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

Master's degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in microbiology, plant pathology, molecular biology, plant biology, agriculture.

Degree equivalency

Certification for application of pesticides.

Experience in managing laboratory including purchasing equipment’s and supplies and controlling inventory.
Experience in molecular technology, including nucleic acid experiments, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), electrophoresis, etc.
Experience in handling laboratory instruments and other equipment’s (ie; Burkard Air Samplers, Roto rod samplers) required to monitor/diagnose pathogen spores in field environments
Experience in inoculating plant pathogens (fungi/bacteria) and disease screening
Experience in troubleshooting of laboratory instruments required for microbial and molecular assays

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of crop diseases, causal agents and management.
Knowledge in plant pathology and molecular techniques
Knowledge of related microbial or molecular laboratory methodologies, tools, principles, and practices
Knowledge of safe work practices in laboratory, greenhouse or fields

Adaptability
Teamwork
Interactive communication
Initiative

Ability to plan and execute experimental protocols and keep accurate and detailed experimental records.
Ability to compile data, conduct basic data analysis and summarize results as outlined in an experimental protocol.

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

Knowledge of production practices used in field and/or horticultural crops.

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

Ability to work in a laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments
Ability to work with laboratory safety and handle plant pathogens/microorganisms
Have completed or ability to take workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) training and updates
Ability and willingness to travel (ie; for sample collection, record data)
Ability and willingness to perform physical labor including lifting up to 15 kg.
Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Possession of a valid driver’s license or the personal mobility to the extent normally associated with the possession of a valid driver’s license.

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).

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.