Technician (Plant Phenomics and Phenotyping)

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to February 27, 2020 - 23:59, Pacific Time.

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).

For this selection process:
Preference may be given to the following employment equity groups: Aboriginal peoples and Women.

Duties

Contributes to the development of knowledge and new technologies in the area of phenomics aimed at tree fruit germplasm evaluation and development.
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Contributes to the collection of phenotypic data on fruits and trees for germplasm evaluation
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Contributes to the development of new/alternative methods for phenotyping of tree fruits.
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Carries out research activities under field, laboratory or greenhouse conditions.

Contributes to the understanding of fundamental plant genetics, plant physiology, and crop/plant pathogen interactions.
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Contributes to the development of plant hybrids, maintenance and propagation of plants, and genetic material identification tools.
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Contributes to the development and maintenance of databases related to the germplasm development program.
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Contributes to data analysis and to the production of presentations, reports and publications.
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Provides technical advice/training within or outside the organization.
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Maintains a phenomics and phenotyping laboratory by ordering supplies and materials, maintaining and calibrating equipment, and managing budgets.

Work environment

As one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, Agriculture and Agri-foods Canada (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. Joining AAFC means being part of a network of over 20 research centres across the country along with access to a vast community of expertise.

Intent of the process

Immediate need is to staff 1 full time position.

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar permanent or 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: 1

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)

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution 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 using software or programming languages (i.e. Matlab, Python, R, OpenCV or similar software) for digital image analysis.

Experience developing specialized tools and platforms for high throughput phenotyping or automation of phenotyping.

Experience translating project goals into experimental procedures and developing protocols to meet research objectives.
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Experience in developing and modifying methods for phenotyping.
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Experience in writing documents (i.e. reports, technical bulletins and posters) and assisting in drafting of scientific papers.

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

Master’s in Science degree from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Degree equivalency

Experience using UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicle) for data collection.

Experience or knowledge of sensory evaluation of fruits for breeding and genetic improvement.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of germplasm evaluation in perennial species.

Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and directives.

Developing others
Creativity and Innovation
Planning and organizing
Adaptability
Teamwork

Ability to apply and to adapt scientific techniques and methodologies.

Ability to collect, organize, analyze and interpret data.

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

Knowledge of developing and applying computer/machine vision, deep learning and artificial intelligence to specific scenarios.

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 travel.
Ability and willingness to work overtime.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.

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.

With appropriate safety precautions in place and proper training, able and willing to work in the field, laboratory and/or greenhouse for extended periods at a time.

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.

Reference checks may be sought.

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.

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 the email referenced below under “Contact Information”.

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.

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.