Research assistant – Summer Student - Research Affiliate Program

Update: UPDATE: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to March 1, 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).

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

Duties may include some or all of the following:
•Field work tasks, such as setting up and maintaining research plots (e.g., planting, weeding), field scouting, pest monitoring, keeping detailed field reports and taking photos of insects.
•Assist with the collection and analysis of field-collected samples and data from research projects.
•Perform pest identifications and taking photographs using a microscope.
•Conduct literature reviews.
•Develop written reports and presentation materials on key initiatives.
•Assist with data entry and database management
•Perform office duties and attend mandatory training modules

Work environment

The London Research and Development Centre (London, Ontario) is one of a network of 19 national agricultural research centres operated by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada. The research site conducts research in the areas of air, water and soil, development of sustainable and profitable crop production systems for field crops and integrated pest management in the heart of one of the most intensive, diverse and productive agri-food regions in Canada. The position described here is in the Integrated Pest Management division. Our research team focuses on invasive insect ecology, biological control, and pest management. Some of the key insect species being investigated include: the brown marmorated stink bug, cabbage seedpod weevil, pepper weevil, the apple leaf curling midge, and a variety of parasitoids associated with these pests.

Summer research assistant positions generally involve a combination of laboratory and field work. Laboratory work includes insect colony maintenance, preparation of samples for field exposure, dissection of plants and insects under the microscope to detect pests and parasitoids, and experiments designed to test the effectiveness and thermal performance of biological control agents on insect pests. Basic laboratory skills are essential, including: use of microscope, analytical balance, micropipettes, and experience with data entry. Students must be comfortable working with insects, and handling live insects. Field work involves the collection of invasive insect pests in different locations and different habitats, surveys and monitoring of pest populations using a variety of sampling techniques (pheromone traps, visual counts, sweep net samples), and exposure of different insect pest stages to attract and quantify predation and parasitism. Field work occurs on-site at the research station, as well as at a number of off-site locations in southwestern Ontario (up to 200-km outside of London). Students are required to have a full G driver’s license and the ability and willingness to drive a field vehicle (generally a van or a pick-up truck), as well as work outdoors in agricultural crops to conduct field work.

Students will have the opportunity to develop skills related to experimental design, field trials, insect taxonomy, insect collection, data analysis, insect colony maintenance, crop protection, and biological control. Most of the work is done in teams; however, there is also the opportunity for independent work, particularly in the laboratory.

Positions to be filled: 2

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 250 words (maximum) "Please provide a short paragraph (up to 250 words) describing your research experience with insects and/or your knowledge of entomology based on coursework."

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)

Education
Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program at a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: biological sciences, entomology, or pest management

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE
Experience* working with insects in the laboratory or field.

*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through the 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:
Knowledge of entomology and pest management
Knowledge of insect pests and biological control

COMPETENCIES
Interactive communication
Planning and organizing
Initiative
Teamwork

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

Must have a valid, full G Ontario Driver’s License (or equivalent from another Province) and a good driving record.

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.

Ability and willingness to work outdoors in inclement weather if necessary
Ability and willingness to travel throughout Ontario for field work
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours to achieve research goals

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.