Harvest Sample Program Technician

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

When you apply to this selection process, you are not applying for a specific job, but to an inventory for future vacancies. As positions become available, applicants who meet the qualifications may be contacted for further assessment.

Work environment

The Harvest Sample Program is an annual analysis of producer commodities grown throughout Canada. The work will be focused on specific quality parameters important to producers, the grain industry and marketers of grains, oilseeds and pulses.

Visit the website below for more information on the Harvest Sample Program:
http://www.grainscanada.gc.ca/quality-qualite/hsp-per/hspm-mper-eng.htm

Some of your duties may include:
-Prepare materials and samples and carry out analytical testing using appropriate procedures and approved methods.
-Collect record and compile data and report findings in a summary form.
-Accurately enter data into spreadsheets.
-Conduct routine maintenance and calibration of equipment, and maintain technical logs, files, inventories and other records.

Intent of the process

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar indeterminate, specified period employment, acting appointments, assignments, secondments or deployments.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

A secondary school diploma.

Degree equivalency

Recent* experience in the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

*Recent is defined as experience obtained within the last five years.

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

Graduation with a degree or diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution (university, college or technical institute) with specialization in chemistry OR biochemistry OR food science OR a field related to the position OR an acceptable combination of education/training and experience*

Experience* is defined as the depth and breadth of experience normally associated with having worked with grain in a laboratory setting for at least 2 years, in the past 5 years.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
- Experience in carrying out laboratory tasks under minimal supervision.
- Experience in evaluating the quality of cereal grains, oilseeds and pulses.
- Experience applying statistical methods for evaluating analytical results.
- Experience using grinders to grind grains (such as: Perten 3100, UDY, Retsch, Ditting Swiss KR)
- Experience utilizing methods to extract and quantitate mycotoxins in grains, feedstuffs and foods.
- Experience performing Falling Number analysis.
- Experience using micropipettes.
- Experience using grain dividers ( such as: Boerner or PT-100).
- Experience cleaning grain samples using Carter Dockage Tester or other device.
- Experience using near infrared instrumentation.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
- Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures.
- Knowledge of the methods required to record and report data using computer software.

Competencies:
- Effective Interactive Communication
- Adaptability
- Being a Team Player
- Initiative

Abilities:
- Ability to calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Ability to perform standard laboratory procedures.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

- Work with and be exposed to hazardous chemicals and equipment.
- Wear appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment.
- Maintain standing and/or sitting positions for extended periods of time.
- Work in an environment where there is continual exposure to grain and flour dust (known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication, and must not impinge upon the work to be performed).
- Move and/or lift Items (up to 20 kg.).
- Adhere to laboratory safety standards and procedures.
- Work overtime as required.
- Shift work may be required.

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

Communication for this process will be sent via email. All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence, may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

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 such as SPAM).

Receipt of applications will not be sent; only candidates successful in the screening process will be contacted. Depending on the requirements of the position being staffed from this process, for current or future vacancies, any or all of the qualifications, operational requirements, and organizational needs may be applied at the time of screening.

Random selection and/or top-down selection may be used at any time during
the process to identify which applicants will be further assessed.

Candidates from outside the federal public service will be required to pay for their own travel, if invited to an interview.

Candidates invited to an interview will be required to bring proof of their education credentials, in the form of a diploma or official transcript (original documents only).

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.