Research Assistant - Aboriginal peoples - 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

One RAP student will be needed to assist in meeting project deliverables of two AAFC projects: Soil Nutrient Runoff (2019-2022) and IASPP2020 project on “Initiating the co-development of a sustainable agro-ecosystem through agriculture science partnership: adopting smart agriculture technology to improve crop productivity with reduced environmental footprint in Walpole Island First Nation” (2020-2021). The projects take an integrated multidiscipline approach including Earth observation technology, soil, hydrology, and crop modeling to study the impact of precision agricultural management on field crop production. With parallel importance, the project will work closely with local partner at Walpole Island First Nations to co-develop sustainable precision farming strategies to support the Indigenous community at Walpole through AAFC’s Agriculture Science Partnership.

Duties will include but not be limited to the following:

1. Historical environmental data, local report, and literature data collection, collating, review, and reporting.
2. Assist in field survey data collection. Data includes soil, water and sample collection from southern Ontario sites.
3. Assist in lab processing and analysis.
4. Conducting satellite data processing, analysis and results interpretation.
5. Assist in making connections with local Indigenous populations and organizing meetings and workshops.

Work environment

The student will be working at his/her own university under the joint supervision of the university professor, AAFC scientist, and the president of the Walpole Heritage Centre. The student will also have the opportunity to conduct research analysis at the Ottawa Research and Development Centre.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 300 words (maximum) "1) Why are you interested in this position? 2) What makes you think that you are a suitable candidate for this position?"

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/or willing to enroll in a Bachelor’s program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: environmental science, geomatics, agriculture science, or engineer.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE

Experience in the planning, organization, and coordination of meetings and workshops with the local First Nations communities.
Experience in fieldwork experience related to agriculture and wetlands.

*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 First Nations history.
Knowledge of challenges and opportunities of local community development.
Knowledge of environmental science.

COMPETENCIES
Adaptability
Judgment
Teamwork
Interactive communication
Problem solving
Self-motivated
Autonomous

Ability to communicate effectively with the local Indigenous communities.

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

Selection is limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

A full Ontario driver’s license to travel to the study site.

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.