Research Technician - Small Fruit (Berry) Entomology

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 (Indigenous) Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities or Women).

Duties

We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated Research Technician (EG-04) for a position in Entomology, focusing on Integrated Pest Management of small fruits (berries). The successful candidate will, under the direction of the Research Scientist, coordinate and perform research on insects associated with berry crops. The technician’s duties will include:
• Develop, adapt, and implement protocols to collect data on insects of berry crops.
• Identify insect pest and their natural enemies using taxonomic keys.
• Assist with all aspects of field work, e.g., setup and maintenance of research plots, insect sampling, field observations, and data collection.
• Assist with all aspects of laboratory work, e.g., establishment and maintenance of insect colonies, preparation of insect specimens for identification, setup and assessment of bioassays.
• Use molecular methods to identify insect species, their pathogens, and population genetic structure.
• Contribute to research on insects, their natural enemies, and/or microbial controls.
• Improve and trouble shoot field and laboratory methods.
• Manage and analyze data, write in-house reports and protocols, and assist in the preparation of articles and presentations.
• Assist with staffing, training, and supervision of students and co-ordinate their work.
• Procure and manage laboratory and field supplies.

Intent of the process

The intent of this process is to staff one full time permanent position.

A pool of qualified and partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions with various tenures (permanent and temporary needs) as well as various linguistic requirements.

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.

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

EDUCATION
Graduation with a Degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in entomology or a related discipline (i.e. ecology, agricultural sciences).

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
Experience planning and conducting entomological research.
•Experience with insect sampling techniques and using taxonomic keys for identification.
•Experience with molecular techniques (i.e. DNA isolation, purification, PCR based amplification), equipment, and software for analysis.
•Experience using statistical software programs.

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

EDUCATION (ASSET QUALIFICATION)
•Master of Science in entomology or a related discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE (ASSET QUALIFICATIONS)
•Experience establishing and maintaining insect colonies.
•Experience contributing to the supervision of junior research staff (e.g. students).
•Experience with next generation sequencing methods and bioinformatics software to examine insect population genetic structure and gut microbiomes.
•Experience contributing to the preparation of research reports and posters.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of insect biology (pests, natural enemies, pathogens).
•Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the methods used to identify and assess changes in insect populations.
•Knowledge of molecular methods and tools for population genetic analysis and species identification.

COMPETENCIES
•Adaptability
•Teamwork
•Planning and Organizing
•Problem solving

ABILITIES
•Ability to use scientific instruments and tools and to apply and adapt scientific techniques and methodologies.
•Ability to make observations, collect and accurately record data, analyze and interpret results.

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

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Ability and willingness to work with chemicals and pesticides.
Ability and willingness to work overtime on short notice, including evenings and weekends.
Ability and willingness to work with insects in the laboratory and field settings in variable weather conditions and terrain for extended periods of time.
Ability and willingness to perform physical labour.

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

ASSESSEMENT 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 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 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).

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.