Science or Agriculture Student - 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

Due to the breadth of research undertaken at the Kentville Research and Development Centre, the individual will provide support and technical assistance at an AAFC Centre in some or all of the following by:
• Contributing to the development of analytical methods and evaluation techniques;
• Contributing to the development of new techniques and methods;
• Assisting with laboratory, greenhouse and field support for research programs;
• Carries out research activities under lab, greenhouse and/or field conditions;
• Assisting in the maintenance of research equipment.

Work environment

The Kentville Research and Development Centre (KRDC) is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) national network of 19 research centres. It is located in Kentville, in western Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. Today, research is focused on horticulture, functional foods and post-harvest processing of horticultural products. The centre focuses its research in three key areas: primary production and integrated crop production technology for the Atlantic region, food safety and quality and environmental stewardship, and improving performance of the agricultural production system.

Positions to be filled: 10

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)

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in a recognized post-secondary institution in one of the following areas:
Agricultural Sciences
Plant Science
Biology
Bioscience Technology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Environmental Technology
Food Science
Hydrology
Natural Resources
Microbiology
Entomology
Soil Science
Or a related agricultural program

Degree equivalency

Experience working with laboratory or greenhouse or field experiments.
Experience collecting or processing or performing analysis on samples.
Experience with small fruit or field or greenhouse horticulture production.
Experience using computers (ie. data entry, working with data loggers)

Please note that experience could have been acquired through your 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 agriculturally related laboratory or greenhouse or field methodologies or tools or theories or practices and principles.

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

Possession of a valid driver’s license

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.

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, ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse or field conditions for extended periods of time.

Ability and willingness to work outdoors under various weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to be exposed to stinging insects.
Under normal safety precautions ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials.
Ability and willingness to assist with pesticide applications.

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 the email referenced below under “Contact Information”.

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.