Research assistant nitrogen biogeochemical cycling processes - 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

Successful candidate will be working in the field and in the lab to the execution of experimental protocols. Duties related to these activities would include planting research plots, collecting gas and soil samples both on experimental farms and on commercial farms, harvesting, processing samples, laboratory analyses and data entry.

Work environment

The RDC of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu was established in 1912. It helps keep the Canadian horticultural sector competitive and sustainable by developing original knowledge, tools and know-how, primarily in the fields of horticultural crop protection with a biovigilance approach and precision horticulture. The centre manages three experimental farms located in L'Acadie (mineral soil), Sainte-Clotilde (organic soil) and Frelighsburg (vineyards and orchards). These sites represent a total area of 245 hectares. Drs Jacynthe Masse (Scientist, functional agro-ecology) and David Pelster (Scientist, soil-atmosphere gas exchange) are looking for one student to assist in the conduct of two research projects looking at the impacts of innovative agricultural management practices on greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen cycling and soil microbial communities.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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 eligible to enroll in a bachelor's or master’s program at a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in: microbiology, soil science, agriculture, biology, environment or related fields.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* in collecting samples and analyzing them in a lab
Experience* in entry and managing data spreadsheets in MS Excel or R as well as producing scientific tables and figures.

*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 or French

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge in microbial ecology or microbiology
Knowledge in greenhouse gases
Knowledge in soil science

Competencies:
Team work
Planning and organizing skills
Initiative
Problems solving

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

Able and willingness to work with hazardous materials in a laboratory.

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.

Conditions of Employment:
Willing and able to work with appropriate safety precautions in place
Wiling and able to work outside in various meteorological conditions (temperature, humidity, wind and allergens)
Willing and able to work in laboratory and/or field environments.
Willing and able to travel for field work

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.