Student Research Assistant - 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

Agricultural machinery is essential to modern agriculture. Over the past century, the size and weight of agricultural machinery and traffic intensity have increased substantially, leading to widespread soil compaction in agricultural fields, resulting in deteriorated soil health. One solution to this traffic-induced soil compaction is controlled traffic farming (CTF), which limits in-field traffic to fixed permanent tracks so that the areas between these tracks can be traffic-free. However, the effects of CTF have not been tested on commercial potato fields.
The successful candidate will join a diverse team of researchers under the McCain Foods’ Farm of the Future initiative to examine CTF in potato production systems in Atlantic Canada, particularly its impacts on soil physical and chemical properties, field hydrology, runoff water quality, crop growth and yield, and farm revenue. A paired field sites under commercial potato productions have been established in the province of New Brunswick in Canada and the successful candidate will take the lead on field experiment and data analysis as part of his/her thesis program.

Work environment

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) helps ensure the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products industries can compete in domestic and international markets, deriving economic returns to the sector and the Canadian economy as a whole. Through its work, the Department strives to help the sector maximize its long-term profitability and competitiveness, while respecting the environment and the safety and security of Canada's food supply. The activities of the Department extend from the farmer to the consumer, from the farm to global markets, through all phases of producing, processing and marketing of agriculture and agri-food products.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 1 references.

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

Education:
Currently enrolled or eligible to be accepted in a Master’s program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: soil science, agri-environmental sciences or a close related field.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* in soil or agri-environment related laboratory or field work.
Experience* in scientific data analysis.

*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 soil properties and major soil physical and chemical processes
Knowledge of agriculture or agricultural practices

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 - 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.

The student must have:
- Willingness to travel and work in remote locations
- Willingness to work in both field and laboratory settings

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.