Organic Research Specialist

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

The incumbent is expected to manage multiple organic projects, and will be responsible for the timely and accurate execution of operations such as seeding, plot maintenance, identifying and quantifying weed populations, insects and plant diseases, the collection and caring of plant and soil samples, and harvest and post-harvest operations, among others. The incumbent will be responsible for the accuracy of the data input, and the organization, management, and manipulation of the data, and will contribute to the statistical analysis and interpretation of complex crop, soil and weather data sets.

The incumbent will contribute to the preparation of reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed scientific publications, and will also contribute to outreach efforts by interacting with stakeholders and the general public regarding results and recommendations for best management practices for organic agricultural systems. The incumbent will also be expected to assist in seeking internal and external funding and collaborators in support of the Organic Research Program and to effectively manage resources to achieve the desired outcomes.

The incumbent will be supported by technical and administrative staff, and will be responsible for the supervision of casual staff and summer students.

Work environment

We are seeking a Research Biologist with expertise and experience in the field of organic agricultural production. The successful candidate will work with the lead research scientist of the Organic Research Program at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre, established in 2007, in the creation of research projects, and implementation of existing and new projects.

Intent of the process

The intent of the process is to staff the described position on an Indeterminate (permanent full-time) basis.

In addition, a pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to staff similar positions with various tenures.

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)

Graduation with a graduate degree (Masters or above) from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Science, or another relevant specialization.

Degree equivalency

Experience in the design and implementation of scientific research specifically as it relates to organic agronomic practices in temperate regions.
Experience working with a variety of crops and cropping systems, such as intercropping and cover crops.
Experience in R and SAS for analysis and interpretation of large data sets.
Experience in communicating research results to scientific, and industry or producer audience.
Experience in the preparation of scientific manuscripts, and technical documents or reports.
Experience evaluating plant development and identifying crop pests (diseases, insects and/or weeds).

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

Significant* experience in organic crop production research. (*Significant is defined as working within organic crop production research for a minimum of 5 years)
Experience in regenerative agriculture research.
Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary science team.
Experience managing multi-year projects.
Experience operating field equipment.
Experience in making observations (including identifying health problems in crops), and recording data accurately.
Experience working in a plant research lab.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of organic crop production systems in Western Canada.
Knowledge of regenerative agricultural practices.
Knowledge of pests (weeds, insects, and pathogens) and their control in organic production.

Adaptability
Initiative
Teamwork
Interactive Communication

Ability to perform advanced statistical analysis.
Ability to draft scientific manuscripts and research reports.
Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance
Valid driver’s license.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and medication without impinging on the duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to travel as required for field studies, liaison with industry and academia, and attendance at scientific or technical meetings.

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

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.