Research Scientist – Northern Agriculture

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to September 20, 2021 - 23:59, Pacific Time.

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).

Duties

A position as a research scientist in northern agriculture must be filled at the Normandin Research Farm, a satellite location for AAFC’s Quebec Research and Development Centre. The Normandin Research Farm is one of three AAFC research farms in northern agriculture, along with St. John’s (NL) and Beaverlodge (AB). AAFC is looking to prioritize research, development and technology transfer regarding regional northern agricultural production and production models that aim to provide food security and the economic development of northern and Indigenous communities.

The successful candidate must have the vision required to develop a research program that involves the two components of northern agriculture and indigenous agriculture. He (she) must provide scientific leadership in the following areas:
I. Integrated and innovative production systems such as agroecology and sustainable agriculture;
II. Research, development and technology transfer (RDT) projects in crop production in northern production (e.g. horticulture, berries, potatoes, cereals and forages);
III. The development of regional northern networks (berries such as blueberries and saskatoon berries; niche crops – malting barley, quinoa, chia, hemp);
IV. The development of production models that aim to provide food security and economic development in indigenous communities.

The successful candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists; He (she) will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research sites. The Normandin Research Farm has excellent research facilities including 4 laboratories, 2 greenhouses (200 m2) and 145 ha of land, of which 20 ha are dedicated experimental plots. Moreover, the successful candidate and related personnel will have access to the blueberry research and teaching farm (90 ha) located approximately 10 km from the main site.

AAFC research scientists have access to significant core and competitive funding opportunities, and are well supported by technical and administrative staff. The successful candidate must prepare research proposals and secure the funding required to complete their research. The successful candidate will be encouraged to seek university affiliation and co-supervise graduate students. The Centre des Premières Nations Nikanite at the UQAC may foster the development and integration of research projects in Indigenous communities. In addition to the scientific aspect, the mandate involves supervising technical personnel and collaborating with professional personnel in support of the research activities.

Work environment

The research carried out at the Quebec RDC aims to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability in a cold, humid climate and to improve environmental performance through the development of field crop systems that incorporate perennial forage species.

Since its creation in 1936, the Normandin Experimental Farm, a farm affiliated with the Quebec Research and Development Centre, has been a regional success story on many levels. Among the many achievements of the last 85 years, we can mention the development of spring wheat varieties and germplasm that are now found on grain markets in Eastern Canada, the development and adaptation of the canola crop for Quebec environmental conditions, the improvement of nutrient management in wild blueberry production and the importance of sulphate fertilization in alfalfa production. Northern agriculture being a priority of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the geographical location of the Normandin Experimental Farm also allows it to be part of a unique Canadian network of experimental farms in northern agriculture, along with the St. John's (NL) and Beaverlodge (AB) farms.
AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion and is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers. We believe our organization is most effective when it reflects the diversity of Canadian populations it serves and that achieving diversity in the workplace can start with a hiring process.

We strive to create an environment where Diversity and Inclusion are at the forefront. AAFC has five designated Diversity Networks, dedicated to ensuring that we continue to grow as an inclusive, respectful and diverse workplace. Regardless of whether you are a member of the diversity groups, all employees are welcomed to join the Networks and participate in their activities and events.

We are proud to be a workplace that embraces and values diverse perspectives, experiences and cultures. We value the unique talents and experiences of all employees. AAFC employees are given the opportunity to grow and reach their full potential within our organization through various programs and training.

Intent of the process

The intent of this process is to staff an indeterminate full-time position.

A pool of qualified candidates may be created and could be used to staff similar positions with various tenures (indeterminate, specified period employment, acting, deployment, assignment or secondment) within AAFC.

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 an acceptable doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in agronomy, plant biology, horticulture or environmental science or other relevant discipline.

Note:
Applications will be accepted from candidates enrolled in the final year of their Ph.D. program, but who have not yet completed the program. Completion of the Ph.D. thesis must occur before the date of appointment.

Important Note: If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Click on the link below to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Candidates will be assessed based on their experience and competency in using approaches, tools and technologies in agronomy, plant biology, horticulture, agroecology or environmental science.

Recent experience (within the last 6 years approximately) in design, planning and conducting scientific research activities in agronomy, plant biology, horticulture, agroecology or environmental science with a team of researchers, students and technical and operations support personnel.

Recent experience (within the last 6 years approximately) in integrating and interpreting the results of scientific research activities on the topic(s) of agronomy, plant biology, horticulture, agroecology or environmental science.

Documented scientific productivity, leadership and recognition in the form of authorship of research articles published in recognized scientific journals, books, reports or other communications resulting from research in the area of agronomy, plant biology, horticulture, agroecology or environmental science.

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

Asset Qualifications - Education:
Bachelor's degree in agronomy.

Degree equivalency

Asset Qualifications - Experience:
Experience conducting research projects in collaboration with Indigenous peoples and communities.
Experience in developing local agriculture and interacting with the industry, the academic world or other stakeholders.
Experience conducting research projects related to emerging crops: horticulture, berries, mushrooms, traditional crops or crops in controlled environments (e.g. greenhouses, vertical agriculture).

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

Bilingual - Imperative (BBB/BBB)

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of the different production systems in northern agriculture and its related issues and problems.
Knowledge of the agricultural components and issues related to indigenous backgrounds and issues.
Knowledge of the foundations and principles of agroecology.
Knowledge of methods for sample collection, laboratory analysis and statistical analysis for interpreting the effects of different experimental treatments.

Competencies:
Teamwork
Adaptability
Judgment
Writing skills (written communication)

Abilities:
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with team members when working on projects and scientific and outreach communications.

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada recognizes that the diversity of its employee population contributes to its strength and integrity. We are committed to achieving employment equity and developing a highly capable workforce that is representative of Canadian Society. We encourage women (especially in non-traditional occupations), Indigenous peoples (Aboriginal peoples), persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups to apply and declare themselves as part of one or more of the Employment Equity groups as selection may be limited to candidates belonging to one or more of the groups.

Information on employment equity

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Valid driver’s license.
Ability and willingness to travel (within Canada and/or internationally).
Ability and willingness to work overtime on short notice or without notice.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratories, in the field and various agricultural environments.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication; and this must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.

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.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs.html.

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 first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, 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.