PhD Student in Earth Observation and Environment - 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

The student will contribute to project deliverables of three AAFC projects: Soil Nutrient Runoff, Walpole First Nation BMPs, and Sustainable Crop Production in Canada. The projects include integrating existing operational Earth observation products, such as the National Crop Inventory, the Canadian Agricultural Land Monitoring System, the Surface Satellite Soil Moisture Monitoring System, and station-based agri-climate datasets. These, along with new data acquisitions from satellites, UAV, in situ, and reports will be used to develop, calibrate, and validate agri-climate models and crop growth models under different climate scenarios . These models can potentially provide knowledge and operational tools in support of the new Agriculture Climate Solutions (ACS). In addition to support the projects’ scientific deliverables, it will also serve the objective of building Canadian capacities for the next generation young scientists.
Duties will include but not limited to the following:
1. Collect and collate historical satellite imagery, environmental datasets, and various reports
2. Assist in new field survey data collection. Data includes soil and water data collection from multiple pilot sites in Canada’s agricultural regions.
3. Conduct satellite data processing, analysis, and results interpretation.
4. Analyze land use and land cover changes related to northern agricultural development under climate change.

Work environment

The student will be working under the joint supervision of the professor a their home university and AAFC scientists. The student will also have the opportunity to conduct research analysis at the Ottawa Research and Development Centre.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "Please write a summary on: 1)Why are you interested in this position? 2)What makes you think that you are a suitable candidate for this position?"

Contact information for 2 references.

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

Education:
Currently enrolled in a PhD program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: geophysics and geomatics.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* in fieldwork related to agriculture and the environment.

*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 geophysics, geomatics, agriculture, and environmental sciences.

Abilities:
Ability to self-motivate
Work autonomously

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 - 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.

Possession of a valid driver's license or personal mobility to the extent normally associated with the possession of a valid driver's license
Travel may be required to the Ottawa RDC and satellite sites in southern Ontario including Windsor, London, Kitchen-Waterloo and Toronto area.

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 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government.html.

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.