Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to February 7 , 2022 - 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).

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

Due to the breadth of research undertaken at the Kentville Research and Development Centre, the individual will provide support and technical assistance at an AAFC Centre in some or all of the following by:
• Contributing to the development of analytical methods and evaluation techniques;
• Contributing to the development of new techniques and methods;
• Assisting with laboratory, greenhouse and field support for research programs;
• Carries out research activities under lab, greenhouse and/or field conditions;
• Assisting in the maintenance of research equipment.

Work environment

The Kentville Research and Development Centre (KRDC) is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) national network of 20 research centres. It is located in Kentville, in western Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. Today, research is focused on horticulture, functional foods and post-harvest processing of horticultural products. The centre focuses its research in three key areas: primary production and integrated crop production technology for the Atlantic region, food safety and quality and environmental stewardship, and improving performance of the agricultural production system.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

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 in a Bachelor’s program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in:

Agricultural Sciences
Plant Science
Biology
Bioscience Technology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Environmental Technology
Food Science
Hydrology
Natural Resources
Microbiology
Entomology
Soil Science
Or a related agricultural program

*You must clearly indicate your level of education on your application.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* working with laboratory or greenhouse or field experiments.
Experience* collecting or processing or performing analysis on samples.
Experience* with small fruit or field or greenhouse horticulture production.
Experience* using computers (ie. data entry, working with data loggers).

*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 agriculturally related laboratory or greenhouse or field methodologies or tools or theories or practices and principles.

Competencies:
Teamwork
Written Communication
Verbal Communication

Abilities:
Ability to work independently.

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

Ability and willingness to drive to field sites
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse or field conditions for extended periods of time, with appropriate safety precautions in place
Ability and willingness to work outdoors under various weather conditions
Ability and willingness to be exposed to stinging insects
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials, under normal safety precautions
Ability and willingness to assist with pesticide applications
Ability and willingness to work overtime
Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed

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.

All employees of the core public administration are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and attest to their vaccination status unless accommodated based on a medical contraindication, religion, or another prohibited ground for discrimination as defined under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Possession of a valid driver’s license.

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.

On October 6, 2021, the Government of Canada announced details of its plans to require vaccination across the federal public service. The details can be found on this site: https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/news/2021/10/backgrounder-covid-19-vaccine-requirement-for-the-federal-workforce.html

As per the new Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, federal public servants in the Core Public Administration and members of the RCMP must attest to their vaccination status. The requirement for employees to be fully vaccinated applies whether they are teleworking, working remotely or working on-site. This is a condition of employment and it applies to indeterminate (permanent), determinate (term), casual, and student hiring. Should you reach the point in the selection process where it is necessary to verify terms and conditions of employment then the hiring manager or a human resources representative will contact you in order to complete an attestation. The Policy can be found on this site: https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=32694

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.