Student - Soil/Peatland Researcher - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to March 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

The project aims to investigate i) patterns of carbon accumulation in forested and open peatland soils; and ii) stability and vulnerability of soil organic matter in boreal peatlands. The research will involve field collections of soil profiles from surface to underlying parent material to better understand variability in peat depths and carbon stocks in organic soils of the boreal biome. Laboratory analysis of carbon and nitrogen contents, radiometric dating and analysis of organic matter quality (using FTIR spectroscopy or programmed pyrolysis) will be used alongside paleo-botanical proxies and charcoal counts to determine how hydroclimatic change and wildfire impacted long-term rates of carbon accumulation. These will be combined with modelling approaches and spatial mapping capabilities to provide improved maps of soil carbon stocks and estimates of net carbon balances and vulnerability of soil carbon stocks to climate warming or other disturbances. Thus, the student project will directly contribute to Canada’s assessment of net carbon sinks in boreal soils, vulnerabilities to warming and other forms of disturbance including wildfire.

The student will be working with Agriculture and Agri-food Canada in addition to continuing their research studies with the University of Toronto as it contributes to their thesis paper.

Work environment

This is an exciting opportunity for a student interested in climate change and its effect soil carbon – particularly as these related to natural climate solutions and Canada’s commitment to net zero emissions.

Day-to-day work will primarily take place at University of Toronto with some time spent at CanSIS Science and Technology branch. The projects will involve remote field work as well as laboratory work. In addition, part of the computer work may be conducted from home.

In essence, project work is computer-centered in an office setting, accompanied by consultation with advisors and colleagues. Updates on findings will be presented to advisors in person or by video conference. Findings of significance will be presented at scientific venues.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "Please provide a general introduction of yourself."

Contact information for 3 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 or Master of Science program from a recognized post-secondary academic institution and must be enrolled in a Master of Science program by the date of appointment.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* in physical geography, earth science, soil science or related discipline.

*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 basic biology, physical geography or earth sciences.
Knowledge of basic data analysis.
Knowledge of geographic information system (GIS).

Competencies:
Written Communication
Work independently
Strategic Thinking
Analytical thinking
Planning and organizing
Initiative

Abilities:
Ability to make observations and analyze datasets; and contribute to the preparation of research papers.
Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders including academic scientists, government and First Nations.

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.

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.

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.