Entomology Research Assistant - 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

Test research plots to assess the density of pests and natural enemies;
Conduct greenhouse and laboratory experiments;
Analyze study results and produce a report.

Work environment

The Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research and Development Centre helps the Canadian horticultural sector to stay competitive and sustainable by developing new knowledge, tools and know-how, chiefly in the field of horticultural crop protection using a biovigilance approach and precision horticulture. The Centre fully supports the following departmental priority: “Generate new knowledge, foster innovation and increase the adoption and commercialization of agricultural, agri-food and agri-based products, processes and practices.”

The Centre has three research sub-stations located in L’Acadie, Sainte-Clotilde and Frelighsburg, Quebec. These sites represent a total area of 245 hectares of clay and organic soils.

This job offer stems from a research project to assess the impact of soil microbiome on trophic interactions. Many recent studies have demonstrated that soil microorganisms can affect foliar herbivorous insects through a cascade of molecular and chemical changes in the plant. Plant defense responses induced by various soil organisms may have a positive or negative effect on herbivore populations, as well as the species’ natural enemies. The goal of this study is to assess the impact of changes to the soil microbiome on the direct and indirect interactions of foliar pests and their natural enemies in lettuce crops.

Positions to be filled: 2

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

Education:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by May 1, 2022, in a Bachelor’s program at a recognized post-secondary academic institution in one of the following areas:

Biology or Agronomy.

Note: Students must currently be recognized as having full-time student status by the academic institution they attend and must be returning to full-time studies in the next academic term.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* conducting laboratory or field experiments.
Experience* collecting and analyzing samples.

*In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, the experience can be acquired through education, work experience or volunteer activities.

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

French essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of insect detection and identification.

Competencies:
Initiative
Thinking things through
Judgment
Teamwork
Demonstrating integrity and respect

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.

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.