M.Sc. Student in sustainable fruit production - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to May 27, 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 successful candidate will leverage data generated from research trials at AAFC’s Summerland Research and Development Centre (Su-RDC) to conduct comprehensive, life cycle-based assessments of Okanagan apple orchards co-managed for both fruit production and carbon capture objectives. The work will involve collecting data on the amounts and costs of material and energy resource inputs and outputs associated with establishing and maintaining an orchard, and integrating these data with greenhouse gas emissions data for nutrient and crop protection products. This aggregated data set will then be used to develop detailed life cycle inventory models and assessments to support selection of beneficial management practices aimed at promoting carbon capture for climate change mitigation, based on the European Commission's Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology and the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR). On this basis, the successful candidate will also develop benchmarks for Okanagan apple production, with the goal of demonstrating the utility of Product Environmental Footprints for Canadian producers and, potentially, expanding market access for tree fruits into the European Union. Additional duties will include:

• Compile measurement data into clear and organized datasets
• Analyse data from above; present results in a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal
• Fulfill any requirements to complete MSc at UBC-O, including taking courses, participating in committee meetings, and writing and defending MSc thesis.

Work environment

The Summerland Research and Development Centre (Su-RDC) is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) national network of 20 Research Centres. AAFC provides information, research and technology, and policies and programs to achieve security of the food system, health of the environment and innovation for growth. This is a collaborative project between AAFC and the University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBC-O).

Time will be divided between coursework, writing, and participation in educational activities at UBC-O and research that will be conducted in the laboratory and field at Su-RDC. Some prerequisite safety training will be required at both locations.

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 or will be enrolled (by May 1, 2023) in a Master’s program with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (Biology) or the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies Program (Sustainability Theme) at the Okanagan (Kelowna, BC) campus of the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* summarizing and analyzing data.
Experience* in reviewing scientific literature, and writing scientific reports.

*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, this experience can be acquired through 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 possible benefits of soil carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation.
Knowledge of efficient water-use in agri-ecosystems.

Competencies:
Interactive Communication
Planning and Organizing
Teamwork
Initiative

Abilities:
Ability to analyse data, using R, Python or another common programming language.
Ability to present results in graphical format.

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.

Able and willing to work at Su-RDC and study (e.g., attend classes) at UBC-O.

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.