M.Sc. Position-Greenhouse Gas Mitigation and Carbon Sequestration on the Ag Landscape - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to July 29, 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

In collaboration with the environmental management research team at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Bible Hill, NS (Dr. Erin Smith) and Dr. Derek Lynch, professor at Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture (Bible Hill, NS) the student will conduct research that aims to examine how climate change may influence the eco-services provided by on-farm wetlands. This work will involve studying various wetland systems throughout Nova Scotia and collecting data related to; climate, hydrology, carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions, water quality and biodiversity. Data will be collected over a two year period and will be analyzed and presented in a M.Sc. thesis, presentations, industry events/meetings, outreach items, as well as peer-reviewed publications.

The student will be responsible for executing the study in both the field and laboratory at Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture in Bible Hill, NS. The student will conduct literature reviews, collect samples in the field, as well as analysis in a laboratory setting. This will then be followed by statistical analysis and interpretation of the results. The successful candidate should be able to independently troubleshoot and modify experimental protocols, read scientific literature to solve problems and must document, interpret, and report experimental data.

The applicant will need to fulfill all requirements for the M.Sc. position at Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture located in Bible Hill, NS, this will include taking courses, writing, and defending the Master’s thesis. Applicants will need to reside near Bible Hill, NS to access labs, fields and facilities during the work period. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills related to climate change, environmental management and testing.

Work environment

This is an exciting opportunity for a student interested in climate change and carbon sequestration research in an agricultural landscape.

Day-to-day work will primarily take place at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Bible Hill, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture, Bible Hill, NS. 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 supervisors, colleagues and collaborators. Updates on findings will be presented to supervisors in person, or by video conference. Findings will also be presented at scientific conferences, workshops, stakeholder events, etc.

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We have several networks dedicated to ensuring that the department continues to grow as an inclusive, accessible, respectful and diverse workplace. All employees are encouraged and welcomed to join the networks and participate in their activities and events.

• The Gender and Sexual Diversity Inclusiveness Network
• The Indigenous Network Circle
• The Managers' Community
• The Persons with Disabilities Network
• The Student Panel of Representatives for Orientation, Unity and Training
• The Visible Minorities Network
• The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network
• The Young Professional's Network

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "A covering letter "In addition to a general introduction of themselves, applicants are asked to describe a project in which they used mathematical and/or statistical procedures to analyze a dataset involving one or more parameters, and the key findings. The project can be through academic studies, work experience or volunteer activities. Approximately 500 words for the entire cover letter.""

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 or will be enrolled by date of appointment in a Master of Science (MSc) program at Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture (Bible Hill, NS), with specialization in: environmental science, plant science, biology, or soil science.

*Note: Students who will be graduating with their Bachelor’s degree in December 2022 or April/May 2023 may still apply, however the previous educational course requirement applies.
Bachelor of Science degree from a recognized post-secondary academic institution with courses in; i) agriculture, applied science, biology, nutrient cycling, ii) mathematics or statistics and iii) climate science (optional).

**Note: Must be currently recognized as having full-time student status in the academic institution in which you are presently enrolled, pending approval of acceptance or in the process of submitting your application. (Proof of enrollment will be required prior to start date) and must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* with agricultural farming practices or field work.
Experience* with best management practices.
Experience* with collecting, analyzing, summarizing and presenting data for the communication of results to the scientific community.

* In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience and 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 best management practices, or nutrient management concepts.
Knowledge of collecting water, soil and gas samples.
Knowledge of basic climate science concepts.
Knowledge of basic mathematics or statistics, and mathematical or statistical software.
Knowledge of documenting, interpreting, and reporting experimental data.

Competencies:
Problem Solving
Planning and Organizing
Initiative
Teamwork
Time Management
Communicate effectively orally and in writing

Abilities:
Ability to multitask.
Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
Ability to troubleshoot experiments.

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 ‘’full’’ valid driver’s license.
Ability and willingness to work under adverse field conditions.
Ability and willingness to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability and willingness to conduct field and laboratory work.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, extended hours on an occasional basis including evenings and weekends.

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.