Research Technician - Soil Science

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

We want you to succeed! Our objective is to identify qualified candidates by fairly assessing their abilities. Assessment accommodations are intended to remove obstacles without altering the criteria being assessed so that all candidates can showcase their capabilities.

Please help us meet our commitment of providing an inclusive and barrier-free environment by letting us know if you require assessment accommodations, including assistance with the application process. Additional information on the assessment format(s) (for example: exam, interview) will be provided at each assessment stage.

As one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is proud to celebrate our achievement in creating a diverse, respectful, and positive workplace where all employees are valued and recognized for their unique qualities, ideas, voices and perspectives. We are dedicated to building and promoting a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, representative of all Canadians regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socio-economic background or lived experience. By embracing diversity and inclusion, our department ensures broader discussions, better decisions, and a more positive workplace.

We welcome all candidates, including Indigenous Peoples, Black, other racialized groups, persons with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ2+ community to apply and strongly encourage candidates to self-declare if they belong to an Employment Equity designated group (i.e. Indigenous (Aboriginal*) Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Women or Visible Minorities - Black people and other racialized groups).

*The term “Aboriginal” is used within this job advertisement as it relates to the Employment Equity Act and other legislative frameworks. The term “Indigenous” is used where possible, in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Duties

• Conducts field, laboratory, and greenhouse experiments related to soil conservation.
• Adapts protocols for field and laboratory measurements to address new research questions.
• Collects, prepares and analyzes soil, plant, manure/compost, water or air samples, in support of ongoing research projects.
• Liaises with other AAFC, provincial and private labs when research analyses are out-sourced, to ensure accuracy and consistency of results.
• Manages analyses, including operation of various apparati for analyses of samples, maintenance of sample data archives, and quality assurance/control in own laboratory as well as out-sourced laboratories.
• Participates in designing and implementing research experiments by advising on effective use of all equipment, assisting in the interpretation of research data and record-keeping of all activities.

Intent of the process

Immediate need: There is a need to staff a full-time temporary position from September, 2022 to December, 2022.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

EDUCATION:
Diploma or degree from a recognized post secondary institution with a specialization in soil science, plant science, agronomy, environmental science or other related field.

If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Click on the link below to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:
• Experience in executing research projects in field and greenhouse environments.
• Experience preparing agricultural or environmental samples (e.g. soil, water, plant material, manure, compost) for analyses, and measurement of soil properties.
• Experience in working and collaborating with growers in on-farm research.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

EDUCATION - ASSET:
M.Sc. degree from a recognized institution in one of the following fields: soil science, plant science, agronomy, environmental science.

Degree equivalency

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:
• Knowledge of field and greenhouse sampling strategies.
• Knowledge of agricultural crops and nutrient management practices as they relate to rainfall fed and irrigated agriculture in Atlantic Canada.
• Knowledge of field and greenhouse methodologies, tools, theories, practices and principles related to agricultural research.
• Knowledge of the principles of quality control and assurance in laboratories.
• Knowledge and understanding of statistical methods used in agricultural research.

COMPETENCIES:
• Interactive communication
• Adaptability
• Initiative
• Teamwork

ABILITIES:
• Ability to make observations, collect and record data accurately and interpret and analyze results.
• Ability to draft reports, create posters and assist in drafting scientific papers.

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

Placement of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) employees affected by workforce adjustment.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

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.
With appropriate safety precautions in place, able and willing to work in laboratory, greenhouse, field and/or animal rearing facility environments for extended periods at a time.
Able and willing to work outdoors under various weather conditions under normal safety precautions able and willing to work with hazardous materials.

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

ASSESSEMENT INFORMATION

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

Various assessment tools may be used, such as, standardized tests, interviews, references, board member knowledge, etc.

All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

A random or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and weaknesses of the work team.
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed.
- Depth, breadth, type of work-specific experience.
- Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications.

A test may be administered.

An interview may be administered.

Reference checks may be sought.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Asset qualifications may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

APPLICATION & CORRESPONDENCE INFORMATION

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs.html.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact the email referenced below under "Contact Information".

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).

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

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