MSc student in Agro Ecology (plant-soil interactions) - 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

The applicant will perform research in plant and soil ecology including basic plant identification, soil sampling and processing plant material. The applicant will analyse the data statistically and write scientific publications. The candidate will present results in local and regional meetings and scientific conferences. In addition, the applicant will need to fulfill any requirements to complete an MSc at the University Western Ontario taking courses, writing and defending their MSc thesis.

Work environment

The Fredericton Research and Development Centre (FRDC) is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s national network of 20 research centers. It is located in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Research at the FRDC is focused on potato crop productions systems. The key main areas of research at FRDC include breeding of new potato varieties, reducing pest and diseases (bacteriology, entomology, virology, mycology), increasing our understanding of potato genetics (genomics, genetics, physiology) and reducing impacts of agriculture on environment (hydrology, soil sciences).

Laboratory work will require prior safety training. Approximately 50% of the work will be done in the lab and field trials. The remaining work will be on data analyses and writing up results.

Day-to-day lab and field work will take place at FRDC. Data analyses and report writing can be done remotely.

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.

Contact information for 1 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 the date of appointment in a Master’s program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: Ecology or related field.

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* in practical laboratory and/or field work related to plant and soil ecology.
Experience* with horticultural crops.

*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 horticultural crops.
Knowledge of basic plant identification.
Knowledge of methods and approaches to sample soil or plants.
Knowledge of data analysis including reporting statistical analyses.

Competencies:
Interactive communication
Planning and organization
Problem solving
Teamwork
Initiative

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

Ability and willingness to work in the laboratory and in the field for extended periods.
Ability and willingness to work with plants and soils in the field and laboratory.
Ability and willingness to do repetitive tasks.
Ability and willingness to learn plant species identity.
Valid driver's license or personal mobility to the extent normally associated with possession of a valid driver's license.

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.

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

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