Graduate Student (PhD/MSc) – Crop Ecology - 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 student contributes to a long-term cropping systems study. The overall objective of the study is to analyse relative ecosystem services of crop rotations with annual food crops and perennial forage seed crops. It seeks to integrate cumulative cropping systems productivity, economic profitability, soil health variables and greenhouse gas fluxes through Holos modeling. The student will collect and analyze data, and document the results in the form of PhD thesis, journal articles and conference proceedings. Specifically, the major duties include:
- Conduct field experiments to generate agronomic, soil health and greenhouse gas emission variables
- Collect production economics data such as input and output prices, and operational costs for gross margin analysis
- Maintain records of field and laboratory activities related to the research topic.
- Integrate the agro-ecological and economic variables through Holos modelling
- Perform statistical analyses of data, present and discuss results.

Work environment

Work may involve periods of bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, lifting and movement of materials for various experimental tasks indoor and outside in a field.
Occasional exposure to several disagreeable conditions such as loud noise from growth chambers, farm equipment, temperature extremes, dust, insects, fungi agricultural chemicals.
During field work, exposure to inclement weather, insect, rough terrain and the necessity to wear cumbersome protective gear. This exposure can occur for 4 to 6 months per year, up to 40% of the time.
Lab work requires the use of protective measures to prevent exposure to low level radiation, chemicals and noise from equipment up to 40% of the time.

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 "Explain in about 1000 words how your education background, skills and work experience relate to the duties listed above and help succeed in the graduate program."

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 the date of appointment (January 2, 2023) in a Master’s or PhD program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in plant science, soil science, environmental science or related field relevant to the project scope.

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* conducting crop research experiments in the field, greenhouse and growth chamber.
Experience* in recording observations, collecting and analyzing data.
Experience* drafting scientific publications.

*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 crop eco-physiology and production processes.
Knowledge of experimental design and statistical analyses.

Competencies:
Teamwork
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative

Abilities:
Ability to work with various scientific instruments for plants, soils and gaseous analyses and small field plot equipment.

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

Possession of a valid (class 5) Alberta driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.

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.