Environmental Student Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to December 9, 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 student will be responsible for assisting with research projects/activities under field and laboratory conditions at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Bible Hill, NS) and Dalhousie University, Faulty of Agriculture (Bible Hill, NS), as well as on-farm research sites throughout Atlantic Canada.
-Collecting samples and environmental data related to climate, water, soil, plant and gas.
-Using and trouble-shooting monitoring equipment (i.e. weather stations, environmental sensors, probes, etc.)
-Record and manage data, as well as conduct analysis.
-Very good organizational skills will be required for daily activities.
-Assist with literature reviews.

Work environment

The work will take place at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Bible Hill, NS) and Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture (Bible Hill, NS), as well as on-farm research sites throughout the Atlantic region.

Positions to be filled: 2-3.

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: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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 the date of appointment in a Bachelor’s program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: environmental science, environmental management, agriculture, earth science, soil science, plant science or related program.

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 data collection, conducting field and laboratory work.
Experience* in collecting soil, water, and/or gas samples.
Experience* in data management using spreadsheets and analysis programs such as Excel, Minitab and R.

*In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience and volunteer activities.

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

Ability and willingness to travel and work in remote locations such as field sites.
Ability and willingness to work in both field and laboratory settings.
Ability and willingness to work extended hours on an occasional basis.
Ability and willingness to work in harsh environments (i.e. outdoors, cold, hot, dust and noise).
Ability and willingness to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and control of allergies through necessary means, and this should not prevent the performance of the duties.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of on-farm environmental challenges, including but not limited to cropping systems, climate change and water challenges for agricultural operations.

Competencies:
Interactive Communication
Initiative
Teamwork
Adaptability
Flexibility

Abilities:
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

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 and personal means to travel to the office on a daily basis (fleet will be provided to travel to research sites for sampling).

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.