Crop Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to January 30, 2023 - 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 jobs consist primarily of outdoor work in an agricultural research environment. Programs currently looking for research assistants are: Agronomy/Weeds, Cereal Breeding, Forage/Beef, Plant Pathology and Pulse Breeding.

Due to the breadth of the research undertaken at the Centre, the individual will provide support and technical assistance by doing some or all of the following:
• Setting up and seeding field research trials
• Plot maintenance
• Data collection: notes, counts and/or plant sampling
• Insect collection
• Soil sampling and processing
• Harvesting plants and research plots
• Processing harvested material and further quality data collection on grain samples
• Pest control and herbicide application
• Planting and maintaining nurseries
• Other general duties

The most successful students are usually those who enjoy outdoor work.

Work environment

The Lacombe Research and Development Centre is one of a network of 20 national agricultural research Centres operated by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The Centre conducts research in field crops and livestock production relevant to the Central Alberta region and develops integrated, sustainable crop and animal production systems and crop varieties for the short-season environments of the Parkland and northwestern Canada.

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: 11

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

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 or Master’s or PhD program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in:

• Animal Science;
• Entomology;
• Food Science;
• Environmental Science;
• Microbiology;
• Natural Resources;
• Plant Science;
• Soil Science;
• Biology;
• General studies that include one or more science courses;
• or a related agricultural 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* conducting field or laboratory experiments.
Experience* collecting and performing analysis on samples.

*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)

Possession of a valid driver’s license
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, ability and willingness to work in greenhouse, field and/or laboratory environments for extended periods at a time;
ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Competencies:
Demonstrating integrity and respect
Thinking things through
Teamwork
Initiative
Action-oriented

Abilities:
Ability to communicate orally.
Ability to work effectively in a team.

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.

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.