Summer Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to January 23, 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

Due to the breadth of the research undertaken at the Charlottetown Research and Development Centre, the individual will provide support and technical assistance at an AAFC Research Centre & Farm in some or all of the following by:

- Assisting with laboratory and/or field activities to support research programs
- Carries out research activities under lab and/or field conditions
- Contributing to the development and analytical methods and evaluation techniques.
- Contribution to the development of new techniques and methods.
- Contributing to the collection and completion of data analysis.
- Assisting in the maintenance of research equipment.
- Operating in or around farm machinery in a safe manner.

Work environment

The Charlottetown Research and Development Centre (CRDC) is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s national network of 20 research centres. The CRDC focuses on the development and transfer of knowledge and innovative technologies for agriculture in Atlantic Canada. Its mission is to undertake research to enhance environmental sustainability of crop production systems in the heavily leached soils and sensitive watersheds of the Atlantic Region, diversification from bioresources both regionally and nationally, and innovative in primary production agriculture. The centre also supports national research in integrated crop production and several national crop breeding programs.

Student positions will be available with research farm work groups, scientists and related work groups at the CRDC in Charlottetown and/or the research farm in Harrington, PEI. The exact type of work a student can expect will depend on the research interests of the supervising scientist or work group; this could entail laboratory, greenhouse, field research or a combination of all three work areas.

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: 15

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

Agricultural Science;
Plant Science;
Biology;
Bioscience Technology;
Chemistry;
Environmental Science;
Environmental or Civil Engineering;
Food Science;
Natural Resources;
Microbiology;
Entomology;
Soil Science;
Agricultural Equipment Repair (or related field)
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 laboratory, field or greenhouse experiments.
Experience* collecting, processing or performing analysis on samples.
Experience* using computers (ie. Data entry, working with data loggers).

*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 related laboratory or field research methodologies, tools, theories, practices and principles.

Competencies:
Interactive Communication
Teamwork
Concern for Safety

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

- 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 laboratory, greenhouse or field conditions for extended periods of time.
- Ability and willingness to work outdoors under various weather conditions, exposed to biting and stinging insects.
- Under normal safety precautions, the ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials.

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 valid driver’s license.

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.