Summer Forage Research Assistant - 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

Successful candidates will be assisting in the execution of experimental protocols requiring:
- collecting weather data including soil temperature and moisture recorded using soil sensor readers;
- measuring the crop field dry matter yield; collecting plant samples for nutritive value determination;
- evaluating plant developmental stages and other stand characteristics (plant density, height and botanical composition).
Duties related to these activities would include planting research plot, harvesting, processing samples, data collection, laboratory analysis, and data entry.

Work environment

The Kentville/Nappan RDC delivers an integrated program of agriculture and agri-food research and technology transfer along the innovation continuum including germplasm development, environmentally sustainable primary production, integrated pest management, plant pathology, postharvest storage, food attributes and safety, handling, distribution and forage agronomy and breeding.

Dr. Yousef Papadopoulos (Forage Breeder/Agronomist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Supervisor) and Dr. Kathleen Glover (Agronomist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Supervisor) are looking for 2 students each to assist in the conduct of forage (alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil and red clover) breeding and agronomy research experiments. Of these positions, three (3) will be based at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research facility in Nappan, NS, and one (1) at the Truro, NS, research facility.

The interested candidates will also assist in the conduct of experimentation related to several on-going research field projects.

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: 4

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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 in a Bachelor’s of Science in a recognized post-secondary academic institution in one of the following fields:

Agronomy;
Agricultural Sciences;
Plant Sciences;
Biology;
Bio-ecology Technology;
Bioscience Technology;
Chemistry;
Environmental Sciences;
Environmental Technology;
Hydrology;
Natural Resources;
Soil Science;
A related science program or other related fields.

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* working with plants.
Experience* working outside.
Experience* managing data spreadsheets in electronic format such as MS Excel and producing data tables and figures.

*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through the studies, work experience, or 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 plant developmental stages.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

COMPETENCIES:
Initiative
Teamwork
Problem Solving

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.

Valid Driver’s license or ability to transport self to and from worksites.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours within the 37.5 hour work week.
Ability and willingness to travel to worksites.
Ability and willingness to work overtime.
Capable of lifting and carrying materials up to 25 kg.
Willing to work in environmental extremes (temperature, humidity, wind and allergens).
With appropriate safety precautions in place, able and willing to work in laboratory, greenhouse and/or field environments.
Ability and willingness to work doing repetitive tasks under adverse environmental conditions. (Such conditions include heat, rain, mud, etc. Appropriate PPE and frequent breaks are provided).

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.