Woody Biomass Student Researcher - 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

• Execute laboratory and field research activities related to the project.
• Map, identify and quantify woody vegetation using high-resolution satellite imagery, LiDAR, and ground truthing using UAV and biomass data collection.
• Maintain accurate records of data, perform statistical analysis.
• Summarize and interpret results in the scientific manuscript(s) format to be published in a recognized peer-reviewed journal(s).
• Write research reports and present the findings at workshops, conferences, or other scientific meetings.

Work environment

The research project will be conducted in collaboration with the University of Saskatchewan and the Indian Head Research Farm, Saskatchewan. Activities will include mapping, characterization, and quantifying the carbon sequestration potential of woody areas using high-resolution satellite imagery, LiDAR, and ground truthing using UAV and biomass data collection. The work will estimate carbon stocks for shelterbelts and other woody biomass by expanding current shelterbelt carbon modeling approaches used in Saskatchewan. The historical satellite and aerial images from the Living Lab – Central Prairie project sites will be used to validate the model estimates.

The student will conduct field and laboratory research at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Research Farm in Indian Head and the University of Saskatchewan host laboratory, fulfilling the course requirements at the university campus. The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is selected since the student will need frequent travel between the host lab at the USask and the Indian Head Research Farm for laboratory and fieldwork.

Positions to be filled: 1

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 or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master’s program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with a specialization in one of the following areas:
- Biology,
- Soil Science,
- Agriculture,
- Environmental Sciences,
- or related areas.

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. Students should meet eligibility requirements to enroll at the University of Saskatchewan. 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 biology, soil science, agriculture or environmental science based laboratory or field research activities.
Experience* in conducting literature review, preparing written reports, OR presentations.
Experience in using mapping tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS.

*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 biology, soil science, agriculture, environmental tools or techniques.
Knowledge of basic data analyses using statistical packages in SAS or ‘R’.

Competencies:
Interactive communication
Initiative
Adaptability
Teamwork

Abilities:
Ability to analyze data acquired from satellites, aircraft, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information System (GIS). Process aerial or satellite imagery to create products such as land cover maps.

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 valid driver's license.
Ability and willingness to work overtime.
Ability and willingness to work in the field under rain, heat, cold, windy, dusty and noisy conditions.
Ability and willingness, under normal safety precautions, to work with hazardous materials.
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.

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.