Research Assistant in Manure Management and Treatment - Research Affiliate Program

Update: UPDATE: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to May 5, 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 duties of the candidate includes:
-Operate lab-scale digester (should follow the protocol designed by the project team) to treat chicken/dairy manures.
-Monitor the performance of the digesters in terms of methane production and quality, VFA and other significant analysis.
-Trouble-shooting ability to recover the inhibitions during the process.
-Interpretation of data and reporting to supervisor every fortnight.
-Collaborating with nutrient recovery project team within this project structure.

Work environment

Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre is specialized in innovative research primarily for the Canadian dairy and swine industries. Research is also conducted to reduce the greenhouse gas contribution associated with livestock production. The Centre is working towards developing an anaerobic fermentation system for animal waste. The key feature of this system is that it can function at low temperatures. It is a bilingual environment, however, the language exercised in the scientific tasks is in English.

Two RAP students are expected to be recruited for the following projects:
The project (CleanTech - 3608) was funded with the possibility of hiring a part-time Masters student. We are looking for a candidate for a part-time position to study the operational feasibility of treating chicken, pig and/or dairy cow manures using dry/wet anaerobic digestion process.

The collaborative framework project (5287 : Horse manure biomethanization potential) with the possibility of hiring a part-time Masters student. We are looking for a candidate for a part-time position to study the operational feasibility of treating horse manure biomethane potential using dry/wet anaerobic digestion process.

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: 2

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 in a Master’s program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in Environmental/ Civil Engineering or Applied Science.

Note: Must be currently recognized as having full-time student status in the academic institution in which you are presently enrolled. 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 wastewater treatment and energy recovery from organic wastes.
Experience* in analyzing physio-chemical properties of wastewater and interpret data using the appropriate software.

*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 operating lab-scale digesters.
Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
Knowledge on design of integrated wastewater treatment systems including microalgae cultivation units.

Competencies:
Interactive communication
Teamwork
Writing skills
Adaptability
Analytical thinking

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.

Ability and willingness to adhere to laboratory safety standards and procedures.
Ability and willingness to work overtime.
Ability and willingness to work with animal manures.
Ability and willingness to move or lift up to 20 kg.

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.