Research Assistant – Cropping Systems (Agronomy)

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

We want you to succeed! Our objective is to identify qualified candidates by fairly assessing their abilities. Assessment accommodations are intended to remove obstacles without altering the criteria being assessed so that all candidates can showcase their capabilities.

Please help us meet our commitment of providing an inclusive and barrier-free environment by letting us know if you require assessment accommodations, including assistance with the application process. Additional information on the assessment format(s) (for example: exam, interview) will be provided at each assessment stage.

As one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is proud to celebrate our achievement in creating a diverse, respectful, and positive workplace where all employees are valued and recognized for their unique qualities, ideas, voices and perspectives. We are dedicated to building and promoting a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, representative of all Canadians regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socio-economic background or lived experience. By embracing diversity and inclusion, our department ensures broader discussions, better decisions, and a more positive workplace.

Duties

The successful candidate will participate in a research team studying environmentally sound and best management of field crops, to mitigate impact of climate change. He/she will interact with researchers, technicians and students from various AAFC research and development centers, and Universities and extension personnel from provincial governments and industry. The successful candidate will plan, coordinate, conduct field and laboratory work to collect data for research projects; in the context of agricultural cropping systems, assess various soil and water conservation measures in agricultural fields and their impacts on crop productivity and ecosystem health; investigate the effect of new agronomic practices and alternative crops. The successful candidate will be responsible for:

1) running the activities of the cropping system program by streamlining field experimental setup, plant and soil sampling, ordering supplies and equipment, calibrating and maintaining equipment, developing, applying and updating analysis methods and protocols;
2) operating field equipment, specialized instruments, analytical equipment, imaging systems and sensor technology;
3) contribute to the design of research experiments, developing project plans and developing methodologies/tools of field, greenhouse and laboratory experiments;
4) compiling, organizing and maintaining lab analyses, field monitoring and project related databases, conducting basic statistical analysis, and assisting in preparation of scientific reports and presentations;
5) allocating work to students and junior technicians and
6) other related activities.

Work environment

This position will report to the Research Scientist- Integrated Crop Production Systems Agronomist at the Morden Research and Development Centre. The incumbent will provide technical support for field and laboratory research to be conducted at Morden research Centre and in grower fields located across Manitoba. Travel to field sites will be required. The position could involve the supervision of junior research technician, summer students and short-term technical and field support staff.

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

Intent of the process

The intent of the process is to fill:
-One (1) permanent position in Morden, Manitoba

A pool of qualified and/or partially qualified candidates may be established and used to fill similar positions on a temporary or permanent basis.

In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, and there is a temporary need, they may be considered for acting, deployment, assignment or secondment opportunities.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

EDUCATION:
🎓 Graduation from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in agronomy, soil science, plant science, plant pathology, environmental science, natural resources, horticulture, biology, or a related discipline, or an acceptable combination of education, training and experience.

If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Click on the link below to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:
✔️ Experience in contributing to the design of research experiments, developing projects plans and developing methodologies/tools of field and laboratory experiments.
✔️ Experience providing technical support and leading projects or activities related to seeding, soil fertility, and weed and disease management.
✔️ Experience in the implementation of goals and allocating work within and across two or more projects.
✔️ Experience in drafting, writing, or assisting in the preparation of reports or manuscripts or poster presentations.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

EDUCATION (ASSET):
📌 Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a recognised post-secondary institution in plant science, agronomy, soil science, plant pathology, plant breeding, biology, plant physiology, microbiology, environmental science, natural resources, horticulture, biology, or a related discipline.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE (ASSET):
📌 Experience operating field equipment, including tractor, specialized seeder, sprayer and combine harvester.
📌 Experience with statistical analysis using statistical software.
📌 Experience with potato production practices in Canada.
📌 Experience in field experiments or field crops sampling for soil and plant material.
📌 Experience with agricultural production systems in Canada.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:
✔️ Knowledge of related field research methodologies, tools, theories, practices, and principles related to crop management.
✔️ Knowledge of soil and crop research related laboratory and field instruments.
✔️ Knowledge of basic concepts and practices related to management of weeds and pests in agricultural production systems in Canada.
✔️ Knowledge of soil and crop management practices.

COMPETENCIES:.
✔️ Adaptability
✔️ Leadership
✔️ Planning and organizing
✔️ Concern for safety
✔️ Teamwork

ABILITIES:
✔️ Ability to compile and analyze data and summarize research results accurately.
✔️ Ability to establish and conduct field trials.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

✔️ Possession of a valid, class 5 Manitoba driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
✔️ Ability and willingness to work overtime.
✔️ Ability and willingness to travel and work in remote areas.
✔️ Ability and willingness to work on or around farm equipment.
✔️ 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, able and willing to work in laboratory, greenhouse and/or field environments for extended periods at a time; able and willing to work outdoors under various weather conditions and under normal safety precautions able and willing to work with soils, manures, and hazardous materials.
✔️ Ability to perform physically demanding work activities, including moderate to heavy manual work such as moving objects up to 25 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

ASSESSEMENT INFORMATION

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

Various assessment tools may be used, such as, standardized tests, interviews, references, board member knowledge, etc.

All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

A random or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and weaknesses of the work team.
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed.
- Depth, breadth, type of work-specific experience.
- Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications.

A test may be administered.

An interview may be administered.

Reference checks may be sought.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Asset qualifications may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

⚠️APPLICATION & CORRESPONDENCE INFORMATION⚠️

🖥️ Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs.html.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact the email referenced below under "Contact Information".

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).

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.