Research Field Production Assistant

Update: Update:
Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to September 14, 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

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

- Performs field/ greenhouse activities such as field / seed preparation, and planting; spraying, mowing, for research field maintenance and scientific purposes.
- Operates hand and power tools and is responsible for the maintenance of greenhouse or field equipment such as sprayers, plows, cultivators etc,
- Operates /maintains vehicles and equipment in maintenance, landscape grounds or greenhouse work, such as one or more of the following: light and heavy trucks, tractors, gator or weed eaters, edgers, end loaders, dump trucks, irrigation equipment, forklifts, backhoes, mixers, generators in the facility’s maintenance work.
- Maintains, adjusts and makes minor repairs to tools and equipment used by self and others.
- Cleans assigned areas such as landscaped grounds or working areas such as shops, construction sites, potting or fertilizer mixing locations, laboratories, greenhouses and field.
- Keeps records of activities and supplies for research or maintenance purposes using a variety of electronic/manual methods.
- Maintains landscaped grounds or materials, such as plants, or seedlings, for scientific purposes and/or a variety of mechanical equipment or buildings. Plants or seedlings are used for research purposes.

Work environment

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 immediate need is to fill a seasonal 9-month indeterminate position.

A pool of qualified and partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions with various tenures as well as various linguistic requirements.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

Education:
Secondary school diploma or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience in an agricultural field.

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:
Practical experience in agricultural crop production (field or vegetable crops).
Experience in operating farm tractors and farm equipment in a crop production environment.
Experience in repairs, adjustments and preventive maintenance on tractors, and various farm equipment.

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

Experience - Asset:
Experience in field crop agricultural research.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of methods of field preparation, general crop maintenance, and incorporation of crop residues.
Knowledge in the operation, calibration, and maintenance of equipment used in crop production.
Knowledge of farm chemicals and their applications.
Knowledge of common and current cultural practices related to crop production.

Competencies:
Interactive Communication
Adaptability
Initiative
Teamwork
Concern for Safety

Abilites:
Ability to operate, maintain and repair various farm equipment.
Ability to maintain accurate records.
Ability to troubleshoot and adjust equipment during field operations.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

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

Possession of a valid, class (G) Ontario driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
Ability and willingness to obtain a valid Class “AR” driver’s license for Stake truck & trailer combinations.
Ability and willingness to obtain a valid Pesticide Applicators Certificate.
Ability and willingness to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
Ability and willingness to work in harsh environments (outdoors, cold, hot, dust, and noise) with exposure to animal manure).
Ability and willingness to tolerate the presence of irritants such as dust, pollen and spores.
Known allergies must be controlled through use of protective mask and/or medication and must not impinge on tasks to be performed.
Ability and willingness to work overtime including evenings and weekends.
Ability to work flexible hours (e.g. early morning start).
Ability and willingness to perform physically demanding work activities including moderate to heavy manual labour requiring bending and lifting heavy objects (up to 25kg).

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.