Master student in Soil Science - 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 emails from unknown users (some email systems block these types of emails).

Duties

The project will require the graduate student to conduct research studies under field and controlled environment conditions; collect, process and analyze plant, soil, and gas samples; collect data from field and controlled environment studies using a range of scientific equipment, tools and methods; enter, verify and analyze data; and report and interpret data in support of the research project.

Work environment

The graduate student will be located part-time at each of the Brandon Research and Development Centre at Brandon, MB and at the University of Manitoba (Soil Science Department) at Winnipeg, MB where the collaborating scientists and planned field and controlled environment studies will be located.

Brandon Research and Development Centre supports innovative research, development, technology and knowledge transfer activities related to the following AAFC Science Sector Strategies, Agro-Ecosystem Resilience, Cereals and Pulses / Oilseeds and Horticulture focusing on developing sustainable and profitable crop production systems, and agro-ecosystems, and new and improved varieties of wheat, oats and barley.

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: 1

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 or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master’s program in an recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in soil science.

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 the student must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term.
Must meet the admissions criteria of the University of Manitoba.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* in agronomic research.
Experience* in the collection and processing of plant, soil and/or gas samples.
Experience* in data collection from field studies.

*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through 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 field crops and crop production.
Knowledge of sample and data collection methods.

Competencies:
Initiative
Planning and organizing
Teamwork

Abilities:
Ability to use scientific equipment and tools in the conduct of research studies.
Ability to make observations, collect and record data accurately.
Ability to prepare samples for laboratory analysis.
Ability to use Microsoft Excel and Word to manage data and information.
Ability to analyze, interpret and report data.

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.

Other Conditions of employment:
-Possession of a valid Class 5 Manitoba driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
-Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.
-Ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions.
-Ability and willingness to work under variable weather conditions.
-Ability and willingness to perform physically demanding work including moderate to heavy manual labour requiring bending and lifting.
-Ability and willingness to control allergies, through use of protective mask and/or medication, and they must not impinge on tasks 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 online through https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government.html.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying online 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.