Research assistant (student) in agrosystems modeling - 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 student will participate in several projects, including the Quebec Living Lab project. He or she will contribute to the modeling activities using the STICS crop-soil model (Multidisciplinary Simulator for Standard Crops). More specifically, tasks may include :
-database management (Excel, xml files, etc.)
-creation of input files (climate, soil, crop management) to feed the model.
-improving and using scripts in R language.
-Statistical processing and analysis of model outputs (crop yield, water, nitrogen and carbon balances).

Work environment

The Quebec Research and Development Centre (Quebec RDC) is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) network of 20 research and development centres. The research carried out at the Quebec RDC aims to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability in a cold, humid climate and to improve environmental performance through the development of field crop systems that incorporate perennial forage species. The successful candidate will join the modeling team and will be involved in several research projects. He/she will contribute to the improvement and use of crop models to simulate diversified crop rotations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of agricultural activities. He/She will spend at least 40% of his/her working time on site at the Quebec CRD.

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 1 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 diploma, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program at a recognized post-secondary institution in one of the following specializations:

Agricultural Sciences;
Plant Sciences;
Biology;
Computer science;
Geomatics;
Bio-ecology Technology;
Bioscience Technology;
Environmental Sciences;
Environmental Technology;
Hydrology;
Natural Resources;
Soil Science;
A related science program or other related fields.

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.

Degree equivalency

Experience*:
Experience* in data processing and analysis.
Experience* in programming (e.g. R language).

*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)

French essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of the agricultural sector.
Knowledge of the Office suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
Knowledge of statistics.

Competencies:
Interactive communication.
Planning and organization.

Abilities:
Ability to work on your own.

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 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.