Summer Assistant - 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

Due to the breadth of research undertaken at the Kentville Research and Development Centre, the individual will provide support and technical assistance in some or all of the following by:
• Contributing to the development of analytical methods and evaluation techniques;
• Contributing to the development of new techniques and methods;
• Assisting with laboratory, greenhouse and field support for research programs, e.g. maintaining live cultures (microbial, insect or plant) by making diet, watering, fertilizing, maintaining research field trials, e.g. weeding, watering, transplanting;
• Carrying out research activities under lab, greenhouse and/or field conditions;
• Assisting in the maintenance of research equipment.
• Assisting with the collection of data from experiments, e.g. taking measurements of plants, counting insects, assessing damage

Work environment

The Kentville Research and Development Centre (KRDC) is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) national network of 19 research centres. It is located in Kentville, in western Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. Today, research is focused on horticulture, functional foods and post-harvest processing of horticultural products. The centre focuses its research in three key areas: primary production and integrated crop production technology for the Atlantic region, food safety and quality and environmental stewardship, and improving performance of the agricultural production system.

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

We are looking to hire up to 12 students who will need to reside in Nova Scotia and able to commute to either Kentville Research and Development Centre (in Kentville) or Nappan Research Farm (in Nappan) on a daily basis.

Positions to be filled: 15

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 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 Bachelor’s or College program in a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in any one of the following:

Agricultural Sciences
Plant Science
Biology
Bioscience Technology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Environmental Technology
Food Science
Hydrology
Natural Resources
Microbiology
Entomology
Soil Science
Or a related agricultural program

You must clearly indicate your level of education on your application.

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 their next academic term.

Degree equivalency

Experience*:
Experience* working with laboratory, greenhouse or field experiments and production, including berry picking, weeding and/or watering.
Experience* collecting, processing or performing analysis on samples.
Experience* using computers (ie. data entry, working with data loggers).

*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 agricultural-related laboratory, greenhouse or field methodologies, tools, theories or practices and principles.

Competencies:
Initiative
Teamwork
Problem solving
Oral and written communication

Abilities:
Ability to work for extended periods of time, sometimes doing repetitive tasks, under laboratory or greenhouse or field conditions.
Ability to work outdoors under various weather conditions.
Ability to assist with pesticide applications, following training and with appropriate personal protective equipment.
Ability to work independently, sometimes unsupervised, for extended periods of time.

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.

Depending on the position being staffed, the following may be required:
Ability and willingness to work overtime.
Possession of a valid, class 5 Nova Scotia driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
Willingness to work with hazardous materials using normal safety precautions.
Willingness to be exposed to stinging insects.
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.

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.