Research Assistant, Vegetation management in Canadian semi-arid vineyards - 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 conduct research on vegetation management for long-term productivity and enhanced ecosystem services in Canadian semi-arid vineyards.

The research will involve: (1) establishing experimental plots at commercial vineyards; (2) Quantifying existing vegetation, predictors and mechanisms of plant community assembly in vineyards, (3) Screening drought tolerant cover crops species for vineyards, (4) Quantifying manipulated and unmanaged non-crop vegetation’s influence on wine grape productivity, physiology, and fruit quality; (5) Quantifying non-crop vegetation’s influence on above- and below-ground co-benefits and costs, and (6) Support development of a web-based cover crops selection decision making tool for Canadian semi-arid vineyards.

Work environment

The Summerland Research and Development Centre (SuRDC) is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) national network of 19 research centres. AAFC provides information, research and technology, and policies and programs to achieve security of the food system, health of the environment and innovation for growth. This is a collaborative project between AAFC and the University of British Columbia (UBC). Time will be divided between coursework, writing, and participation in educational activities at UBC and research that will be conducted largely at SuRDC. Research at SuRDC will be conducted in the laboratory, greenhouses and experimental/commercial vineyards. The selected student will need to be willing and able to work at UBC and at AAFC SuRDC. The student must be willing to commute when needed between the UBC campus in Vancouver and SuRDC. The student will be reimbursed for commuting in accordance with the Travel Directive.

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.

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 in a PhD program at the University of British Columbia, with specialization in Plant Science, Ecology, Agriculture, Environmental Science or a related field.

*Note: Due to the nature and duration of the project, the candidate must be able to join on May 1, 2024 or September 1, 2024 at the latest.

**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 must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* conducting plant, soil, agricultural or ecological scientific research.
Experience* in basic plant community ecology techniques.

*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 general plant science.
Knowledge of plant systematic and evolutionary ecology.
Knowledge of vegetation ecology and plant community assembly.

Competencies:
Initiative
Adaptability
Independence
Good interpersonal skills

Abilities:
Ability to plan, design and conduct scientific research.
Ability to conduct basic data analysis, statistical analysis, and summarize results.
Ability to communicate well orally and in writing including manuscripts and thesis.

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 British Columbia driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
Ability and willingness to work in two locations (UBC and SuRDC).
Ability and willingness to work in the laboratory and field for extended periods.
Ability and willingness to work overtime when necessary.
Ability and willingness to travel to commercial vineyards in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys to conduct research.
Ability and willingness to work with soil, plant, and fruit samples in the laboratory, greenhouse and field settings in variable weather conditions and terrain.
Ability and willingness to work outdoors in commercial and research vineyards, which can be physically demanding, involving collecting and carrying samples out of the vineyard.

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.