Research Assistant in Precision Viticulture - 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 in precision viticulture involving data collection, analysis and modeling, which includes: i) understanding how temperature and heat stress affect grapevine physiology and grape quality in British Columbia, and ii) identifying and exploring mitigation strategies for grape growers to cope with climate-change related heat stress events. The research areas are broadly described and the student may have the opportunity to work in different areas as needed.

In addition to academic competency, the successful candidate will be familiar with complex weather and climate data, spatial data analysis and modeling techniques, and predictive modeling approaches. and will have opportunities to interact with growers, industry partners, other graduate students and research technicians.

The successful candidate should be able to work in team environments, and show enthusiasm to work in both office and laboratory environments and vineyard research sites outdoors.

Work environment

The day-to-day work will take place at two locations: University of Victoria (Vancouver Island) and The Summerland Research and Development Centre, Summerland, BC for field, laboratory and modeling research.

Remote telework must adhere to the Common Hybrid Work Model for the Federal Public Service requiring an on-site presence of a least 2 to 3 days per week, or 40 to 60% of the regular work schedule at a Government of Canada coworking site, shared collaboration space and/or a designated worksite. On-site work is not limited to a designated AAFC Research and Development Centre – it can include days in the field or at a laboratory, a conference or work event, in-person training at a third-party location, meeting with stakeholders in their offices, or a day at a co-working site

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.

A covering letter "In 2,000 to 2,500 words: “Describe how you qualify for the position and your research interest. Please make sure you explain how you meet the essential knowledge factors as seen on the advertisement."

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 PhD program at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, in Geography, Environmental Studies, Resource Sustainability or closely-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 must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term.

Degree equivalency

Experience*:
- Experience* in manipulating and visualizing large, complex data sets (e.g.,satellites, sensors).
- Experience* in developing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) systems, involving GIS workflows and geodatabase design.
- Experience* in modeling and computer programming to provide predictive tools for complex decision-support.

*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 complex weather and climate data-mining and visualization techniques.
Knowledge of spatial data analysis and modeling techniques.

Competencies:
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
Interpersonal skills.
Creativity and innovation.
Initiative.

Abilities:
Ability to summarize research in formal scientific reports and scientific manuscript.
Ability to handle multiple tasks or project activities.
Ability to work independently.

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 travel for field work in the Okanagan and Vancouver Island vineyard research sites/growing areas in BC.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions for long periods of time.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

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.