Research Assistant – Soil Science (STREAM 1) & Agronomy (STREAM 2)
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada · Normandin · EG05 · Open to the public
Open April 20 to May 11, 2026
- Applications
- 67
- in 21 days
- Screened in
- 76%
- 51 of 67
- Employment equity groups
- 67%
- 45 people
- Canadian citizens
- 43%
- 29 people
Who applied
Share of all 67 applications. People can be in more than one group.
Employment equity
Women
28 · 42%
Visible minorities
31 · 46%
Indigenous peoples
Unknown
Persons with disabilities
Unknown
Language
English
23 · 34%
French
44 · 66%
Status
Citizens
29 · 43%
Not citizensIncludes permanent residents
38 · 57%
Original job posting
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Research Assistant – Soil Science (STREAM 1) & Agronomy (STREAM 2)
Update
Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to May 11, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch
Closing date: May 11, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time
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Organization information
For further information on the organization, please visit Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Reference number
AGR26J-170597-000292
AGR26J-170597-000292
Selection process number
26-AGR-QC-EA-STB-67145
26-AGR-QC-EA-STB-67145
Location
Normandin (Québec)
Normandin (Québec)
Salary
$78,909 to $99,200 - Salary under review
$78,909 to $99,200 - Salary under review
Level
EG-05
EG-05
Who can apply
Persons residing in Canada, and Canadian citizens and Permanent residents abroad.
Persons residing in Canada, and Canadian citizens and Permanent residents abroad.
For further information on the organization, please visit Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
On this page
- About the position
- Conditions of employment
- Operational Requirements
- You need (essential for the job)
- Language requirements (essential for the job)
- You may need (asset qualifications)
- Our commitment
- Equity, diversity and inclusion
- Preference
- How to apply
- Additional links
- Hiring organization contact
About the position
Duties
STREAM 1 - Sol Science & STREAM 2 - Agronomy• Work closely with researchers to plan and carry out experimental protocols.
• Advise on land allocation based on availability, historical data and scientific requirements.
• Prioritize, coordinate and assign tasks to subordinates according to scientific requirements and availability of labour and equipment.
• Direct and coordinate field activities (e.g., planting, maintenance, harvesting and irrigation of research plots and rotational land).
• Train employees and explain the work to them.
• Coordinate the use of equipment and labour with counterparts at other sites to optimize field work management and material utilization.
• In collaboration with the team leader, give instructions on work safety and ensure compliance with safe work practices.
• Manage chemical, seed and fertilizer inventories; coordinate bulk purchases of pesticides, fertilizers and seeds; manage crop sales.
• Participate in field activities with subordinates when required.
• Communicate and collaborate with the maintenance services for building upkeep.
• Maintain up-to-date records of data on soils, crops, pesticide and fertilizer and agricultural chemicals data for research plots and rotational lands.
STREAM 1 - Sol Science & STREAM 2 - Agronomy• Work closely with researchers to plan and carry out experimental protocols.
• Advise on land allocation based on availability, historical data and scientific requirements.
• Prioritize, coordinate and assign tasks to subordinates according to scientific requirements and availability of labour and equipment.
• Direct and coordinate field activities (e.g., planting, maintenance, harvesting and irrigation of research plots and rotational land).
• Train employees and explain the work to them.
• Coordinate the use of equipment and labour with counterparts at other sites to optimize field work management and material utilization.
• In collaboration with the team leader, give instructions on work safety and ensure compliance with safe work practices.
• Manage chemical, seed and fertilizer inventories; coordinate bulk purchases of pesticides, fertilizers and seeds; manage crop sales.
• Participate in field activities with subordinates when required.
• Communicate and collaborate with the maintenance services for building upkeep.
• Maintain up-to-date records of data on soils, crops, pesticide and fertilizer and agricultural chemicals data for research plots and rotational lands.
Work environment
The Normandin experimental farm focuses its research on grains, canola, forage crops, and small fruits, in addition to initiating new research to scientifically support northern and Indigenous agricultural production. Research at the Normandin farm is conducted as often as possible in partnership with local communities and agricultural organizations, ensuring that research teams remain closely informed about the challenges faced by local producers.
The Normandin experimental farm focuses its research on grains, canola, forage crops, and small fruits, in addition to initiating new research to scientifically support northern and Indigenous agricultural production. Research at the Normandin farm is conducted as often as possible in partnership with local communities and agricultural organizations, ensuring that research teams remain closely informed about the challenges faced by local producers.
Intent of the process
The intent of this process is to staff two positions at the EG-05 group and level on an indeterminate basis at the Normandin Experimental Farm. • 1 position : Research Assistant (EG-05) - Sol Science
• 1 position : Research Assistant (EG-05) - AgronomyPlease note that these positions require on-site presence in Normandin (Québec).In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, they may be considered for acting, deployment, assignment or secondment opportunities.
The intent of this process is to staff two positions at the EG-05 group and level on an indeterminate basis at the Normandin Experimental Farm. • 1 position : Research Assistant (EG-05) - Sol Science
• 1 position : Research Assistant (EG-05) - AgronomyPlease note that these positions require on-site presence in Normandin (Québec).In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, they may be considered for acting, deployment, assignment or secondment opportunities.
Positions to be filled
2
2
Important messages
Why work at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada?• Work-life balance
• Employee benefits
• Supplementary medical and dental insurance, paid vacation and statutory holidays
• Pension plan
• Opportunity to develop and apply for internal positions throughout the public service.:. 3 SIMPLE STEPS . :.Step 1: Read the entire advertisement. Interested in this opportunity? Click “Apply online” to submit your application. If you don’t have an active account, you will need to create one.Step 2: Revise your application by providing the requested information and submit your application before the closing date.Step 3: We will contact you within a reasonable period of time for further evaluation. Stay tuned and check your e-mail regularly.Please note that communications relating to this process will be sent by e-mail. Applicants should monitor their inboxes regularly, including their junk/spam folders.
Why work at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada?• Work-life balance
• Employee benefits
• Supplementary medical and dental insurance, paid vacation and statutory holidays
• Pension plan
• Opportunity to develop and apply for internal positions throughout the public service.:. 3 SIMPLE STEPS . :.Step 1: Read the entire advertisement. Interested in this opportunity? Click “Apply online” to submit your application. If you don’t have an active account, you will need to create one.Step 2: Revise your application by providing the requested information and submit your application before the closing date.Step 3: We will contact you within a reasonable period of time for further evaluation. Stay tuned and check your e-mail regularly.Please note that communications relating to this process will be sent by e-mail. Applicants should monitor their inboxes regularly, including their junk/spam folders.
Conditions of employment
Conditions of Employment:
.: Reliability Status Security Clearance.
.: Possession of a valid, class 5 Québec driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
.: Willingness and ability to travel.
.: Willingness and ability to control allergies with personal protective equipment or medication; this must not interfere with the performance of duties.
.: Willingness and ability to work in a variety of environments and weather conditions.
.: Reliability Status Security Clearance.
.: Possession of a valid, class 5 Québec driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
.: Willingness and ability to travel.
.: Willingness and ability to control allergies with personal protective equipment or medication; this must not interfere with the performance of duties.
.: Willingness and ability to work in a variety of environments and weather conditions.
You need (essential for the job)
Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following
Education | ALL STREAMS
.: Diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution in agronomy, soil science, plant science or in another field related to agriculture OR an acceptable combination of education, training or experience. At a later stage in the selection process, you will be required to provide documentation verifying your educational credentials.If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Click on the link below to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials(CICIC).
.: Diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution in agronomy, soil science, plant science or in another field related to agriculture OR an acceptable combination of education, training or experience. At a later stage in the selection process, you will be required to provide documentation verifying your educational credentials.If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Click on the link below to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials(CICIC).
Learn more about degree equivalency.
Experience | ALL STREAMS
.: Experience in planning, conducting, and executing experiments with cultivated plants in field.
.: Experience with technical laboratory work, such as preparing equipment, processing samples, and collecting and processing data.
.: Experience in technical laboratory work, including the following activities: preparing materials, processing samples, and collecting and processing data using Microsoft 365, SAS(*) or R software.
.: Experience in managing resources, such as samples, equipment, materials and supplies.
.: Experience in writing scientific reports and posters and contributing to scientific communications.(*) SAS software (Statistical Analysis System), used for data management, performing statistical analyses.STREAM 1 - Sol Science
.: Experience in planning and performing physical and chemical analysis of soils and the chemical analysis of plants.STREAM 2 - Agronomy
.: Experience in integrated pest management in field crops.
.: Experience in planning, conducting, and executing experiments with cultivated plants in field.
.: Experience with technical laboratory work, such as preparing equipment, processing samples, and collecting and processing data.
.: Experience in technical laboratory work, including the following activities: preparing materials, processing samples, and collecting and processing data using Microsoft 365, SAS(*) or R software.
.: Experience in managing resources, such as samples, equipment, materials and supplies.
.: Experience in writing scientific reports and posters and contributing to scientific communications.(*) SAS software (Statistical Analysis System), used for data management, performing statistical analyses.STREAM 1 - Sol Science
.: Experience in planning and performing physical and chemical analysis of soils and the chemical analysis of plants.STREAM 2 - Agronomy
.: Experience in integrated pest management in field crops.
Applied / assessed at a later date
Knowledge:STREAM 1 - Sol Science
.: Knowledge of techniques for analyzing the physical and chemical properties of soils and the chemical properties of plants.STREAM 2 - Agronomy
.: Knowledge of the techniques related to the analysis of crop productivity parameters.
.: Knowledge of techniques for analyzing the physical and chemical properties of soils and the chemical properties of plants.STREAM 2 - Agronomy
.: Knowledge of the techniques related to the analysis of crop productivity parameters.
Competencies | ALL STREAMS
.: Planning and Organizing
.: Oral communication
.: Adaptability
.: Initiative
.: Teamwork
.: Planning and Organizing
.: Oral communication
.: Adaptability
.: Initiative
.: Teamwork
Abilities | ALL STREAMS
.: Ability to maintain and calibrate scientific equipment.
.: Ability to maintain and calibrate scientific equipment.
Language requirements (essential for the job)
Applied / assessed at a later date
French essential - You are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice.
Learn more about language requirements.
You may need (asset qualifications)
May be applied / assessed at a later date
Education | ALL STREAMS
.: A master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in soil science, plant science, agroecology, environmental science, biology, microbiology, or in a related program in agriculture. Being a member of the professional order for agronomists in Quebec (Ordre des agronomes du Québec (OAQ)) or being eligible for membership is considered an asset.
.: A master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in soil science, plant science, agroecology, environmental science, biology, microbiology, or in a related program in agriculture. Being a member of the professional order for agronomists in Quebec (Ordre des agronomes du Québec (OAQ)) or being eligible for membership is considered an asset.
Learn more about degree equivalency.
Experience | ALL STREAMS
.: Experience working with multidisciplinary teams.
.: Experience in coaching and training students or colleagues.
.: Experience working with multidisciplinary teams.
.: Experience in coaching and training students or colleagues.
Knowledge:STREAM 1 – Sol Science
.: Knowledge of Soil-Plant interaction.
.: Knowledge of soil fertilitySTREAM 2 - Agronomy
.: Knowledge of crop management in controlled environments, greenhouses, or growth chambers.
.: Knowledge of Soil-Plant interaction.
.: Knowledge of soil fertilitySTREAM 2 - Agronomy
.: Knowledge of crop management in controlled environments, greenhouses, or growth chambers.
Organizational Needs : Supporting employment continuity by prioritizing AAFC employees impacted by workforce adjustment for job opportunities.
Our commitment
We're 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 contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
Learn more about assessment accommodation.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.
Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service.
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.
Learn more about employment equity.
Preference
Preference will be given to veterans first, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of jobs located in Nunavut or Yukon. For positions located in Nunavut, qualified Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will be appointed first. For positions located in Yukon, qualified Yukon First Nations will be appointed first, followed by qualified Indigenous persons.
Learn more about preference to veterans.
How to apply
Learn more about applying for Government of Canada jobs.
Information you must provide- Your résumé
We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted.