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Please help us meet our commitment of providing an inclusive and barrier-free environment by letting us know if you require assessment accommodations, including assistance with the application process. Additional information on the assessment format(s) (for example: exam, interview) will be provided at each assessment stage.
As one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is proud to celebrate our achievement in creating a diverse, respectful, and positive workplace where all employees are valued and recognized for their unique qualities, ideas, voices and perspectives. We are dedicated to building and promoting a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, representative of all Canadians regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socio-economic background or lived experience. By embracing diversity and inclusion, our department ensures broader discussions, better decisions, and a more positive workplace.
As part of its priority to advance reconciliation and renew Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples, AAFC is committed to hiring more Indigenous Peoples into their workforce. Better representation within the public service of Canada’s fastest-growing demographic group will lead to more innovative and inclusive solutions to today’s complex challenges. Ultimately, this will improve government services for Canadians. Indigenous peoples are therefore encouraged to apply to this process and self-identify.
The position is directly linked to the new missions of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s strategic plan for science, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, with the expected outcomes of sustainable food production in remote and northern communities. In addition, the position is aligned with the mission of advancing the circular economy by creating value-added opportunities by aiming for a prosperous transformation of food systems and revitalization of Indigenous food systems. Finally, the position is also in line with the mission of strengthening the resilience of agroecosystems by improving the protection of soil and water resources and protecting biodiversity. The missions are grouped into different research portfolios such as field crop production systems, horticultural production systems, and livestock production systems, among others.
Northern agriculture*:
Northern agriculture includes agricultural production systems in Canada’s boreal, subarctic and arctic regions. It includes production systems in fields (e.g. berries, cereals, potatoes) and systems in controlled environments (e.g. greenhouses, vertical agriculture) in those regions. It also involves the development of local food systems (e.g. crop production to increase the harvest of local plants, local consumption, intercropping, valorization of wastes). The need to support agriculture in northern regions varies according to differences in climate, the historical relevance of agriculture, local agriculture systems, socioeconomic and cultural considerations and other factors. As a result, any discussions relating to the expansion of northern agriculture must be held at the regional, community and individual levels with local stakeholders and partners. In the context of local food systems, horticulture plays a significant role because it provides basic food commodities. Climate change will raise several challenges for agriculture in the next few decades. Rising temperatures and lengthening growing seasons for crops could benefit the development of northern agriculture. However, in this context, it is essential to ensure that this development is sustainable and respectful of the environment.
Indigenous agriculture**:
Indigenous agriculture takes multiple forms and must be viewed as part of a broad spectrum of activities that includes both traditional practices and modern industrial agriculture. It is essential to properly understand the challenges, needs and opportunities facing Indigenous peoples in the Canadian agriculture sector. It is also important to recognize and understand the traditional, cultural and spiritual connections that Indigenous peoples have with the foods they eat or use for traditional medicine and, more broadly, the land they live on.
* Excerpts from “Northern Agriculture – Strategic Direction Resource Document.”
** Support for Indigenous Peoples in the Agriculture and Agri-Food Industry, Report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.
In this context, a position as a research scientist in northern and Indigenous agriculture must be filled at the Normandin Research Farm, a satellite location for AAFC’s Québec Research and Development Centre. The Normandin Research Farm is one of three AAFC research farms in northern agriculture, along with St. John’s (NL) and Beaverlodge (AB). AAFC is looking to prioritize research, development and technology transfer regarding regional northern agricultural production and production models that aim to provide food security and the economic development of northern and Indigenous communities.
The successful candidate must have the vision required to develop a research program that involves the two components of northern agriculture and indigenous agriculture. He (she) must provide scientific leadership in the following areas:
I. Integrated and innovative production systems such as agroecology and sustainable agriculture;
II. Research, development and technology transfer (RDT) projects in crop production in northern production (e.g. horticulture, sheltered cultivation, vegetable crop production, berries);
III. The development of production models that aim to provide food security and economic development in indigenous communities.
The successful candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists specializing in soil science and nutrient management, sustainable berry crop production, perennial forage crop management, and optimizing field crop management in a northern climate. He (she) will also have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research sites. The Normandin Research Farm has excellent research facilities including 4 laboratories, 2 greenhouses (200 m2) and 145 ha of land, of which 20 ha are dedicated experimental plots.
AAFC research scientists have access to significant core and competitive funding opportunities, and are well supported by technical and administrative staff. The successful candidate must prepare research proposals and secure the funding required to complete their research. The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop collaborations with CRDQ scientists, affiliate with universities and participate in the co-supervision of graduate students. The Centre des Premières Nations Nikanite at the UQAC may foster the development and integration of research projects in Indigenous communities. In addition to the scientific aspect, the mandate involves supervising technical personnel and collaborating with professional personnel in support of the research activities.
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.
The immediate need is to staff one position on an indeterminate basis.
A pool of qualified and partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions with various tenures as well as various linguistic requirements.
Positions to be filled: 1
Your résumé.
Education:
An acceptable Ph.D. from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field of agronomy, plant biology, horticulture, agroecology, environmental science or any other field deemed relevant to the position.
Applications will be accepted from candidates enrolled in the final year of their Ph.D. program, but who have not yet completed the program. However, the thesis defense must be completed before the date of appointment.
**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).
Experience:
Recent work experience (last 6 years approximately) in planning and conducting scientific research activities using current concepts and modern technological tools in agronomy, plant biology, horticulture, agroecology, environmental science or any other field deemed relevant to the position in collaboration with research scientists, students, and technical and operational support personnel.
Recent work experience (last 6 years approximately) in integrating and interpreting the results of scientific research activities in relation to recent scientific literature on the topic(s) of agronomy, plant biology, horticulture, agroecology, environmental science or any other field deemed relevant to the position.
Documented scientific productivity, leadership and recognition as an author of research articles resulting from studies in the field(s) of agronomy, plant biology, horticulture, agroecology, environmental science or any other field deemed relevant to the position and published in scientific journals, books, reports, or other communications recognized by experts in the field.
Asset Qualifications - Education:
Bachelor's degree in agronomy
Operational Requirements:
Ability and willingness to travel (within Canada and/or internationally).
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratories, in the field and various agricultural environments.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication; and this must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
Bilingual - Imperative (BBB/BBB)
Information on language requirements
Knowledge:
Knowledge of the different production systems that characterize northern agriculture and its related issues.
Knowledge of the agricultural components and issues related to Indigenous backgrounds and issues.
Knowledge of the foundations and principles of agroecology.
Knowledge of methods for sample collection, laboratory analysis and statistical analysis for interpreting the effects of different experimental treatments.
Competencies:
Teamwork
Adaptability
Judgment
Written communication
Abilities:
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with team members when working on projects and scientific communications.
Asset Qualification - Experience:
Experience conducting research projects in collaboration with Indigenous peoples and communities.
Experience in developing local agriculture and interacting with the industry, the academic world or other stakeholders.
Experience conducting research projects related to emerging crops: horticulture, berries, or crops in controlled environments (e.g. greenhouses, vertical agriculture).
Organizational Needs:
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
Reliability Status security clearance
- Possession of a valid, class 5 Quebec driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
- Willingness to settle in the Lac St-Jean region to work in person on the site of the Normandin experimental farm.
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
ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.
Various assessment tools may be used, such as standardized tests, interviews, references, board member knowledge, etc.
All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence may be used in the assessment of qualifications.
A random or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.
Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
• Matching the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and weaknesses of the work team.
• Matching the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed.
• Depth, breadth, and type of work-specific experience.
• Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications.
A test may be administered.
An interview may be administered.
Reference checks may be sought.
You must provide proof of your educational credentials.
Asset qualifications may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.
APPLICATION & CORRESPONDENCE INFORMATION
Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs.html.
Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact the email referenced below under "Contact Information."
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).
Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.
Information on the preference to veterans
We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.