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.
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).
POSITION 1- Preference will be given to PhD students ; Masters students are encouraged to apply.
The student contributes to the project “Understanding nitrogen dynamics and nutrient uptake on perennial grass seed crop to enhance nutrient use efficiency and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions”. The project objectives are:
1. To quantify nitrogen use efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions under different timing of fertilizer application and perennial seed crop cycles.
2. To determine nitrogen uptake with respect to crop growth rate.
3. To examine soil microbial enzyme activities and short-term changes in soil health variables.
Major duties include:
Conduct field experiments to generate agronomic, nitrogen transformation and soil health variables.
Conduct lab analysis of plants, soils, water and gaseous samples.
Maintain records of field and laboratory activities related to the research topic.
Perform statistical analysis of data, document the results and publish findings.
POSITION 2 - Preference will be given to PhD students ; Masters students are encouraged to apply.
This graduate student will contribute to the project “Enhancing eco-physiological efficiencies of cropping systems for economic profitability and agro-climatic resilience in the Peace region”. The project objectives are:
1. To examine allelopathic and/or growth-promoting effects of different preceding annual crops on the establishment and growth of subsequent perennial forage seed crops grown within the cropping sequence.
2. To determine intercrop compatibility between different annual crops and perennial forage crops when grown in transition.
3. To develop and integrate effective termination practices for optimal transitioning of aged (decadent) forage seed crop stands into the annual cropping phase.
Major duties include:
Conduct relevant greenhouse, mesocosm and field experiments to quantify the effects of annual and perennial crops when grown in rotation.
Conduct lab analysis to identify the biochemical factors imparting the eco-physiological effects observed.
Maintain high-quality records of field and laboratory activities related to the research topic, and
Perform appropriate statistical analysis of data, document and interpret the results, and ultimately publish relevant findings.
Work commonly involves periods of bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, lifting and movement of materials for various experimental tasks, both indoors and outside in a field.
Occasional exposure to several disagreeable conditions, such as loud noise from growth chambers, farm equipment, temperature extremes, dust, insects, fungi, and agricultural chemicals.
During fieldwork, exposure to natural elements (inclement weather, insects, rough terrain, rocks) is common, as is the necessity to wear cumbersome protective gear. This exposure can occur for 4 to 6 months per year, up to 40% of the time.
Lab work requires the use of protective measures to prevent exposure to low-level radiation.
Chemicals and noise may occur from equipment up to 40% of the time.
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: 2
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
Education:
The candidate must be currently enrolled or will be enrolled in a PhD or Master’s program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in one of the following: Plant Science, Soil Science, Ecology, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related program.
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 your next academic term. The student must meet the eligibility requirements to enroll at the University of Alberta.
Experience:
Experience* conducting agronomic research experiments in field, greenhouse, and growth chamber environments.
Experience* with processing soil, plant, water or gaseous samples for characterization of physical and chemical properties.
Experience* in collecting and recording scientific observations, as well as analyzing data and drafting scientific publications.
*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.
English essential
Information on language requirements
Knowledge:
Knowledge of common crop production systems of western Canada.
Knowledge of fundamental eco-physiology and production processes in Canadian croplands.
Knowledge of experimental design and statistical analysis.
Competencies:
Teamwork
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative
Abilities:
Ability to work with various complex scientific instruments for plants, soils and gaseous analysis, including small field plot equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
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
Operational Requirements:
Valid Class 5 driver’s license for driving vehicles in Alberta, Canada as the students are required to operate governmental fleet vehicles at work, and travel frequently between University of Alberta and Beaverlodge Research Farm for experimental and laboratory work.
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.
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.
We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.