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.
We want you to succeed! Our objective is to identify qualified candidates by fairly assessing their abilities. Assessment accommodations are intended to remove obstacles without altering the criteria being assessed so that all candidates can showcase their capabilities.
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.
To conduct enclosed controlled environment agriculture experiments.
To prepare plant material from growth experiments for secondary metabolite analysis in support ongoing research projects.
To collect and collate data, update data bases, and contribute to data analysis.
To participate in the design and implementation of experiments.
This is an on-site research position at the AAFC Kentville Research and Development Centre. It is located in the town of Kentville, in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia.
Greenhouse and field responsibilities represent 60% or more of the work load for this position, while laboratory, administration, and computer work represent the remainder.
The Kentville Research and Development Centre:
The KRDC was established in 1911 and it is one of AAFC’s network of 20 research and development centres. The Centre is associated with one satellite location, the Nappan Research Farm, located near Amherst, Nova Scotia. The KRDC delivers an integrated program of agriculture and agri-food research and technology transfer along the innovation continuum, which includes: germplasm development, sustainable and environmentally resilient primary production, biodiversity, postharvest studies, and food attributes and safety. Research at the Nappan Research Farm focuses on forage and livestock management. Kentville RDC is also a Minor Use Pesticide program site.
Inclusivity:
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 Persons with Disabilities Network
• The Visible Minorities Network
• The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network
• The Student Panel of Representatives for Orientation, Unity and Training
• The Young Professionals Network
The immediate need is to staff an indeterminate position at the Kentville Research Center in Nova Scotia.
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:
Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in biology or chemistry or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience in biology or chemistry.
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:
Experience with conducting plant growth experiments using “enclosed” controlled environment agriculture systems including greenhouses, growth cabinets or vertical farms.
Experience with preparing plant samples for secondary metabolite analyses by high performance liquid chromatography.
Experience with using data loggers, sensors or automated control systems in agricultural plant production.
ASSETS EXPERIENCE:
Experience participating in the preparation of scientific reports or scientific manuscripts.
Experience supervising and mentoring junior staff (e.g. staff or students).
Experience with conducting the analysis of plant tissue for physical characteristics such as chlorophyll, texture, Brix, dry weight etc.
Experience with automated field-based plant production systems.
English essential
Information on language requirements
KNOWLEDGE:
Knowledge of theory and principles of plant growth in controlled environment systems.
Knowledge of theory and principles of the analysis of secondary metabolites using high pressure chromatography systems.
Knowledge of pest management practises used in controlled environment agriculture.
COMPETENCIES:
Interactive communication
Adaptability
Initiative
Teamwork
Writing skills
ABILITIES:
Ability to modify methods to improve experimental procedures.
Ability to accurately observe, record, analyze, interpret and present data.
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 Nova Scotia driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
Ability and willingness to lift materials up to 25 kg.
Ability and willingness to work overtime (including weekends and evenings).
Under normal safety precautions ability and willing to work with hazardous materials and equipment.
Ability and willingness to use Personal Protective Equipment and control allergies as necessary for the performance of duties.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and enclosed environment agriculture systems for extended periods of time with appropriate safety precautions in place.
Ability and willingness to work in conditions requiring bending or squatting to pick samples from plants.
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.