Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to month day year - 23:59, Pacific Time.
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).
The successful candidate will leverage three long-term AAFC research trials exploring the effects of nutrient management, alternative cropping and advanced production practices in dairy systems on soil carbon dynamics and storage. Increased soil organic carbon (SOC) storage is widely seen as a promising climate change mitigation strategy but more work is required to understand SOC stability and cycling in dairy production systems. The work will involve collecting and processing soil and soil solution samples and fractionating the soil samples into pools of increasing SOC stability. These data will be used to identify best management practices for supporting climate change mitigation on-farm. Additional duties will include:
• Compile measurement data into clear and organized datasets;
• Analyze data from above; present results in manuscript(s) for publication in peer-reviewed journal(s);
• Fulfill any requirements to complete MSc at UBC-Vancouver, including taking courses, participating in seminar and committee meetings, and writing and defending MSc thesis.
The Agassiz Research and Development Centre is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s national network of 20 research centres. Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) provides information, research and technology, and policies and programs to achieve security of the food system, health of the environment and innovation for growth. This is a collaborative project between AAFC and UBC-Vancouver. The successful candidate must be able and willing to work at both Ag-RDC and UBC-Vancouver. Knowledge of agriculture practices and implications for environmental quality is an asset.
The successful candidate will measure the effect of nutrient management and cropping practices on soil carbon stabilization processes and soil carbon storage in three long-term dairy trials. The work will involve field sampling at Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada’s Agassiz Research and Development Centre (Ag-RDC) and lab work at Ag-RDC and the University of British Columbia (Vancouver campus (UBC-Vancouver); to conduct this work, physical presence at both locations is a necessity.
Time will be divided between coursework, writing, and participation in educational activities at UBC-Vancouver and research that will be conducted in the laboratory and field at Ag-RDC and UBC-Vancouver. Some prerequisite safety training will be required at both locations.
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
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:
Currently enrolled or willing to enroll in a Master’s program in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at the Vancouver campus of UBC, with a specialization in soil science or a related field of study (e.g., biology, plant science, agronomy, environmental science, geography).
Experience:
Experience* conducting research activities in the field, including soil sample collection.
Experience* compiling and analyzing experimental data.
* In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience and volunteer activities
English essential
Information on language requirements
Knowledge:
Knowledge of science around climate change and climate change mitigation.
Knowledge of greenhouse gas dynamics in agricultural production systems.
Knowledge of soil science and environmental science.
Competencies:
Interactive Communication
Planning and Organizing
Teamwork
Initiative
Abilities:
Ability to communicate effectively (orally and written).
Ability to process data, present and interpret results in graphical format (e.g., Excel, Sigmaplot, R).
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:
Possession of a valid, class 5 BC unrestricted driver’s license.
Ability to work on site at the appropriate research location.
Ability to walk on uneven land and carry loads up to 20 kg.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory and field environments for extended periods of time.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging on the duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to work in two locations: the Agassiz Research and Development Centre and University of British Columbia - Vancouver.
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.