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.
The employee will report to the Phytotron facility manager and work with a team to support a number of research initiatives centering around the successful greenhouse production of horticultural crops (e.g. small and tree fruits, vegetables) relating to research programs. Under the direction of the Greenhouse/Grounds Operation Manager, the Greenhouse/Grounds Operations Support person will provide for the primary care and nurture of research plant material for the research staff in the phytotron complex by:
• Conducting daily irrigation and scheduled fertilization requirements,
• Monitoring environmental functions and settings in the complex and adjusting as needed using the environmental control computer system,
• Providing/receiving direct communications with members of the research staff and other work units,
• Monitoring and assessing of insect and disease problems, applying beneficial biologicals when applicable,
• Calculating fertilizer/pesticide rates and applying applications as needed,
• Maintaining a high level of cleanliness and organization in the greenhouse/growth cabinet complex and header-house area,
• Conducting all appropriate greenhouse maintenance as required,
• Preparing different growing media mixtures, pots or repots as required,
• Conducting propagation methods by sexual and asexual means,
• Attending related courses and information sessions.
• Assisting in the seasonal maintenance of the campus including lawn areas, nurseries, and gardens woody ornamentals:
• Safely operating power equipment such as large lawn mowers, turf tractors/trailers, sprayers and hand tools.
• Calculating and applying fertilizers/lime to different lawn areas as required.
• Performing other related horticultural duties and services as required.
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 1 permanent position in Kentville, Nova Scotia.
A pool of qualified candidates may be established through this process and may be used to staff identical or similar GL-MAN-06 positions within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada with various tenures, linguistic requirements or profiles, security requirements, conditions of employment and locations.
Positions to be filled: 1
Your résumé.
📜 EDUCATION
• Successful completion of secondary school or an acceptable combination of education, knowledge, training and/or experience.
✅ EXPERIENCE
• Experience in the management of plant material and greenhouse operations
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of greenhouse and grounds equipment
• Experience in assessing plant health conditions (i.e. insects, diseases or physiological problems)
• Experience in maintenance of lawns, plants and care of woody ornamentals
English essential
Information on language requirements
✅ KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of modern greenhouse productions systems and production methods, such as but not limited to: plant maintenance, potting techniques/media prep, watering methods, pest and disease monitoring and management tools, etc.).
• Knowledge of general landscape cultural practises and equipment.
✅ COMPETENCIES
• Adaptability
• Concern for safety
• Initiative
• Teamwork
Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women
Information on employment equity
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.
Reliability Status security clearance
• Possession of a valid, Class 5 (Nova Scotia) driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
• Ability and willingness to work independently during scheduled weekends and holidays
• Ability and willingness to work overtime as required.
• Ability and willingness to work in variable outdoor weather conditions and variable greenhouse environmental conditions.
• Ability and willingness to work with chemicals and pesticides
• Ability and wiliness to do occasional heavy lifting up to 20 kg
• Possession of a Pesticide Applicators Certificate or the ability and willingness to obtain such certificate.
• Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment or/medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
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
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.