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).
Soil health is the object of growing interest among major stakeholders in the raspberry industry in BC. The overall objective of this project is to extend the lifespan of raspberry plantings and thus improve the economic and environmental performance of growers and, in particular, to identify crop rotation options that improve soil health, carbon input and sequestration, nutrient leaching, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions including nitrous oxide. The results of this project will provide raspberry growers with cover crops options adapted for alley management. Our findings will help growers to capture the link between soil health and sustainable raspberry production, thus providing strategies for increasing the lifespan of raspberry plantings. The successful candidate will be based at Agassiz, but will be expected to travel to field sites throughout the Fraser Valley for sample collection, monitoring of field experiments, and some sample analysis (research travel cost to be covered by the program). The successful candidate should have a good work ethic, a strong sense of responsibilities, and an enthusiasm to work in both controlled environments and fields. The day-to-day work will take place at Agassiz, BC for field, greenhouse, and laboratory research.
The Agassiz Research and Development Centre was established by the Government of Canada under The Experimental Farm Station Act in 1886. The Centre consists of two independent research sites: Agassiz and Summerland. It is also associated with a satellite location—the Clearbrook sub-station, located 50 kilometres away in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
The scientific research of the Agassiz Research and Development Centre addresses national agricultural priorities in the areas of horticultural and field crop production and protection. These priorities include helping to adapt and remain competitive in domestic and global markets. The research mainly focuses on peri-urban agriculture, which seeks to improve understanding of the flows, interactions and impacts of agriculture systems within densely populated regions.
Day-to-day work will take place at a Government of Canada research facility – a professional and relaxed setting.
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 will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master’s or PhD program in a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in Soil science, Environmental science or agronomy.
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 must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term.
Experience:
Experience* in conducting laboratory, greenhouse, or field trials.
Experience* in an agricultural setting or biological research.
Experience* in writing manuscripts and/or research reports.
*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.
English or French
Information on language requirements
Knowledge:
Knowledge of analytical techniques (colorimetry, combustion or ignition, spectrophotometry, acid-base titration, soil microbial analysis, water analysis).
Knowledge of soil health indicators and nitrogen use efficiency.
Knowledge of cover crops and their benefits in agricultural systems.
Knowledge of principles of agriculture.
Knowledge of experimental design.
Knowledge in statistics, geostatistics, and modelling.
Competencies:
Interpersonal skills.
Creativity and innovation.
Planning and organizing.
Initiative.
Teamwork
Abilities:
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
Ability to plan, design, and set up experiments.
Ability to collect, record, and analyze data accurately.
Ability to summarize results.
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 - 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.
Ability and willingness to travel for field work in dairy farms and other agricultural settings in BC;
Ability and willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions for long periods of time;
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends and early mornings;
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field environments for extended periods at a time;
Ability and willingness to lift and carry a 20kg load for 50 meters;
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.