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Reference number
AGR25J-183034-000005
Selection process number
25-AGR-RAP-56
Location
Truro (Nova Scotia)
Employment tenure
The projected start date is May 1st 2026 with an end date of September 4th, 2026 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 37.5 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.
Salary
$18.84 to $31.69 per hour
- Varies as per the level of education and experience.
Who can apply
Persons residing in Canada, Canadian citizens, and Permanent residents abroad.
To be considered for Research Affiliate Program (RAP) work opportunities, all candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria by the date of appointment:
- Be recognized as having full-time student status at an accredited Canadian post-secondary academic institution (this includes students with a disability deemed to have full-time status). Individuals pending approval of acceptance or in the process of submitting applications are encouraged to apply, as proof of enrollment will only be required prior to the start date.
- Be enrolled in an academic program that requires research as part of the curriculum.
- Be at least the minimum age to work in the province or territory where the job is located.
On this page
About the position
DutiesThe work involves field and lab work at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Bible Hill/Truro, NS as well as on-farm research sites in the Atlantic region. Laboratory work will be carried out at Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture. This position will work closely with Dr. Erin Smith and her team on many greenhouse gas, soil health and water quality related projects across Canada. Specific duties are listed below.
The successful candidate will assist with research projects/activities under field and laboratory conditions:
-site set-up
-sample preparation (water, gas, soil)
-collecting data and sampling for climate and water related work (i.e. greenhouse gas, water, soil, and plant sampling, etc.)
-using monitoring equipment (i.e. weather stations, environmental sensors, etc.)
-data management and analysis
Work environment
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
4
Important messages
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.
Conditions of employment
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.
Learn more about security screening process.
Conditions of Employment:
Possession of a valid class 5 Nova Scotia driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
Ability and willingness to travel and work in remote locations such as field sites.
Ability and willingness to work in both field and laboratory settings.
Ability and willingness to work extended hours on an occasional basis.
You need (essential for the job)
Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following
Education:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a B.Sc. or in a M.Sc. program in a recognized post-secondary institution with one of the following specializations in: environmental science, environmental management, agriculture, agronomy, biology, earth science, or plant science.
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.
Learn more about degree equivalency.
Experience:
Experience in conducting field or laboratory work.
Experience taking soil, water, plant, or gas samples.
Experience using spreadsheets and analysis programs such as Excel.
Experience in interpreting and analyzing results.
*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.
Applied / assessed at a later date
Knowledge:
Knowledge of on-farm environmental challenges, including but not limited to cropping systems, climate adaptation, climate change, and water challenges for agricultural producers.
Competencies:
Interactive Communication
Initiative
Teamwork
Adaptability
Abilities:
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to carry out detail oriented record keeping.
Language requirements (essential for the job)
Applied / assessed at a later date
English essential - You are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice.
Learn more about language requirements.
Our commitment
We're 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 contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
Learn more about assessment accommodation.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.
Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service.
Selection may be limited to members of the following employment equity groups: Indigenous (Aboriginal) peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and women.
Learn more about employment equity.
Preference
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.
Learn more about preference to veterans.
How to apply
Learn more about applying for Government of Canada jobs.
Information you must provide
- 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
We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted.
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