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MSc Student – Agro-ecology of Saskatoon Rusts
Original government version here
Closing: 2026-03-06

MSc Student – Agro-ecology of Saskatoon Rusts - Research Affiliate Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch

Closing date: March 6, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time

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Reference number
AGR26J-059095-000223
Selection process number
26-AGR-RAP-12
Location
Summerland (British Columbia)
Employment tenure
The projected start date is September 7, 2026 with an end date of September 1, 2028 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 17 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.
Salary
$25.17 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.
Organization information
For further information on the organization, please visit Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

On this page

About the position

Duties
The student will conduct research to investigate the interacting effects of wildfire, controlled burns and fungal pathogens on productivity of saskatoon (Amelanchier spp.) across environmental conditions in Skeetchestn Traditional Territory, to enhance Skeetchestn community access to high quality berries.
The research will involve:
(1) identification of fungal pathogens infecting saskatoon in Skeetchestn Traditional Territory.
(2) quantifying existing pathogen incidence rates at field research sites spanning the environmental conditions in Skeetchestn Traditional Territory, and relating these to saskatoon productivity.
(3) evaluating the influence of cultural / controlled burns and wildfire on pathogen incidence.
(4) Relating the preceding objectives to environmental conditions (including the surrounding plant community, and soil and climatic conditions) to evaluate predictors and mechanisms of infection of saskatoon by damaging rusts.
(5) Knowledge transfer to the Skeetchestn community.
Work environment
The Summerland Research and Development Centre (SuRDC) is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) national network of 17 research and development centres. 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, Skeetchestn Indian Band, via Sketchestn Natural Resources LLP, and the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus (UBCO). Time will be divided between coursework, writing, and participation in educational activities at UBCO and research that will be conducted in Skeetchestn Traditional Territory and / or on Skeetchestn Indian Reserve, and at SuRDC. The selected student will need to be willing and able to work at and commute between UBCO, SuRDC, and Skeetchestn Traditional Territory.
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
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.

-Possession of a valid, class 5 British Columbia driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
-Ability and willingness to work in three locations (UBCO, Summerland RDC, Skeetchestn Traditional Territory).
-Ability and willingness to work in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field for extended periods in variable weather conditions and terrains.
-Ability and willingness to work overtime when necessary.
-Ability and willingness to travel to remote locations in Skeetchestn Territory, including on gravel forest service roads, to conduct research.
-Ability and willingness to work outdoors in remote field sites, which can be physically demanding, involving collecting and carrying samples out of field sites.

You need (essential for the job)

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following
Education:
Candidate must be enrolled now, or will be enrolled by the date of the appointment, in a Master’s program at the University of British Columbia-Okanagan with specialization in: Plant Science, Ecology, Environmental Science or a related field. Proof of enrollment will be required prior to start date.
Note: Due to nature and duration of the project, the candidate must be able to join on 07 September 2026.

Learn more about degree equivalency.

Experience:
Experience* in conducting plant, soil, or ecological scientific research.
Experience* in basic statistical analysis of ecological, biological, or environmental data.
Note: 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 general plant biology.
Knowledge of culturally significant food systems for Indigenous People(s).
Knowledge of fire ecology.
Competencies:
Initiative
Adaptability
Independence
Good interpersonal skills
Abilities:
Ability to plan, design, and conduct scientific research.
Ability to conduct basic data analysis, statistical analysis, and summarize results.
Ability to communicate well orally and in writing, including scientific manuscripts and a graduate thesis.

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.

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.

Learn more about employment equity.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of jobs located in Nunavut or Yukon. For positions located in Nunavut, qualified Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will be appointed first. For positions located in Yukon, qualified Yukon First Nations will be appointed first, followed by qualified Indigenous persons.

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.

Hiring organization contact

Name: RAP Team – Research Affiliate Program
Email address: 
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