M.Sc. or Ph.D. Student – Weed and Soil Management

M.Sc. or Ph.D. Student Weed and Soil Management - Research Affiliate Program

Reference number : AGR24J-023788-000589

Selection process number : 24-AGR-RAP-43 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch

Agassiz (British Columbia)

The projected start date is September 2, 2024 with an end date of March 30, 2027 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs).

It is expected that the student will work 20 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.

$24.62 to $37.53 per hour (Master : $24.62 to $30.99; Doctorate : $28.99 to $37.53 - Varies as per the level of education and experience.)

For further information on the organization, please visit

For further information on the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), please visit

Closing date : 31 July 2024 - 23 : 59, Pacific Time

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.

Important messages

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).

Duties

Conduct field and laboratory research aiming to 1) develop optimized double cropping practices to achieve the highest value winter malting barley and summer field vegetable production and 2) investigate and quantify the effects of the double cropping practices on weed population dynamics and early indicators of soil carbon sequestration.

Specific duties will include :

• Contributing to experimental design and research protocol preparation
• Identifying weed species using appropriate methodologies / tools
• Herbicide treatment preparation and application
• Soil sample collection / processing and analysis
• Crop yield and quality assessment
• Data analyses

Work environment

The student will conduct graduate research in-person at the AAFC Agassiz Research and Development Centre (Agassiz, BC) while conducting academic studies under co-supervision of Drs.

Jichul Bae, Ben Thomas and Robert Nurse. The research will be conducted in both field and laboratory settings to investigate how double cropping sequences can be optimized to control weeds and enhance soil health.

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

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

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Education :

Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master or Doctoral program in a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in weed science, agronomy, soil science, plant science, or environmental studies.

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.

Experience :

Experience* in research activities in a field setting.

Experience* in contributing to experimental design.

In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through the studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Knowledge :

Knowledge of statistical tools in research and data analysis.

Knowledge of weed management or nutrient management.

Knowledge of production practices used in field or horticultural crops.

Competencies : Teamwork

Teamwork

Interactive communication

Initiative

Abilities :

Ability to execute experimental protocols and keep accurate and detailed experimental records.

Ability to use computer software for data / information management and analysis.

Ability to effectively communicate in writing and orally.

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

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.

Ability and willingness to work around pesticides if given the proper personal protective equipment and safety training.

Ability and willingness to travel.

Ability and willingness to work overtime on short notice.

Ability and willingness to work outdoors, in inclement conditions.

Ability and willingness to perform physical labour including lifting up to 15kg.

Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and / or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.

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.

Possession of a valid Class 5 British Columbia driver’s license, or other provincial / territorial equivalency.

Other information

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.

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply online through .

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.