Research Assistant

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.

Assessment accommodation

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.

Work environment

Intent of the process

Immediate need: one (1) permanent full-time position in Lacombe (Alberta).
A pool of qualified and/or partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and temporary employment.
In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process and there is a temporary need, he/she may be considered for acting, deployment, assignment or secondment opportunities.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

• Diploma or degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in Agriculture, Biology, Microbiology or related discipline.

Degree equivalency

• Experience planning and conducting cereal pathology research activities in the field, growth cabinet, greenhouse and / or laboratory.
• Experience contributing to the development of field and /or laboratory standard operating and safety procedures for research activities.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized postsecondary institution in plant pathology, microbiology, plant biology, agriculture or field relevant to the duties of the position.

Degree equivalency

• Possession of a current Alberta Agricultural Pesticide Applicators License.
• Experience operating field equipment (such as tractors, irrigation equipment, seeders and implements attached to a tractor).
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques.
• Experience supervising summer students and / or summer labourers.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

• Knowledge of plant pathology techniques (such as disease assessment, fungal isolation and identification, culturing and inoculation procedures).

• Ability to make observations, differentiate cereal diseases and disease levels.
• Ability to collect and record data accurately and summarize results.

• Concern for safety
• Teamwork
• Interactive communication
• Initiative
• Adaptability

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.

Information on employment equity

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

• Possession of a valid class five Alberta driver’s license or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
• Ability and willingness to travel (e.g. for sample collection, record data).
• Ability and willingness to work irregular hours and overtime.
• Ability and willingness to work with high levels of noise and dust.
• Ability and willingness to perform physically demanding work activities, including moderate to heavy manual work such as lifting objects up to 25 kg.
• 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.
• Ability and willingness to work with and handle plant pathogens and microorganisms.
• With appropriate safety precautions in place, ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse/growth cabinets and/or field environments for extended periods at a time.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors under various weather conditions with exposure to insects.
• Under normal safety precautions, ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials.
• Ability and willingness to obtain an Alberta Agricultural Pesticide Applicators License within six months of appointment and ability and willingness to work with pesticides.

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.

Information on 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.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.