Job Description

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch


Lethbridge (Alberta)


EG-03


$65,216 to $81,985
For further information on the organization, please visit Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada


Discover the interesting work we do at Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Videos

Closing date: 2 June 2025 - 23:59, Pacific Time

Who can apply:

Persons residing within a 90 km radius of Lethbridge, Alberta

Apply online

Important messages

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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.

Duties

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Under the supervision of a Research Scientist, the duties will include:


Assisting with setting up of seed for field planting, including treating seed, preparation of tests for multiple locations, arranging seed in planting order, organising various nurseries, packing, shipping to various locations. May involve assisting with seeding of various types of plots (yield, single row and two rows, etc.) using tractor and specialized seeders. May involve staking of plots in the field, maintaining plots, mowing pathways, roguing off types. May involve collecting various agronomic data from the field (yield, height, days to flower, maturity, lodging, disease and insect damage, etc.). Preparing for harvesting of grain plots, including: labelling bags, arranging them in harvest order etc. Harvesting single plants and small plots using threshers, stationary combines and plot combines. Arranging of seed in plot order, weighing, cleaning and collecting data (agronomic, disease resistance and seed quality). Setting up of seed for indoor planting of seed increases and crossing blocks. Maintenance of plants in greenhouse and growth rooms. Assisting in developing new protocols and modifying existing protocols. Organizing and cataloging of seed using software. Maintenance of seed collections. Other plant breeding related duties as required.

Work environment

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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.

Intent of the process

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Immediate need: 1 temporary seasonal position (duration of 3 years - sunset funding).

The seasonal work period will be from August to April (8 months per year).



Please note that this position requires on-site presence in Lethbridge, Alberta.



A pool of qualified and/or partially qualified candidates may be established and used to fill similar seasonal positions.



In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, and there is a temporary need, they may be considered for acting, deployment, assignment or secondment opportunities.

Positions to be filled:

1

Information you must provide

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Your resume.

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

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Secondary school diploma or acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Degree equivalency

Experience providing support in an agricultural field operation. Experience harvesting or threshing individual plants or plots. Experience processing a large number (> 100) of seed samples (e.g. cleaning, weighing, maintenance). Experience in the maintenance of plants grown in a greenhouse.

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

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Experience in the operation of small field equipment such as tractor or small-plot combine. Experience with hybridisation of field crops. Experience with hauling small-plot combine, seeder or other equipment using a trailer to off-station field sites.

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

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English essential


Information on language requirements

Knowledge of general agriculture in Alberta. Adaptability Concern for Safety Teamwork Interactive Communication Ability to follow instructions, and to perform accurate and efficient data entry.

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

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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

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Reliability Status security clearance

Possession of a valid class 5 Alberta driver's license or other provincial/territorial equivalency. 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 perform physically demanding work activities including moderate to heavy manual labour requiring bending and lifting objects (up to 25 kg). Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials (chemicals and pesticides). Ability and willingness to work in field environments, greenhouse and laboratory for extended periods at a time. Ability and willingness to work under various environmental and weather conditions (e.g. hot, cold, wet, dry). Ability and willingness to work flexible hours and overtime throughout the year including during seeding and harvest.

Other information

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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


ASSESSMENT INFORMATION



You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.



Various assessment tools may be used, such as standardized tests, interviews, references, board member knowledge, etc.



All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence may be used in the assessment of qualifications.



A random or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.



Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:

Matching the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and weaknesses of the work team. Matching the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed. Depth, breadth, and type of work-specific experience. Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications.


NOTE: A hands-on test and an interview will be be administered on-site at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre. Candidates who will be invited to this step will be expected to come on-site to complete the assessment.


Reference checks may be sought.



You must provide proof of your educational credentials.



Asset qualifications may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.



APPLICATION & CORRESPONDENCE INFORMATION



Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs.html.



Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact the email referenced below under "Contact Information."



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).

Preference

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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.