Research Assistants (Inventory) Job at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Winnipeg (Manitoba)
EG-03
$57,924 to $70,474 (Salary will be based on the level of the position being staffed. Some positions may also include an additional supervisory differential. For more information, see link to TBS Rates of Pay below.)
For further information on the organization, please visit Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
For more information about the salary, please visit: TBS Rates of Pay
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Closing date: 31 December 2022 - 23:59, Pacific Time
Who can apply: Persons residing in Canada, and Canadian citizens and Permanent residents abroad.Apply online
Update: UPDATE: Please note that there has been an amendment to the conditions of employment for this selection process.
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
When you apply to this selection process, you are not applying for a specific job, but to an inventory for future vacancies. As positions become available, applicants who meet the qualifications may be contacted for further assessment.
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.
- The term “Aboriginal” is used within this job advertisement as it relates to the Employment Equity Act and other legislative frameworks. The term “Indigenous” is used where possible, in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Duties
The incumbent will perform the following duties:
- Receive and prepare samples for analysis (includes assigning lab IDs, milling, weighing, chemical extraction);
- Perform quality testing according to established lab protocols;
- Monitor lab equipment and perform maintenance wherever possible;
- Record, input, and compile data into reports when required to;
- Coordinate work schedule with other staff and;
- Prepare SOPs and JSAs whenever required.
Stream 2: Stored Products Entomology
The incumbent will perform the following duties:
- Maintain insect cultures and prepare diets for these cultures;
- Maintain the lab space and research material in a clean and well organized fashion;
- Monitor the use of supplies, materials and equipment for research activities. Procure, store and organize these items as needed;
- Maintain lab equipment and coordinate the fixing of equipment with external contractors;
- Coordinate the use of laboratory supplies, materials and equipment with internal and external collaborators;
- Train students and collaborators to prepare insect diet, maintain insect cultures, use research material and equipment, and maintain the in a lab safe, clean and organized state;
- Keep health and safety items up to date and maintained (e.g., eyewash stations, first aid kits, AED, chemical storage, chemical labels, SDS sheets, job safety analysis forms);
- Contributes to the development of laboratory standard operating procedures for research activities;
- Contribute to the preparation of experiments on alternative methods of pest control and occasionally aid run experiments and;
- Prepare and preserve insects for identification.
Stream 3: Cereal Grain Research
The incumbent will perform the following duties:
- Measure the composition of grains and agri-food products (e.g. macronutrients and minor components);
- Evaluate properties related to nutritional functionality using static and dynamic in vitro tools such as enzymatic assays, cell culture systems and stomach model (e.g. starch and protein digestibility, bioavailability, fiber physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity);
- Be responsible for conducting grain/pulse processing on lab or pilot scale using various milling, fractionation, flaking and heat processing equipment as well as food formulation for the development of samples for research and clinical trials;
- Evaluate end-product quality and flour/dough functionality using a variety of testing methods including but not limited to RVA, farinograph, mixograph, texture analyzer, colorimeter, particle size analyzer.
Work environment
- The Cereal Quality Laboratory, located in Winnipeg;
- The Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research (RCFTR), located at the University of Manitoba, Fort Garry campus, Winnipeg;
- The Canadian Centre for Grain Storage Research, located at the University of Manitoba, Fort Garry campus, Winnipeg; and
- The Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine (CCARM), is located at the Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg.
Stream 1: Cereal Quality Laboratory
The successful candidate will work in a Cereal Quality Laboratory located in Winnipeg. The Cereal Quality Laboratory is responsible for assessing the quality of early generation breeding cereal grain lines. The CQL conducts a wide variety of cereal quality tests to screen for various traits that are necessary in developing new and improved varieties of wheat, oats, and barley. The position is of a seasonal nature, running fall to spring, based on operational requirements. The incumbent will provide technical support to the Research Scientist by carrying out lab analyses and processing experiments required to fulfill the objectives of the cereal grain breeding program.
Stream 2: Stored Products Entomology
The successful candidate will work in a Grain Storage Research Laboratory physically located at the Canadian Wheat Board Centre for Grain Storage Research on the campus of the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg, MB. The stored products laboratory investigates aspects of prevention, detection, and management of insects and molds in stored products, particularly in stored grain.
Stream 3: Cereal Grain Research
The incumbent will work in a cereal chemistry/nutrition research laboratory focusing on the nutrition and quality of cereal grain and pulse crop cultivars. The laboratory is located at the Richardson Center for Food Technology and Research, located at the University of Manitoba campus in Winnipeg. Our lab evaluates the physical, biochemical, and rheological factors responsible for grain, flour, and end-product quality. The incumbent will provide technical support to the Research Scientist by carrying out lab analyses and processing experiments required to fulfill the objectives of the research program.
Intent of the process
The purpose of this process is to staff positions at the Morden Research and Development Centre (MRDC). The immediate need is :
Stream 1: Cereal Quality Laboratory – indeterminate seasonal position in Winnipeg.
Stream 2 : Stored Product Entomology – indeterminate position in Winnipeg.
Stream 3: Cereal Grain Research – indeterminate position in Winnipeg.
*Anticipatory* - A pool of fully or partially qualified candidates will be establish to staff identical or similar positions at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada or in the Public Service with various tenures, various linguistic requirements, various security requirements, various conditions of employment and for various locations across Canada.
Positions to be filled: Number to be determined
Information you must provide
Your résumé.
Contact information for 2 references.
In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)
EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.
If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Click on the link below to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).
Degree equivalent : https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs/degree-equivalency.html
Degree equivalency
EXPERIENCE
Experience coordinating and conducting research activities in a laboratory or field environment.
Experience using scientific equipment, applying, adapting or and trouble shooting scientific techniques and methodologies.
Experience making observations, preparing data sheets, collecting or recording data accurately or summarizing results.
If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)
ASSET EDUCATION
Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in agriculture, food science, entomology, chemistry, biochemistry or a related field of study.
Degree equivalency
ASSET EXPERIENCE
Stream 1 and 3 only:
Skilled in Cereal grain/flour quality test protocols and the use and maintenance of related equipment.
Experience in the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment for evaluating the composition and physical characteristics of cereal grains and/or grain products.
Experience with analytical and instrumental techniques for quantification of grain/plant/food constituents.
Experience in operating grain milling and/or other processing equipment for grains and foods.
ASSET EXPERIENCE
Stream 2 only:
Experience in drafting and maintaining standard operating procedures.
Experience maintaining healthy laboratory colonies of insects.
Experience coordinating and conducting entomological research activities in a lab or field environment.
Experience with barcoding or other molecular biology techniques.
Experience in chemical ecology techniques used in entomology.
Experience in carrying out projects in insect biology, particularly ecology or biological control.
Experience in carrying out projects in stored product entomology.
The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)
English essential
Information on language requirements
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of the principles of analytical techniques including the operation of basic laboratory equipment.
Knowledge of basic computer programs, such as Microsoft Excel, and Word.
Knowledge of the methods required to record, analyze and report data using appropriate computer software.
Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
COMPETENCIES
Interactive Communication
Initiative
Adaptability
Teamwork
ABILITIES
Ability to evaluate and interpret analytical results and prepare a summary of results.
Ability to perform standard laboratory procedures.
Ability to schedule and coordinate analytical testing.
The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)
ASSET KNOWLEDGE
Stream 2 only:
Knowledge of field entomology methods and equipment to assess changes in insect populations.
Knowledge of methods to prepare and preserve insects for identification.
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
Preference may be given to AAFC employees affected by workforce adjustment.
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability and willingness to lift up to 25 kg.
Willingness to work irregular hours.
Ability and willingness to maintain standing and/or sitting positions for extended periods.
Ability and willingness to be exposed to grain and flour dust.
Possession of a valid, class 5 (Manitoba) driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
Ability and willingness to work overtime including evenings and weekends.
Ability and willingness to work in a hot or cold environment in confined spaces.
Ability and willingness to work at height under different types of weather.
Ability and willingness to work with molds.
Ability and willingness to work with high levels of dust.
Conditions of employment
Reliability Status security clearance
- Ability and willingness to wear protective clothing and/or equipment.
- Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
- Ability and willingness to work with dust, loud equipment, chemicals and other lab hazards using personal protective equipment.
Note: Candidates must meet the applicable Conditions of Employment at the time of appointment and must continue to meet these during the period of appointment.
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
Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact the email referenced below under “Contact Information”.
When applying on-line applicants can:
- create a profile and resume that can be used when applying for other processes
- update their applications at any time;
- verify the status of their application at any time;
- find important information related to the process.
If you have an enquiry about your 'Applicant Profile', please contact the Public Service Commission directly for assistance.
Please identify the following on your application: substantive group and level if applicable; employment status; Personal Record Identifier (PRI).
There is a questionnaire that is part of this application process. Most questions are in a yes/no format, however, some will require additional details. Provide as much detail as possible to avoid being screened out. Do not copy and paste your resume when answering these questions. Your resume will be used for additional support for the answers you provide.
Communication for this inventory 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 inventory should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).
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.
All communication relating to this inventory, including email correspondence may be used in the assessment of qualifications.
Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the
- Depth, breadth, type of work-specific experience;
- Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications.
There will be a security screening process prior to being hired that will include a criminal record check (fingerprinting) and credit check.
On October 6, 2021, the Government of Canada announced details of its plans to require vaccination across the federal public service. The details can be found on this site: https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/news/2021/10/backgrounder-covid-19-vaccine-requirement-for-the-federal-workforce.html
As per the new Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, federal public servants in the Core Public Administration and members of the RCMP must attest to their vaccination status. The requirement for employees to be fully vaccinated applies whether they are teleworking, working remotely or working on-site. This is a condition of employment and it applies to indeterminate (permanent), determinate (term), casual, and student hiring. Should you reach the point in the selection process where it is necessary to verify terms and conditions of employment then the hiring manager or a human resources representative will contact you in order to complete an attestation. The Policy can be found on this site: https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=32694
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.
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