Research Scientist – Precision Horticulture

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.

Duties

We are seeking a Research Scientist with expertise and experience in Precision Agriculture technologies applied to the horticulture sector. The successful candidate will lead and develop an innovative research program in horticulture, leveraging advanced technologies such as remote sensing, image analysis, robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics for improving the economics and sustainability of the horticultural sector under changing climate conditions.
The successful candidate will develop novel approaches for:
• Efficient detection of key horticultural pressures and stressors through advanced sensing technologies
• Creating automated systems for precision application or recommendation of crop management practices based on spatial and temporal needs
• Optimizing resource utilization in vegetable and fruit production systems

The incumbent will contribute to a working environment that fosters collegiality, diversity, and teamwork. The Research Scientist will be part of a multidisciplinary team of science professionals at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Research and Development Centre (RDC) located in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, that includes expertise in agroecology, digital agronomy, entomology, geomatics, horticulture, plant pathology, and soil sciences. This role involves active collaboration with AAFC scientists in other RDCs and academic professionals, as well as establishing partnerships with horticultural producers, technology developers, and industry stakeholders, along with other federal and provincial departments. This role also involves research grant application and project management. The incumbent will participate in the transfer of scientific knowledge and technology to partners, clients and the general public. The Research Scientist will supervise technical staff and may serve on graduate student committees and potentially co-supervise graduate students. The candidate is expected to work at the AAFC Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu RDC a minimum of 3 days per week, unless they have an exceptional circumstance, which are determined on a case by case basis.

Work environment

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

The immediate need is to staff one position on an indeterminate basis. A pool of qualified and partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions with various tenures as well as various linguistic requirements.

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)

Graduation with an acceptable doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field of science with a specialization related to the duties of the position, such as, but not limited to:
• Plant physiology
• Plant ecology
• Plant science
• Viticulture
• Horticulture
• Agronomy
• Biological systems engineering

Applications will be accepted from candidates enrolled in their final year, but who have not yet completed a Ph.D. program. Completion of the Ph.D. thesis must occur before the date of appointment.

Recognized achievement in the form of authorship and editorship of published or unpublished reports, books, papers, or other communications resulting from:
a) Research, experimental development, or tasking associated with operational equipment and
problems; OR
b) Operational research and scientific analysis; OR
c) Planning, analysis and evaluation of Canadian and foreign programs in research and
development; OR
d) Developmental work leading to the issue of patents, copyrights, or the creation of improved
varieties, functions, or designs, and/or recognition by the professional community of the
research environment.

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 equivalency

EXPERIENCE:
Experience in the design and implementation of scientific research on agricultural crops, with emphasis on plant-stress (biotic and/or abiotic) interactions and management aimed at optimizing yield, quality and/or production efficiency.
Experience with the use of crop digital and sensing technologies (for example: spectroscopy and imagery).

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

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS - EXPERIENCE:
Experience managing multi-year projects with associated human resource, budgetary, and planning functions.
Experience interacting with industry and other stakeholders to garner support and research direction.
Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team.
Experience applying for research grants.
Experience in research on horticultural crops.

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

Bilingual - Imperative (BBB/BBB)

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:
Knowledge of precision agriculture technologies and their application to horticultural production systems.
Knowledge of resource management as it relates to soil, water, and nutrients in horticulture crop production systems.
Knowledge of experimental designs and methods for analysing and summarizing data sets.

COMPETENCIES:
Creativity and Innovation
Teamwork
Judgement
Results oriented
Integrity and Respect

ABILITIES:
Ability to design and implement an innovative research program.
Ability to make scientific presentations to varied audiences.

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

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS - COMPETENCIES:
Team Leadership

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

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability and willingness to travel.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging on the duties to be performed.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Possession of a valid, class 5 Quebec 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.

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.

A test may be administered.

An interview may be administered.

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

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.

Contact information

Apply online