Master's in Forage Production and Ruminant Nutrition - Research Affiliate Program

About the position

Duties
As part of the MSc program (project), the incumbent will manage and organize a field small plot trial and a lab in vitro studies. Duties include:
• Organize, manage and monitor field small plot trial
• Organize, manage and monitor in vitro lab trial
• Collect and analyze forage and silage samples related to the project
• Collect and analyze data with proper statistical procedure
• Draft reports and contributes to the preparation of research reports and presentations
• Complete thesis and contribute for scientific publication

Work environment
The Forage and Ruminant Nutrition research team at the Swift Current RDC has a crew of two research scientists, three technicians, a livestock manager and 5 general labourer. The successful candidate will manage a research project that involves small plot trial, silage quality assessment as well as an in vitro lab trial. The candidate will work closely with the research team who will provide all the necessary support and guidance. In implementing the project, the successful candidate is willing:
• to join the university of Saskatchewan to complete all the courses needed for the MSc program while managing the research project at the Swift Current RDC.
• to work with the forage and beef research team to manage the project and coordinate research activities in the field and in the lab
• to work under various environmental and weather conditions. The project involves field small plot trial that requires establishment, maintenance and sample and data collection during the summer and fall seasons. Collected samples are prepared and analyzed in the lab during winter and spring seasons.
• to work with beef cattle as the project requires rumen fluid collection from rumen fistulated animals for the in vitro lab analysis.
• to work in a laboratory environment. The forage and beef program has a fully functional ruminant nutrition laboratory where collected samples will be analyzed. Technicians will facilitate and provide all the necessary help while the candidate implement lab analysis protocols to analyze collected samples.

Positions to be filled
1

Important messages
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.

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.

Learn more about security screening process.

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

Operational Requirements

• Ability and willingness to work overtime, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
• Ability and willingness to work in a field, barn, and laboratory environments.
• Ability and willingness to work under various environmental and weather conditions.
• Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials.

You need (essential for the job)

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following

Education:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of the appointment in a Master's program at a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in:
• Agriculture or
• Animal Sciences or
• Ruminant Nutrition or
• Forage/ plant Agronomy or
• Grazing Management or
• Biological Sciences or
• Range Ecology and Management or
• in a discipline related to the position study subject.

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.The student must meet the eligibility criteria to enroll at the University of Saskatchewan.

Learn more about degree equivalency.

Experience:
Experience* working in the field, animal barn, and laboratory environment.
Experience* in collecting, managing and analyzing experimental data.
Experience* in writing research report.

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

Applied / assessed at a later date

Knowledge:
Knowledge of forage agronomy and production.
Knowledge of animal production and management.

Competencies:
Adaptability
Concern for safety
Planning and organizing

Abilities:
Ability to work in the field and manage small plots.
Ability to work with beef cattle.
Ability to work in the lab setting and apply scientific techniques.
Ability to record and collect data accurately as well as analyze and interpret results.

Language requirements (essential for the job)

Applied / assessed at a later date

English essential - You are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice.

Learn more about language requirements.

Our commitment

We're 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 contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Learn more about assessment accommodation.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.

Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service.

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.

Learn more about employment equity.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of jobs located in Nunavut or Yukon. For positions located in Nunavut, qualified Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will be appointed first. For positions located in Yukon, qualified Yukon First Nations will be appointed first, followed by qualified Indigenous persons.

Learn more about preference to veterans.

How to apply

Learn more about applying for Government of Canada jobs.

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

We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Additional links

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

Hiring organization contact

Name: RAP Team – Research Affiliate Program
Email address: [email protected]

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