Master's in Forage Production and Ruminant Nutrition

Government of Canada

Swift Current

On-site

CAD 35,000 - 44,000

Full time

38 hours ago

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Job summary

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Science and Technology Branch at the Swift Current RDC invites applications for a Master’s in Forage Production and Ruminant Nutrition Research Affiliate Program. The project runs May 3, 2027 to Nov 30, 2029, with 25 h/week in school and 37.5 h/week in summer.

You’ll conduct field trials, lab analyses, and contribute to reports and theses. Applicants must be enrolled in a relevant Master’s program, have experience in field and lab work, and be prepared to work

Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a Master’s program related to Agriculture.
Experience in field plots, lab work and data collection.
Ability to analyze forage samples and report results.
Capability to contribute to thesis and research publications.

Responsibilities

Organize, manage and monitor field small plot trials.
Organize, manage and monitor in vitro lab trials.
Collect and analyze forage and silage samples related to the project.
Collect and analyze data with proper statistical procedures.
Draft reports and contribute to research publications.

Skills

Field work

Lab work

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

Master's program in Agriculture

Animal Sciences

Ruminant Nutrition

Forage/Plant Agronomy

Grazing Management

Biological Sciences

Range Ecology and Management

Job description

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

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada- Science and Technology Branch

Employment tenure

The projected start date is May 3, 2027, with an end date of November 30, 2029 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs) with the possibility of extension. It is expected that the student will work 25 hours per week during the school period (September to April), and 37.5 hours per week during the summer period.

Salary

$25.17 to $31.69 per hour-Varies as per the level of education and experience.

Who can apply

Be recognized as having full-time student status at an accredited Canadian post-secondary academic institution (this includes students with a disability deemed to have full-time status). Individuals pending approval of acceptance or in the process of submitting applications are encouraged to apply, as proof of enrollment will only be required prior to the start date.
Be enrolled in an academic program that requires research as part of the curriculum.
Be at least the minimum age to work in the province or territory where the job is located.

Duties

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

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.

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
Animal Sciences
Ruminant Nutrition
Forage/ plant Agronomy
Grazing Management
Biological Sciences
Range Ecology and Management
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.