Student – PhD on the investigation of groundwater flow in southern Ontario - Research Affiliate Program

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to work on a project focusing on groundwater flow patterns and the presence of poor quality water due to natural and anthropogenic contaminants in a region of southern Ontario. These quality issues pose serious environmental and health problems, since groundwater is sometimes unfit for consumption or irrigation. It can also sometimes contain methane and/or H2S (which is toxic). The study area covers approximately 2000 km2 and corresponds to the lower part of the Grand River watershed. It includes two First Nations reserves with water supply issues.

The main objective of this PhD thesis is to characterize the properties of shallow aquifers in the study area and to examine groundwater flow and the dynamics between surface water and groundwater. To this end, this thesis will involve:
• the collection of relevant existing data,
• fieldwork,
• laboratory analyses,
• interpretation of acquired data,
• and 2D and 3D numerical modeling.

Fieldwork will include permeability tests (i.e., slug tests) and the installation of pressure transducers in monitoring wells, permeability tests in surficial sediments using a Guelph permeameter, and sampling of surficial sediment and core samples. Different approaches will be used to estimate the various components of the water budget, including recharge. For modeling purposes, a conceptual model will first be developed based on the existing provincial geological (Quaternary and bedrock) models, which will include estimated hydrogeological property values and boundary conditions. Next, hydrogeological models will be developed to test the estimated property values and conditions, then more complex integrated SW/GW models will be developed based on the knowledge gained from the previous models. The latter will then be used to make predictions, in order to study the impacts of climate change and the fate of contaminant plumes.

This work will support land use management and help better plan water supply in problem areas. This thesis is part of a larger multi-institutional project led by the GSC.

Intent of the process

The intention is to staff one student position for the completion of a PhD on the investigation of groundwater flow and groundwater-surface water interactions under climate change in the Grand River watershed (Ontario).

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "and an unofficial copy of transcript"

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

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

• Currently enrolled or willing to enroll at the University of Guelph.
• The candidate must hold a Master's degree from a recognized university (or be in the final year) with a specialization in one of the following disciplines: hydrogeology, earth sciences, geology, geological or civil engineering, environmental sciences, or any other relevant discipline. This doctorate is conditional on obtaining the master's degree by December 2024.

Degree equivalency

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

• Experience* in hydrogeological modeling (e.g. MODFLOW, FEFLOW, HydroGeoSphere).
• Field experience* (e.g. water sampling in wells, permeability testing).
• Knowledge of Matlab and GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Programming experience* in Python.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Maintained an excellent grade point average (average > 3.3/4).
• Personal qualities:
- Motivation
- Need to be able to work efficiently in a collaborative team
- Independence

* In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

Conditions of employment

• Reliability Status security clearance - NOTE: Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment.
Therefore, the student will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-related documents.
• The student will need to be registered at the University of Guelph for this PhD degree, where her advisor will be located, and reside in or close to Guelph due to the location of fieldwork (in the lower part of the Grand River watershed).
• The student must be ready to do regular fieldwork and irregular work hours.
• The student must be ready to travel for relatively long periods (a few days/weeks).
• The student must have a valid full driver’s license.

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

For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via email. Candidates must include a valid email address in their application. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that this address is functional and that it accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

A written examination may be administered.
An interview may be conducted.
Reference will be sought.

You must provide proof of your education credentials. Candidates with foreign credentials must provide proof of Canadian equivalency. Consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information at http://www.cicic.ca/.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

You must indicate on your application if you require a technical aid for testing or an alternative method of assessment.

Candidates from outside the public service may be required to pay for travel and relocation costs associated with this selection process.

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.

Preference

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Contact information