OMAFRA Summer Student Positions in Guelph

Job Posting: Students – Field Research Assistants in Horticultural Crops
Organization: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Division/Branch: Economic Development Division / Agriculture Development Branch
Position Title: Student – Field Research Assistants in Horticulture Crops (Summer)
Job Term: Temporary (6 positions) for up to 18 weeks
Location:  1 Stone Road W, Guelph, Ontario
Salary: $12.25 / hour, based on a 36.25 hour work week

Closing Date: February 2, 2017

Are you serious about making your mark, getting hands-on work experience and learning more about careers in the Ontario Public Service? These positions at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Guelph, Ontario will provide an excellent opportunity for those interested in a career in horticulture crop production, pest management, research or the agricultural service sector. Crops may include fruits, vegetables and ornamentals.  These positions will provide the opportunity to learn about horticulture crop production, plant diseases, insect pests, integrated pest management (IPM) and agronomy in the horticulture crop sectors within the province. Training will be provided on research methods, technology transfer and working in the public sector.

Duties may include some or all of the following:

• Assist with summer applied research and demonstration projects conducted by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Specialists in Horticulture Crops.
• Projects will focus on plant pathology, nematology, entomology, pest management, nutrient management, irrigation and/or crop production, depending on the position.
• Field work tasks, such as setting up and maintaining research plots (e.g., planting, weeding), field scouting, pest monitoring, keeping detailed field reports and taking photos of insects and diseased plant material.
• Assist with the collection and analysis of on-farm samples and data from research projects.
• Perform pest identifications and taking photographs using a microscope.
• Conduct literature reviews.
• Develop written reports and presentation materials on key initiatives.
• Assist with data entry into disease prediction models, insect degree day models and database management
• Help develop technical information, such as newsletters, factsheets, web pages and blogs.
• Perform office duties and attend mandatory training modules

Please review the qualifications for this position. What we are looking for: 

• You apply your interpersonal skills to work within a multi-disciplinary team
• You apply your observational skills and attention to detail to conduct research, field monitoring, data collection and entry
• You apply your written communication skills to prepare a variety of documents (e.g. reports, factsheets, and articles).
• You are familiar with computer based software applications including MS Word, MS Excel, Internet and database management software to perform data entry, conduct analysis, prepare reports, track and compile information
• You can work in an outdoor environment with physical activity involved, including light lifting
• You work independently or as part of a team; you plan, organize and prioritize your work to meet competing deadlines
• You are familiar with farming and horticulture crop production
• You are willing to travel to rural locations (frequently not accessible by public transportation)
• Experience in plant pathology, entomology, weed science, horticulture production, or agronomy is an asset.

Requirements:

• You must have a minimum valid Ontario G2 Driver’s Licence and a good driving record
• You must demonstrate how you meet the eligibility criteria, skills and experience we are looking for clearly, completely and concisely. We rely on the information you provide to us.
• You must be a resident of Ontario.

• You must be eligible to work in Canada.
• You must be between 15-24 years of age (up to 29 with disability) on the first day of employment.
• You must be currently enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary school, or have completed all academic requirements for graduation within 6 months of first day of employment.

How to Apply:

• You must provide your cover letter and resume electronically in one file to michael.celetti@ontario.ca in any of the following formats: PDF, WORD, plain or rich-text format (.pdf, .doc, .docx, .txt and .rtf) OR you could provide your cover letter and resume on paper to:

Michael Celetti
Plant Pathologist, Horticulture Crops Program Lead
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Room 3110, Edmund C. Bovey Building
University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1
Ph: (519) 824-4120 ext. 58910
Fax: (519) 767-0755

If you have a disability and require accommodation to apply please contact Supervisor above.

Closing Date: February 2, 2017