Job Ad: Summer Students – Field Research Assistants in Horticulture Crops

Organization: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Division/Branch: Economic Development Division / Agriculture Development Branch

Position Title: Field Research Assistant in Horticulture Crops

Job Term: Temporary (2 positions) for up to 14 weeks

Location: 1 Stone Road, Guelph, Ontario

Salary: Level 2 $15.20/hour, based on a 36.25-hour work week

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, specialty crops and ornamentals.  These positions will provide the opportunity to learn about horticulture crop production, plant diseases, insect pests, integrated pest management (IPM) and extension 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, entomology, pest management, nutrient management, and/or crop production, depending on the season.
• 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, radio reports and blogs.
• Perform office duties and complete 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, MS Teams or Zoom 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 Ontario crop production
• You are willing to travel to rural locations (frequently not accessible by public transportation, work vehicle provided)
• Experience in plant pathology, entomology, horticulture production, or agronomy is an asset but not necessary

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.
• Effective October 1, 2021, the OPS COVID-19 Safe Workplace Directive will require all Ontario Public Service employees to provide proof they are fully vaccinated, meaning they are fully vaccinated as defined by the Ministry of Health (refer to: COVID-19 Fully Vaccinated Status in Ontario), including 14 calendar days have passed since receiving their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Employees who do not provide proof of full vaccination will be deemed ‘not vaccinated` under the Directive and will be required to attend a vaccine education program and undergo regular rapid antigen testing. Employees who are not vaccinated under the policy with a valid medical exemption will not be required to attend a vaccine education program.

How to Apply:

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

As part of providing accessible customer service, please let us know if you have any accommodation needs or require communication supports or alternate formats.

Closing Date: December 8, 2021

Summer Student positions related specifically to vegetable crops will be posted after this job posting has closed.