The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness – Agriculture Development Branch in Guelph and Ridgetown Ontario are seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic and energetic team players. These positions will provide an excellent opportunity for those interested in a career in horticulture production, pest management, plant pathology, entomology, research or the agricultural service sector. This position will provide the opportunity to learn about plant diseases, insect pests and production in several horticulture crop sectors within the province.
The successful candidates will be responsible for both field and office work. Field work includes setting up research plots, assessing pest populations, scouting for pest issues, recording insect trap data, conducting pest surveys, assisting in data collection and research plot maintenance in vegetable crops. Office work will include data entry, improving the CropIPM database as well as literature reviews.
Organization: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
Division/Branch: Economic Development Division / Agriculture Development Branch
Position Title: Field Research Assistant – Vegetable Crops
Job Term: Temporary for up to 18 weeks
Locations: 1 Stone Road, Guelph, Ontario & 120 Main St E, Ridgetown
Salary: Level 2 – $18.45 / hour, based on a 36.25 hour work week
Start Date: April 20th, 2026 to May 4th, 2026
Duties:
- Assist with applied research and demonstration projects conducted by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA).
- Projects will focus on plant pathology, entomology and pest management in vegetable crops.
- Field work includes setting up and maintaining (planting, weeding, harvesting etc.) research plots, field scouting, pest monitoring and identification, production practices, pest management etc., collecting/entering of data and preparation of written reports. Training will be provided on research methods, technology transfer, and working in the public sector.
- Assist with the collection and analysis of on-farm samples and data from research projects.
- Assist with gathering existing information, conduct new literature reviews and develop written reports and presentation materials on key initiatives.
- Office work will include assisting with data entry into disease prediction models research, data entry and database management, assisting with the production of technical information such as newsletters, factsheets, web pages, blogs, etc.
Please review the qualifications for this position. What we are looking for:
- You work independently or as part of a team; you plan, organize and prioritize your work to meet competing deadlines.
- You are willing to travel to rural locations (frequently not accessible by public transportation).
- You are familiar with farming and interested in horticulture crop production.
- You enjoy working in an outdoor environment with physical activity involved.
- 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 are able to 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 Word and Excel.
Requirements:
- You must have an Ontario full G Driver’s License 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 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.
- You must be a resident of Ontario.
- You must be eligible to work in Canada.
How to Apply:
- You must apply via the Ontario Public Service Career Portal. The full job position can be found here: Ontario Public Service Careers – Job Preview for Job ID 239757
- When applying, be sure to select ‘Vegetable Crops‘ and ‘Guelph‘ and/or ‘Ridgetown‘
- If you have problems applying through the link above, please contact:
Travis Cranmer
Vegetable Crops Specialist
travis.cranmer@ontario.ca
If you have a disability and require accommodation to apply, please contact the supervisor above.
Looking for OMAFA summer opportunities in other regions or crops? Horticulture positions are also available in Simcoe, Harrow and Vineland, focusing on production and pest management of fruit, specialty crops, nursery and greenhouse crops. Apply through the same link above and specify interest in the other locations or horticultural crops.
Closing Date: February 10th, 2026 at 11:59 PM – Late applications will not be accepted.