Summer Student Research Assistant Positions in Simcoe

Job Posting: Student- Summer Research Assistant
Organization: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Division/Branch: Economic Development Division / Agriculture Development Branch
Job Term: Temporary (up to 7 positions) for 14 weeks
Location:  OMAFRA Simcoe Resource Centre, Simcoe, Ontario (Norfolk County)
Salary: $15.10 / hour, based on a 36.25 hour work week

Closing Date: Friday, January 29^th, 2021

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs – Agriculture Development Branch in Simcoe Ontario is 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 agronomy, specialty crops, plant diseases, insects and pest management in the horticulture crop sector within the province. The successful candidate will be responsible for both field and office duties. Field work includes setting up research plots, assessing pest populations, scouting for pest issues, recording insect trap data, assisting in data collection and research plot maintenance in horticulture crops. Office duties will include data entry and literature reviews.

Duties may include some or all of the following:

• Assist with applied research and demonstration projects conducted by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Horticulture and Specialty Crops Staff.
• Activities will include the set-up and maintenance (weeding, planting, etc.) of research plots focused on production practices, soil health, weed control, pest management, and fertility etc., collection/entering of data and preparation of written reports. Training will be provided on research methods, technology transfer, and working in the public sector
• Collecting, archiving and organizing digital photos of key growth stages and major pests of horticultural and specialty crops such as strawberries, tree fruit, hops, lavender, ginseng, sweet potatoes and industrial crops
• Field work may include farm tours, field scouting, identification and monitoring of insects, weeds and crop diseases.
• Assist staff with the collection and analysis of on-farm samples and data for research projects.
• Assist staff to conduct literature reviews and develop written reports and presentation materials on key initiatives and industry issues.
• Assist in the coordination of events and programs (e.g. workshops, demonstrations, field days etc.) working with key stakeholders and clients in delivery of programs and information.
• Office work may include assisting with the production of technical information such as newsletters, updating web pages, blogs, scanning images, etc.

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 and data 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 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
• 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 crop production
• You are willing to travel to rural locations (frequently not accessible by public transportation)
• You must have a minimum Ontario G2 Driver’s Lience

How to Apply:

• 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 on the first day of employment.
• You must be legally entitled 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.
• You must provide your cover letter and resume electronically in one file to Jacquie.defields@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:

Jacquie DeFields

OMAFRA

Simcoe Resource Centre

1283 Blueline Road,

Box 587 Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 4N5

Tel: 519-426-7122

Fax: 519-428-1142

You should receive confirmation within 2 business days if your application was received. If you do not receive a confirmation in that time, please call Jacquie DeFields.

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