Job Ad:     Student – Summer Research Assistant

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’ Simcoe Resource Centre will provide an excellent opportunity for those interested in a career in research, science or agriculture. These positions will provide the opportunity to learn about diseases, insects, and agronomy of the major field horticulture crops and specialty crops grown in the province. They will also give students practical experience with conducting biological research and various technology transfer opportunities that will apply to horticulture but can also be extended to other science and public service careers. Students working at the Simcoe Resource Centre will have exposure to the widest range of field-grown horticulture crops of any research site in the province. Crops covered by specialists in Simcoe include berries, apples, ginseng, lavender, haskap, hops, hemp, hazelnuts and chestnuts, peanuts, sesame, culinary herbs, sweet potatoes, and obscure fruit crops like pawpaw and persimmon.

Duties:

• Assist with summer 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 various horticultural and specialty 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 and MS Excel 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
• Familiarity with plants, farming and crop production is an asset but is not required. Training will be provided in these areas.
• You are willing to travel to rural locations (frequently not accessible by public transportation)
• You must have a minimum Ontario G2 Driver’s Licence

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 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: 226-922-9403

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 Jacquie.defields@ontario.ca.

Posting Date: February 4, 2022
Closing Date: February 25, 2022