Agricultural Assistant - Ontario Crops Research Centre - Simcoe

University of Guelph; Central Ontario; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Guelph is seeking a seasonal, full-time staff member to support agricultural operations at the Simcoe research facility. The role involves handling pest control products, operating farm equipment, and assisting researchers with plots and data entry.

The incumbent will work under close supervision with a focus on safety and precision. The position runs from early February to mid-December, with typical 8-hour days, Monday to Friday, in Simcoe, Ontario.

Qualifications

• Requires 2-year agriculture diploma or higher.
• 2 years farm experience preferred, 1 year in agriculture research.
• Grower Pesticide Safety Certification (can be obtained after start).
• Driver’s license G2 or higher required.

Responsibilities

• Handle, mix and store Pest Control Products safely.
• Apply pest control products using spraying systems.
• Conduct pest scouting and monitoring for pests.
• Maintain inventory of Pest Control Products.
• Operate tractor-based equipment for land cultivation.
• Assist with orchard establishment and pruning.
• Support researchers with plots, data collection, and data entry.
• Maintain cleaning and organization of site areas.

Skills

Pest control product handling

Equipment operation

Data entry and admin tasks

Education

2-Year Community College, Agriculture Diploma, or higher education

Tools

Grower Pesticide Safety Certification

Job description

Location: Simcoe, ON, CA, N3Y 4N5

Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: Research Facilities

Requisition ID: 3132

Department: OMAFRA Research Facilities

This position is covered by the Collective Agreement with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation District 35 - Technician/Administrative/Research/Agricultural

Temporary full-time from 02/05/2027 to 12/10/2027

Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

Reporting to Manager, Ontario Crops Research Centre, Simcoe and based out of the town of Simcoe, Ontario. This is a seasonal role (10.5 months, early February to mid-December) that supports agricultural operations of the 90-hectare research center that focuses on horticultural crop production. The incumbent will assist with all aspects of orchard, vegetable, small fruit crop production and must regularly operate and maintain a variety of agricultural equipment. They will be expected to complete written work requests from the manager, professors, and technicians in addition to routine tasks with a high level of independence.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Handle, mix and store Pest Control Products in a safe and compliant fashion.
• Pest control product application using a variety of different spraying systems.
• Conduct pest scouting and monitoring for fungal/insect pests and weeds.
• Manage inventory of Pest Control Products.
• Configure custom spray equipment to meet specialty requests.
• Land cultivation using a variety of tractor-based equipment: discs, harrow, rototiller, etc.
• Fertility management, fertilizer applicator calibration and fertilizer application.
• Planting field crops. Assisting with orchard establishment, trellis maintenance and pruning the orchard seasonally.
• Interrow cultivation using tractor & tool bar and hand cultivation (hoeing). Harvesting a variety of crops including apples in the fall
• Research Assistance & Administration -directly support researchers in laying out plots, collecting data, data entry and other tasks as requested by station manager
• Communicating with Professors and technicians regarding work requests and other directions.
• Lawn care, yard work, chain saw for tree removal as needed and snow removal.
• Irrigation system design set up and connection.
• Greenhouse Maintenance, Cleaning, PCP application.
• Cleaning of lunchrooms, barns, workshop, and storage areas.
• Maintain organization of parts, consumable items, and tools.
• Carries out minor repairs on own initiative and equipment maintenance as needed.
• Maintain lunchroom, workshop, storage area, office, and sheds in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Use of hand and power tools to do minor repairs or improvements to the site.

Requirements

• 2-Year Community College, Agriculture Diploma, or higher education.
• 2 years (1-2 year general farm experience, preferred 1 year of agriculture research experience).
• Grower Pesticide Safety Certification (can be acquired after commencement of role).
• Driver’s License- G2 or higher (required to begin role).
• Minimal to Moderate Exertion - variety of sitting, standing, climbing, extensive walking.
• Heavy Exertion - constant standing and/or walking with over 60 lbs.
• Alert equipment operation requiring intense visual and mental concentration.
• Intense mental concentration for precise mixing of nutrients & chemicals for research operation.
• Wear PPE (respirator, Tyvek spray suit and protective gloves) to protect against chemical hazards.
• Outside work in heat, cold, dirt and wind.
• Pruning in extreme cold (-25C).

Work Hours

• 8 hours per day 40 hours per week.
• Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4pm.
• On Call: Pesticide spraying (often early mornings and/or evenings), snow blowing, attending (in rotation) to intruder alarms in main building, giving access to building for contractors.

Employee Type: Continuing Limited Term

Position Number: 10447062

Classification: OSSTF/TARA, District 35 Salary: Band 4

OSSTF/TARA Wage Grid

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 11/12/2026

Close Date: 11/26/2026