Seasonal Field & Orchard Technician

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

Job summary

University of Guelph in Simcoe, Ontario, seeks a seasonal technician to support horticultural crop production and research operations. You will assist with orchard and field crop tasks, operate farm equipment, and complete data collection and paperwork as directed by the station manager.

The role runs February to December as a temporary full-time position, with on-site duties, PPE use, and regular early mornings for pest control activities.

Qualifications

• 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).

Responsibilities

• Handle, mix and store Pest Control Products in a safe and compliant fashion.
• Pest control product application using various 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 tractor-based equipment and related tools.
• Fertility management and fertilizer calibration/application.
• Planting field crops and assisting with orchard establishment and pruning.
• Interrow cultivation and harvesting including apples in fall.
• Support researchers with plot layout, data collection and data entry.
• Communicate work requests with professors and technicians.
• Lawn care, snow removal, and general site maintenance.
• Irrigation system design setup and connection.
• Greenhouse maintenance and PCP application.
• Maintain orderly lunchrooms, barns, workshops and storage areas.
• Perform minor repairs and tool upkeep.

Education

Agriculture Diploma (2-year College)

Tools

Pesticide spraying equipment

Job description

University of Guelph in Simcoe, Ontario, seeks a seasonal technician to support horticultural crop production and research operations. You will assist with orchard and field crop tasks, operate farm equipment, and complete data collection and paperwork as directed by the station manager.

The role runs February to December as a temporary full-time position, with on-site duties, PPE use, and regular early mornings for pest control activities.