OMAF: Summer Experience Program – Pest Management Field Technician

Division/Branch: Economic Development Division / Agriculture Development Branch Position Title:   Pest Management Field Technician Job Term:  Temporary (18 weeks) Location: Vineland, ON

Salary: $11.85 / hour, based on a 36.25 hour work week

Are you serious about making your mark, getting hands-on work experience and learning more about careers in the Ontario Public Service? Summer Experience Program positions will provide an excellent opportunity for those interested in a career in horticulture, crop protection, research or the agricultural service sector.  This position with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will involve working with novel pest management tools / strategies as well as monitoring for invasive insect pests affecting agriculture in Ontario.

Duties:

• Assist with summer applied research and demonstration projects conducted by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Horticulture Staff.
• Projects will focus on insect pest management and monitoring invasive alien species affecting horticultural crops in Ontario.
• Field work might include scouting activities on commercial farms and public places, identification and monitoring of insects and plants, digital photography, damage assessments in crops.
• Assist staff with the collection and analysis of on-farm samples and data for research projects.
• Assist staff to gather existing and conduct new literature reviews and develop written reports, website content and presentation materials on key initiatives.
• Assist in the coordination of events, programs and projects (e.g. workshops, demonstrations, field days etc.) working with key stakeholders and clients in delivery of programs and information.
• Office work might include providing customer service assistance, assisting with issue management, research, data collection and database management, assisting with the production of technical information such as newsletters, updating web pages, blogs, scanning images, etc.

What we are looking for:  Please review the qualifications for this position:

• You apply your interpersonal skills to work within a multi-disciplinary team and participate in meetings.
• You apply your observational skills and attention to detail to conduct research, field monitoring, processing samples, 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 Office, Internet and database management software to perform data entry, conduct analysis, prepare reports, track and compile information.
• You can work in an outdoor environment, including commercial farms, with some light physical activity involved, including light lifting and walking.
• You can work with a microscope to identify insects and other specimens.
• 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).
• Experience in insect and / or plant identification an asset.
• You must have a minimum Ontario G2 Driver's Licence. 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 eligible 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 (currently enrolled, returning September 2015), on academic break, or have completed all academic requirements for graduation within 6 months of first day of employment.
• Expected dates of employment are late April through August 2015 (18 weeks maximum).

How to apply:

• You must provide your cover letter and resume electronically in one file to hannah.fraser@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: Hannah Fraser Entomology Program Lead – Horticulture Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs 4890 Victoria Avenue North P.O. Box 8000 Vineland, ON L0R 2E0 Tel: (905) 562-1674 Fax: (905) 562-5933

If you have a disability and require accommodation to apply please contact Hannah Fraser as indicated above. If you have any questions about the position, or about OMAFRA, please do not hesitate to contact Hannah Fraser as indicated above.

 Posting Date: January 26^th, 2015  Closing Date: February 8^th, 2015