Are you a student or recent graduate looking for an opportunity to build your career over the summer? Are you passionate about making a difference?
The Summer Employment Opportunities program provides opportunities to obtain valuable work experience, gain transferable skills, and build professional networks.
- LEARN: Jump start your career, whether you want to learn business skills, use your French language skills, help out in a lab, or work outdoors. Put the knowledge you've acquired at school into action.
- GROW: Enhance your skills and expand your network by working on projects, leading initiatives and sharing your ideas. Transfer the skills you learn to your future school and work experiences.
- CONTRIBUTE: In addition to advancing your professional and personal skills, you will also give back to your community. Spend your summer working to support the interests of Ontarians!
Information to assist you with the application process is available on the
Summer Employment Opportunities website (opens in a new tab).This job posting represents multiple positions within different ministries and at various locations across Ontario. Certain cities may be located in distant or remote areas in Ontario and may not be accessible by public transit. Carefully review locations through Google Maps (opens in a new tab) and select ONLY those locations that you are able to travel to and work in.
Notes:
- Relocation expenses and/or accommodations are not covered by ministries.
- The number of positions to be filled is approximate and subject to change.
- Please use your legal name when applying to the job ad.
- Summer placements are typically full-time (working 36.25hrs/week or 40 hrs/week). However some part-time placements MAY be available based on mutual agreement between the hiring manager and student, if operationally feasible. Please inquire at the interview stage.
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
About the job
Agriculture Development Branch fosters innovative, competitive, and sustainable agricultural production in Ontario. The branch efficiently and effectively delivers Knowledge Translation and Transfer programs for the horticulture, livestock, and field crops sectors across Ontario. A team of highly qualified staff promote high quality agricultural production through the application of best management practices, on-farm quality assurance programs and plant and animal health strategies.
As a student working in the Livestock section of the Agriculture Development Branch, you may have the opportunity to work in one of these specialty areas:
- Aquaculture (only available in Guelph)
- Beef Cattle Livestock (only available in Lindsay and Guelph)
- Small Ruminant Livestock (i.e. Sheep, Goat) (only available in Elora and Lindsay)
- Dairy (only available in Guelph)
- Poultry (only available in Guelph)
- Swine (only available in Stratford or Guelph)
- Feed and By-Products (only available in Guelph)
- Digital Agriculture Media or Agriculture Communications (only available in Guelph and Lindsay)
Please indicate which specialty area(s) you have interest in on your application form. Be sure to outline any relevant knowledge/skills you have in the area(s) on your cover letter and resume. If you are the successful candidate, your area(s) of interest will be taken into consideration but not guaranteed. Final placement will be dependent on interview results and operational need.
NOTE: you can select up to 3 locations on your application form. Please ONLY select locations you are able to commute to and work in.
Work description:
- Assist with summer research and demonstration projects conducted by Livestock staff.
- 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.
- 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
- Office work may include assisting with the production of technical information such as newsletters, updating web pages, blogs, scanning images, etc.
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
You must meet all eligibility criteria by the first day of employment (contracts begin between May and July):
- Student Status: You must be enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary institution (currently or for the fall semester) OR you must have graduated within the past six months (for example, if you graduated in December, you can apply for and start a summer student position up until June of the following year).
- Age: You must be a minimum of 15 years of age. There is no maximum age limit.
- Residency: You must be a resident of Ontario during the term of employment.
- Work Status: You must be legally entitled to work in Canada and have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) for the full duration of your summer employment.
- Application: Applications are only accepted online by clicking the "Apply Online" button. Your application should describe how you meet the knowledge and skill requirements outlined on this ad.
Knowledge and Skill Requirements
- You have teamwork skills to work with various internal and external stakeholders and to work within a multi-disciplinary team
- You have 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.
Other Requirements
- You have a valid G licence prior to the start of summer employment (contracts may start as early as April) and you are willing to travel to rural locations
- You are willing and able to work in outdoor environments in a variety of weather conditions, with some physical activity involved including light lifting, in an office and remotely (home office)
- With proper safety and training measures, you are able to work in an environment where pest control products have been applied
Other student and recent graduate opportunities
See what other summer opportunities are currently available! Also, check out all the
other student and new recent graduate opportunities offered within the Ontario Public Service.