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 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 throughGoogle 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.
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 Field Crops section of the Agriculture Development Branch, you may have the opportunity to work in one of these specialty areas:
• Crop Pathology (only available in Ridgetown or Guelph)
• Crop Entomology (only available in London or Ridgetown)
• Weed Management (only available in Guelph)
• Soil Management / Soil Fertility (only available in Guelph or Woodstock or Ridgetown)
• Field Cropping Systems (only available in Guelph or Kemptville)
• Corn Crops (only available in Guelph)
• Cereal Crops (only available in Guelph or Stratford)
• Soybean Crops (only available in Stratford)
• Canola & Edible Bean Crops (only available in Stratford or Ridgetown or Harrow)
• Digital Agriculture Media or Agriculture Communications (only available in London or Woodstock or Guelph)
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 Field Crop Specialists.
- Activities may 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.
- 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.
- Training will be provided on research methods, technology transfer, and working in the public sector.
- 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 must have a valid G licence 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.
Don't meet every qualification?
The SEO program is designed for students and recent graduates who are looking to kick-start their careers and gain practical work experience. If you're excited about this position but don't meet all the listed qualifications, please still consider applying.
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
What we offer
The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province.
We offer:
• a purpose-driven service culture with passionate professionals who contribute to our province
• a career that can grow across multiple job functions and program areas
• flexible learning opportunities, including professional development and mentorship programs
• employee networks to foster community and make connections
• employee-centric programs to support and empower equity-deserving groups
• a modern, friendly and accessible physical work environment