Field Research Assistant

Background:

Sandy Knolls Research Inc. is a Canadian contract research organization that conducts third party Field Research on behalf of pesticide manufacturers, grower associations, and governmental organizations. The data that we collect and submit to our clients act as supporting data for product label expansions and/or for the registration of new products into the Canadian market. Majority of our annual efficacy trials consist of crop protection and nutrient inputs through the evaluation of pesticides and fertilizers.

Sandy Knolls Research Inc. is seeking a competent candidate that has the capacity to take on full-time employment for the duration of this contract. This four (4) month contract will commence May 1, 2024 and terminate August 31, 2024. The employment will be located at Sandy Knolls Research Inc. located just outside of Vienna, Ontario with time split between the office and the research farm, which are a mere 3 km apart. The successful incumbent will require a reliable mode of transportation to travel to and from work each day since there is no local public transit.

Aside from the opportunity of getting in on the ground floor with practical hands-on experience in agriculture research the opportunity presents an ability to gain knowledge on a diversity of crops which proves invaluable to an individual looking to find gainful employment in this industry. Depending on the successful incumbent’s competence level in combination with the outlook for future expansion, the possibility of permanent hire may result but is not guaranteed. This position will pay a monthly salary between $2,750.00 and $3,250.00 based on knowledge and experience.

Any and all individuals that demonstrate interest in this position with Sandy Knolls Research Inc. is invited to apply electronically with a cover letter and resume to the company’s President, Mike Vereecken through Indeed. Successful candidates who will be selected for an interview and the next stage in the hiring process will be contacted. Please see below for a job description, candidate requirements & assets, as well as employment key duties for this position.

Job Description:

The successful candidate will assist in the day-to-day operations at Sandy Knolls Research Inc. and report directly to the President. As a vital team member at Sandy Knolls Research, the successful candidate will perform duties related to the conduction of scientific agricultural research as well as the proper agronomic production of field crops, tender fruit, and specialty crops. The candidate will be trained on proper safety policies, maintenance procedures, and the operation of a diverse array of field and plot equipment. Their responsibilities include but are not limited to the key duties listed below.

Candidate Requirements:

- Graduate or current student enrolled in a post-secondary agricultural/environmental program or has agriculture related work experience

- Self qualities of independence, team player, ambitious, diligent, and adaptable

- An understanding that 40-hour work weeks will be the norm but flexible hours are necessary to accommodate for early mornings/late evenings when seasonal workloads are at their peak

- An understanding that field work includes a diversity of weather conditions and exposure to odd wildlife encounters

- A pair of safety work boots and a valid Class G or equivalent driver’s licence

- Access to a reliable vehicle or method of transportation to and from the research farm

- An understanding that certain tasks can be tedious and meticulous

Candidate Assets: (not required but beneficial)

- Knowledge on field, tender fruit, and specialty crop agronomics

- Pesticide Licence under the Grower Pesticide Safety Course

- Technical experience with equipment, tools, lubricants, and chemicals

- Proficient in Microsoft Office platform

- Experience with ARM software (Agriculture Research Management)

Key Duties:

- Receiving, logging, and storing of deliverable contents

- Offsite pickup of crop seed, fertilizers, and orchard supplies

- Maintenance and season preparation of field equipment

- Calibration of scientific instruments, spraying booms, and scales

- Trial setup (including flagging, tillage, fertilizing, and plot staking)

- Crop and trial planting (equipment operation and data documentation)

- Crop maintenance (includes pruning, thinning, scouting, tying, fertilizer/pesticides applications)

- Trial applications (preparation of test items/ equipment, applications, cleaning of equipment)

- Irrigation (setup and operation)

- General maintenance (includes mowing, cleaning, oil/grease intervals, weeding, and repairs)

- Assistance with evaluation parameters (scouting, documenting, plot photography, etc.)

- Harvesting assistance (equipment operation, documenting, sample collection, etc.)

- Data entry and computation

Job Types: Full-time, Internship / Co-op
Contract length: 4 months

Salary: $2,750.00-$3,250.00 per month

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Supplemental pay types:

• Retention bonus

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Vienna, ON N0J 1Z0: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-04-30
Expected start date: 2024-05-01