Horticultural Research Technician

Job Title: Agricultural Technician (contractually limited)

Period: April 1, 2024 – Nov 29, 2024 (with possibility of extension)

Education: B.Sc. degree in horticultural (with pomology experience) or related plant science degree with a minimum of two years of previous experience in agricultural research, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Rate: Commensurate with Experience (GTAT Band B, OR Band C)

The Tree Fruit Physiology Program at the University of Guelph, Horticultural Experiment Station, Simcoe is now accepting applications for an agricultural technician to assist with a diverse field and lab-based research program examining the physiology of apple and peach trees. This technical position will focus on projects in tree physiology, rootstock and cider apple cultivar development, crop load management, and methods to control tree growth and cropping. The duties involve all technical aspects of field experiments and assisting with the supervision and training of summer students and assisting graduate students.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining plots, collecting data including growth and yield data, imposing treatment, using quantitative and qualitative techniques, grading fruit, assessing fruit quality, working in the laboratory using analytical equipment, data entry, statistical analyses, summarizing data, and assisting with the preparation of research reports.

Requirements of the position include Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status, B.Sc. degree in horticultural or related plant science degree with a minimum of two years of previous experience in agricultural research, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preference will be given to those with a M.Sc. degree in horticulture or plant science.

The successful candidate should possess a sound knowledge of pomology with focus on tree fruit crop physiology and orchard management. Further, the candidate will be required to lift 30 kg repeatedly, climb ladders, harvest fruit, and work outdoors in extreme environments. In addition, computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, and statistical analyses programs (ie, SAS), an ability to work independently and as part of a team environment, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a valid full G driver's licence are required. The successful candidate will have a knowledge of fruit trees and the response variables measured in pomology studies. Further, the candidate must have sound knowledge of basic scientific instruments used in a laboratory setting.

Please include a resume with cover letter indicating how you meet the above criteria.

We thank all applicants for their interest but wish to advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

A full job posting can be found at:

https://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/sites/default/files/forages/documents/UG%20Tree%20Fruit%20Technician%20Posting%20-%20Jan%2031%202024_0.pdf

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $24.00-$27.50 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application question(s):

• Are you able to work in extreme environments outdoors (hot, cold, rainy, high humidity)?
• Do you have experience in an agricultural research setting?
• Can you operate any farm machinery?

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:

• research: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Class G Licence (required)

Ability to Commute:

• Simcoe, ON N3Y 4K3 (required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Simcoe, ON N3Y 4K3: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-03-15
Expected start date: 2024-04-02