Agricultural Assistant

**Department**: OMAFRA Research Facilities
This position is covered by the Collective Agreement with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation District 35 - Technician/Administrative/Research/Agricultural

**General Purpose**

The Ontario Aquaculture Research Centre provides facilities and resources for large-scale aquaculture research. University of Guelph faculty collaborate with members of the private sector and other educational and research facilities on various research related to commercial aquaculture. Areas of discipline have included engineering, nutrition and feed formulation, reproductive and growth physiology, reproductive technologies, genetics and breeding, waste management, health and animal welfare.

**Duties and Responsibilities**

Reporting to the Manager, the Agricultural Assistant will participate in the operation and maintenance of a facility devoted to aquaculture research including the operation of the water and wastewater treatment centres, recirculation facilities, photoperiod control facilities, hatchery and early rearing facility and numerous wet labs for both production and research purposes. Work activities include aspects of fish culture, animal husbandry, data collection and record keeping. Additional work activities include routine janitorial activities, routine maintenance of machinery (pumps, blowers, compressors, power tools), vehicles (snow blower, riding lawn mower, truck, all-terrain vehicle, tractor) and equipment (nets, feeders, etc.), general maintenance and upkeep of facilities (including painting, carpentry, mechanical and minor plumbing and electrical activities), grounds keeping (maintenance of parking lot, access roads, shrubs, trees and grass), snow removal, and assisting external service personnel as needed.

**Requirements**:

- Must have completed a two (2) year community college program in a related field
- 18 - 27 months of relevant work experience
- Must have work experience with fish and/or aquaculture
- Work experience in a research setting is an asset
- Competency with Microsoft Office, word processing, spreadsheets and databases
- Competency in performing general maintenance tasks, such as painting, carpentry, mechanical repairs, minor plumbing, and electrical activities
- Experience with maintenance and operation of machinery, including pumps, blowers, compressors, and power tools
- Familiarity with operation of tractors, all-terrain vehicles and riding mowers
- Class G driver’s license
- Willing to work outdoors in all weather
- Participate in rotating on-call, weekend and holiday schedules

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10447104
Classification: OSSTF/TARA, District 35 Salary: Band 4
OSSTF/TARA Wage Grid

Posting Date: 09/30/2024
Close Date: 10/10/2024