APPLY BY: February 10, 2026 11:59 pm EST

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) – Agriculture Development Branch in Simcoe (Norfolk County), Ontario is seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic and energetic team players. These positions will provide an excellent opportunity for those interested in a career in horticulture production, weed management, plant pathology, entomology, research or the agricultural service sector. These positions will provide the opportunity to learn about pests and production in several specialty crops, including ginseng, lavender, hops, peanuts, haskaps and sesame.

The successful candidates will be responsible for both field and office work. Field work includes setting up research plots, assessing pest populations, scouting for pest issues, recording insect trap data, conducting pest surveys, assisting in data collection and research plot maintenance in specialty crops. Office work may include data entry, improving online resources, and literature reviews.

ORGANIZATION

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA)

DIVISION/BRANCH

Economic Development Division / Agricultural Development Branch

POSITION TITLE

Field Research Assistant – Horticulture

LOCATION

1283 Blueline Rd, Simcoe ON

JOB TERM

Temporary for up to 18 weeks over the summer

JOB ID

239757

APPLY HERE

When applying, be sure to select ‘Simcoe‘ from the list of work locations. There is no specific listing for specialty crops in the list of ‘specialty areas’. Choose any option or select ‘I don’t have a specific preference’ to be eligible for the specialty crop positions.

DUTIES

• Assist with the collection and analysis of applied research and demonstration projects conducted by OMAFA Horticulture and Specialty Crops staff.
• Projects will focus on plant agronomy and/or pest management in specialty crops.
• Field activities may include:
  • Set-up and maintenance (weeding, planting, harvesting, etc.) of research plots
    • Field scouting
      • Pest (insect, disease and/or weed) monitoring and identification
        • Production practices
          • Collection/entering of data
            • Assist with gathering existing information, 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.
                • Office work may include assisting with the production of technical information such as newsletters, updating web pages, blogs, organizing images, etc.
  • Training will be provided on research methods, technology transfer, and working in the public sector.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You work independently or as part of a team.
• You plan, organize and prioritize your work to meet competing deadlines.
• You are willing to travel to rural locations (frequently not accessible by public transportation).
• You are familiar with farming and interested in horticulture crop production.
• You enjoy working in an outdoor environment with physical activity involved.
• You apply your interpersonal skills to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
• You apply your observational skills and attention to detail to conduct research, field monitoring, data collection and entry.
• You are able to apply your written communication skills to prepare a variety of documents (e.g. reports, factsheets, and articles).
• You are familiar with computer-based software applications including Word and Excel.

REQUIREMENTS

You must meet ALL eligibility criteria by the first day of employment (contracts begin between late April and early May):

• 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 through the link below.

APPLY HERE

When applying, be sure to select ‘Simcoe’ from the list of locations. Choose any specialty area to be eligible. .

Looking for OMAFA summer opportunities in other regions or crops? Horticulture positions are also available in Guelph, Ridgetown and Harrow, focusing on production and pest management in vegetable, specialty, nursery and greenhouse crops. Apply through the same link as above!

If you have any questions, concerns or require accommodation to apply, please contact: Kristy Grigg-McGuffin, Horticulture IPM Specialist at kristy.grigg-mcguffin@ontario.ca. For questions on the specialty crops covered in these specific positions, contact Sean Westerveld, Ginseng and Herbs Specialist at sean.westerveld@ontario.ca.

APPLY BY: February 10, 2026 11:59 pm EST