Agricultural Assistant - Ontario Swine Research Centre / Arkell Feed Mill

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

Temporary full-time from 12/09/2024 to 08/29/2025
Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.

Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

Reporting to the Technical/Foreperson for the Ontario Swine Research Centre / Arkell Feed Mill University of Guelph, the incumbent will have current working knowledge and advanced skill regarding all aspects of maintaining a swine herd and operating a small research Feed Mill.

Duties and Responsibilities

Husbandry duties include feeding, sow management, boar management, breeding, piglet and weaner management, grower and finisher management. Feed Mill duties include feed mill management for mixing research rations for the entire livestock facilities as well as preparation of custom diets for various research projects across a variety of livestock species. Other core duties include data collection and other activities in support of research projects; cleaning, upkeep and maintenance of facilities and swine and feed mill operational equipment; and other general duties such as: monitoring operations to ensure safety and animal care standards are consistently achieved; contributing to efficient work routines and a clean and orderly workplace; assisting in training of seasonal and temporary staff; and assisting on occasion in conducting tours.

Activities specific to working with swine in a closed herd research environment require current knowledge in biosecurity (shower in and out facility); health observation specific to swine; natural breeding; artificial insemination including semen collection; farrowing litters; cross fostering (maternal bonding) piglets to other sows; litter processing (ear notching, needle injections, teeth clipping, tail docking); restraining, euthanizing; assisting in composting; loading; weighing; shuffling/labeling pigs; loading and transporting off station; processing; vaccinating by injection/oral; following animal utilization protocols; recording data; assisting researchers; laundry; power washing; basic repairs to penning, feeders, equipment, flooring and buildings; basic plumbing; ventilation control adjustment/setting curves; rodent control; manure handling and tractor operation.

Working at the research feed mill requires current knowledge for manufacturing feed rations for animals and poultry; knowledge of feed mixers, elevators, baggers with sewing tools, safe stacking, animal and poultry feed ingredients, supplements, accurate feed weighing, individualized rations, removal of spoilage, confined space training, dust control, rodent control.

Incumbents must be prepared to work as required in weather extremes, with exposure to odours, noise, dust, gases, and chemicals in accordance with all Health and Safety precautions and procedures; participating in all Health & Safety activities; and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Two-year Associate Diploma in Agriculture and one to two (1-2) years of current working experience encompassing a full range of responsibilities with maintaining a swine herd and operating a small research Feed Mill, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Good communication and positive interpersonal skills
• The ability to be adaptable, dependable and a quick learner
• Demonstrated ability to function in a mature manner with other staff in a team setting, be safety conscious, computer literate and attentive to detail

A valid Class G driver’s license minimum is required. Experience with one or more other species would be an asset. All positions require physical strength and stamina. First Aid and CPR preferred. Normal work week is 40 hours, individual shifts are 8 hours and work on weekends and holidays is required.

Employee Type: Cover
Position Number: 10447075
Classification: OSSTF/TARA, District 35 Salary: Band 5
OSSTF/TARA Wage Grid

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 01/27/2025
Close Date: 02/10/2025