Agricultural Assistant Technician - Ponsonby Research Centre

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

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

The Ponsonby Research Station is a closed high health Sheep Facility to house specific pathogen free production sheep. The flock consists of up to 200 mature ewes, 20 rams and 200 lambs and replacement animals at any given time. The station also includes the General Animal Facility which is designed to accommodate 150-200 non-reproductive farm animals of all ages (sheep, pigs, and calves).

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Foreperson of the Ponsonby Research Station, the Agricultural Assistant Technician spends 80% of work time on regular Agricultural Assistant duties and 20% on Research and Technical responsibilities. As an Agricultural Assistant Technician, you are responsible to have current working knowledge and advanced skill regarding all aspects of animal husbandry including attending to the daily comfort and care of all ages of sheep including the production ewes, rams and lambs in the Ponsonby Sheep Facility as well as calves, pigs, and sheep of all ages in the Ponsonby General Facility. Technical duties include providing research project planning, organizing, overseeing project compliance requirements and practical technician services for the Ponsonby General Animal Facilities (PGAF) and backup for Ponsonby Sheep (POS). The incumbent is the liaison between researchers, facility supervisor and staff.

Other core duties include research data collection and other activities in support of research projects; cleaning, upkeep and maintenance of facilities; 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 remaining knowledgeable of current best practices and industry standards for automated calf feeding systems, and the housing of general farm livestock.

The successful candidate will have thorough knowledge of animal health, sample collection skills such as jugular and coccygeal venipuncture, bladder, or blood catheter insertion, the ability to give intramuscular, subcutaneous and intravenous injections, advanced computing skills for operation of various software including Windows, Word processing, spreadsheets, databases, Dairy Management Program, and email, a strong aptitude for problem solving, particularly with maintenance of electronic equipment, competent mechanical operation and maintenance skills and positive interpersonal skills; be adaptable, dependable, a quick learner, organized and self-directed/managed.

Requirements

• Two year college diploma in Agriculture with a preference for a Master’s degree
• 2 - 3 years of current, competent working experience encompassing the full range of responsibilities encountered in a modern, commercial sheep operation, with knowledge of automated calf feeding equipment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Livestock Medicine Course, First Aid and CPR certification preferred.
• A valid Class G driver’s license minimum with higher license endorsements or ability to obtain is required.
• The incumbent is expected to work in all areas of responsibility at the Ponsonby facility as assigned.
• All positions require physical strength and stamina
• Must be prepared to work as required in weather extremes, with exposure to odors, noise, and dust.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10447041
Classification: OSSTF/TARA, District 35 Salary: Band 6
OSSTF/TARA Wage Grid

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

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: 04/15/2025
Close Date: 04/29/2025