Agricultural Assistant - Ontario Beef 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. 

 SuccessFactors: Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) 

General Purpose

Reporting to the Research Facility Foreperson, the incumbent is accountable for all aspects of Beef animal husbandry, production and research needs for cow/calf, feedlot and pasture management.

This position will require current working knowledge and skills identifying and addressing beef specific diseases, knowledge of proper treatments and drug handling, meat withdrawal times, record keeping, penalties; handling and restraint techniques; understanding cow behaviour with a new calf, calving procedures, identifying calving problems, treatment of neo natal calf, identification, and registration requirements. The incumbent will ensure proper pasture management, operation and maintenance of water and fencing systems, as well as feed lot management and integration of random source animals coming into group.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Feed management, storage, delivery and managing nutritional requirements for all ages of beef cattle
• Operation and maintenance of feeding equipment and computerized feeding systems, such as manure handling, production related equipment, operation of tractors and skid steers, etc.
• Experience in the safe operation of large trucks and trailers
• Routine facility maintenance and upkeep, and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness in barns, labs, offices, and shared facilities.
• Assisting researchers, collecting research data, samples, observations
• Following research procedures and animal utilization protocols, preparing, and feeding of research feeds
• Knowledge to work in accordance with all Health and Safety precautions and procedures

Requirements

• Two year college diploma and 18 - 27 months of current, related working experience encompassing the full range of responsibilities encountered in a modern, commercial beef operation or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Adaptable, dependable, a quick learner, and highly organized
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative to learn, understand and complete all elements of the role, with ability to work well independently and with other staff in a team setting
• Must be safety conscious, computer literate and attentive to detail
• 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 Beef facility as assigned. Normal work week is 40 hours; individual shifts are 8 hours and includes working weekends and holidays as scheduled.  The incumbent is also expected to be flexible to cover workloads during peak periods, weekends, vacation schedules or emergency staff shortages. All positions require physical strength and stamina.

Employee Type: Regular  
Position Number: 10447010   
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: 09/26/2024 
Close Date: 10/10/2024