Greenhouse and Growth Chambers Worker

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request special accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Information on accommodation for persons with disabilities

Tips for candidates who wish to apply:
• The application process will take approximately 40 to 60 minutes to complete.
• When submitting your application, please provide complete and thorough details of your education and experience. The system will prompt you with specific questions for each qualification, so ensure to answer the questions, if applicable.
• When answering the questionnaire, do not assume that the hiring board has any previous knowledge of your background, qualifications, or work history. You must be specific and provide concrete examples and details for each experience and education element, as applications will be screened on the information provided. Your résumé will only be used as a secondary source to validate the qualifications described.

Duties

. Plant care (seeding, watering, fertilizing, staking and tying, monitoring diseases and pests, IPM, harvesting, etc)
. Monitoring and adjusting environmental parameters
. Application of biological and chemical pesticides
. Cleaning and disinfecting growth cabinets and greenhouses
. Preparing growing mediums and potting
. General housekeeping
. Performing preventive and minor repairs on equipment
. Use of horticulture equipment
. Assisting in research experiments
. Other duties

Work environment

As one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, AAFC is proud to celebrate our achievement in creating a diverse, respectful, and positive workplace where all employees are valued and recognized for their unique qualities, ideas, voices and perspectives.

The Harrow Research and Development Centre was established in 1909 in Harrow, Ontario. It is the location of one of the largest greenhouse research complex facilities in North America. The Centre manages two field sites, one on sandy soils at Harrow and a second one on clay-loam soils at the Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Experimental Farm close to Woodslee, Ontario.

The Harrow Research and Development Centre leads research in several areas, including:
•Soybean and invasive species
•Greenhouse production systems
•Environmentally sustainable agro-ecosystems for full-season crops in great lakes watershed
•Crop production & protection systems

Intent of the process

The immediate intent of this process is to fill one (1) indeterminate full time position in Harrow, Ontario.

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and/or temporary employment for the locations indicated for this process.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Secondary school diploma or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Degree equivalency

Experience in cultivating, propagating, maintaining and harvesting research plant material in greenhouses and growth chambers

Experience in the operation and maintenance of greenhouses, growth chambers and associated equipment.

Experience using Microsoft software applications (Outlook, Word, Excel)

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Post-Secondary school diploma with specialisation in plant sciences/agriculture/ horticulture

Degree equivalency

Experience in performing dosage and dilution calculations for preparing pesticide and fertilizer solutions

Experience in detecting signs and symptoms of crop stress, pests and/or diseases

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management including application of pesticides for greenhouse insect and disease control

Knowledge of modern horticultural practices and plant maintenance in controlled environments

Knowledge of insect pests and diseases, their symptoms, life cycles, control measures and phytosanitary procedures in controlled environments.

Knowledge of horticultural equipment

Adaptability

Client Focus

Concern for Safety

Initiative

Interactive Communication

Planning & Organizing

Ability to record information/data accurately and legibly

Ability to make mathematical calculations

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

Preference may be given to AAFC employees affected by workforce adjustment.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Valid driver’s licence

Ability and willingness to work overtime including evenings and weekends

Ability and willingness to travel

Ability and willingness to work under variable weather conditions

Ability and willingness to work with chemicals and pesticides

Possession and/or Ability and willingness to obtain the Ontario Pesticide Grower’s Safety Certification

Ability and willingness to work in harsh environments (greenhouses, outdoors, cold, hot, dust, and noise)

Ability and willingness to do occasional heavy lifting up to 25 kgs

Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.

Ability and willingness to work independently during scheduled weekends and statutory holidays

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the targeted groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.jobs.gc.ca.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence, may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and weaknesses of the work team.
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed.
- Depth, breadth, type of work-specific experience.
- Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications.

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada thanks all those who apply.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.