Senior Field Operations Worker – Farm Operations

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

Duties

The Senior Field Operations Worker reports to the Farm & Greenhouse Manager at AAFC’s London Research and Development Centre. This position takes a working lead and provides labour support to science programs preparing, planting, maintaining, and harvesting various crops using specialized procedures, techniques and equipment. Ensures all equipment & supplies are maintained including maintenance of grounds, snow removal etc.

Responsibilities for this position will include, but are not limited to:
-Operation, calibration, and maintenance of all field, greenhouse and grounds equipment, including various tractors & attachments, tillage equipment, seeders, spreaders, sprayers, combines, forklift, mowers etc.
-Assisting with the sampling of experimental materials such as seed, soil, and plant materials for laboratory analysis and assisting with research-related processing activities.
-Recognizing abnormalities, insects, weeds and disease in field plots / greenhouse and recommending a course of action.
-Keeping records and field notes for agronomic activities and inputting into logs or databases, providing reports, verbal up-dates, and maintaining inventories and supplies.

Work environment

The London Research and Development Centre was established in 1951 in London, Ontario. A satellite research location associated with the London Research and Development Centre is located in Vineland, Ontario. The Vineland Research Farm is a Minor Use Pesticide Program site which supports the Centre's mission to develop alternative and environmentally acceptable technologies to protect crops. It is also the main site of tree fruit research.

The Centre focuses its research in three key areas:
•Crop genomics, bioproducts, and biopesticides
•Protection and improvement of fruits and vegetable crops
•Soil and water quality

Intent of the process

Immediate need: 1 full time indeterminate position in London (Ontario).

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and temporary opportunities.

Please note that this pool of qualified candidates may also be used to staff similar positions at this group and level in various locations within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, he/she may be considered for acting, deployment, assignment or secondment opportunities.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

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

Successful completion of secondary school or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Degree equivalency

Experience in agricultural operations related to field crop production.
Experience in operating farm tractors, and various farm equipment.
Experience in performing adjustments, repairs and preventive maintenance on farm equipment.
Experience in applying pesticides and fertilizers.

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

Experience in field crop agricultural research.
Experience in greenhouse production.
Experience in supervising a team.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of the methods in field preparation, general crop maintenance, and the control methods of various pests.
Knowledge in the operation, calibration, and maintenance of equipment used in crop production.
Knowledge of Integrated pest management principles and techniques .
Knowledge of common and current cultural practices related to crop production.

Interactive Communication
Adaptability
Initiative
Teamwork
Concern for Safety

Ability to identify pests and abnormalities in crop production.
Ability to maintain accurate records.
Ability to troubleshoot and adjust equipment during field operations.
Ability to perform mathematical and measurement calculations.

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

Knowledge of pruning technics and practices.

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

Information on employment equity

Placement of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) employees affected by Work Force Adjustment.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Valid driver’s license.
Ability and willingness to obtain a valid Pesticide Applicators Certificate.
Ability and willingness to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
Ability and willingness to work in harsh environments (outdoors, cold, hot, dust, and noise) with exposure to animal manure).
Ability and willingness to tolerate the presence of irritants such as dust, pollen and spores. Known allergies must be controlled through use of protective mask and/or medication and must not impinge on tasks to be performed.
Ability and willingness to work overtime including evenings and weekends.
Ability to work flexible hours (e.g. early morning).
Ability and willingness to perform physically demanding work activities including moderate to heavy manual labour requiring bending and lifting heavy objects (Up to 20kg).

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.

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.