Agricultural Assistant - Ontario Aquaculture 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 Ontario Aquaculture Research Centre provides facilities and resources to support large-scale aquaculture research. University of Guelph faculty collaborate with industry partners, government agencies, and other academic institutions on projects spanning engineering, nutrition and feed formulation, reproductive and growth physiology, genetics and breeding, waste management, health, and animal welfare. The Agricultural Assistant plays a key role in maintaining the operational integrity of the research facility. The position supports day-to-day facility operations, contributes to the care and husbandry of aquatic animals, and assists with research and data collection as needed. The role involves both independent and team-based work in a dynamic, applied research environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Facility Maintenance and Operations

• Perform routine maintenance, repair, and general upkeep of the facility and associated infrastructure.
• Operate and maintain mechanical systems including pumps, blowers, compressors, water/wastewater systems.
• Conduct preventative maintenance on machinery and vehicles (e.g. tractors, ATVs, snow blowers, riding mowers, and power tools).
• Carry out general maintenance tasks such as painting, carpentry, mechanical, plumbing, and minor electrical work.
• Maintain outdoor areas including roads, parking lots, lawns, trees, and shrubs; perform snow removal as required.
• Assist external contractors and service personnel when on site.
• Perform janitorial and other duties as assigned to support general facility operations.

Animal Care and Husbandry

• Perform daily feeding, grading, and observation of fish to monitor health, welfare, and performance.
• Support hatchery and early rearing operations including spawning, egg incubation, and fry care.
• Maintain water quality through monitoring and adjustments to ensure optimal conditions for research and production.
• Clean and disinfect tanks, nets, and equipment following established biosecurity protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of feeding, growth, mortality, and inventory.

Research Support and Miscellaneous Duties

• Assist researchers and students with experimental setup, data collection, and sampling activities as required.
• Maintain records of facility operations, maintenance, and research support activities.
• Participate in rotating on-call, weekend, and holiday schedules to support continuous operations.

Requirements

• Completion of a two (2) year community college diploma in a relevant field (e.g., Aquaculture, Biology, Fisheries and Wildlife, Environmental Technology, Agricultural Systems).
• One to two years of relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with fish and/or in aquaculture required.
• Experience in a research or laboratory setting is considered an asset.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience performing general maintenance and repair tasks.
• Familiarity with operation and maintenance of pumps, blowers, compressors, and related aquaculture systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams) and basic database use.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Physically capable of performing frequent lifting (up to 25 kg) and diverse manual tasks.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s licence.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions and to participate in rotating weekend/on-call coverage.

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments and involves exposure to varying weather conditions. The position requires regular physical activity including lifting, bending, and operating machinery. Contact with live fish, aquatic systems, and water is routine.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10447104
Classification: OSSTF/TARA, District 35 Salary: Band 4
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: 10/30/2025
Close Date: 11/13/2025