The University of Guelph is committed to equity in its policies, practices, and programs, supports diversity in its teaching, learning and work environments, and ensures that applications for members of underrepresented groups are seriously considered under its employment equity policy. All qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our University community are encouraged to apply.  

Office, Clerical and Technical
Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation District 35- Technician/Administrative/Research/Agricultural

Livestock Agricultural Assistant, Arkell Poultry and Equine Research Station

Arkell Poultry and Equine Research Station, Research Station Operations, Office of Research

Hiring #: 2014-0175

Please read the Application Instructions before applying

Reporting to the Technical/Foreperson for the Arkell Poultry/Equine Research Station University of Guelph, the incumbent will have current working knowledge and husbandry skills for both poultry and equine.

This position is assigned to the Arkell Poultry and Equine Research facilities with responsibilities  for: attending to the daily health (vaccinating), welfare, handling, identification, feeding, watering, manure handling, tractor operation, breeding, hatching, physical building, penning/fencing maintenance and sanitation for both poultry: (commercial egg layers, broilers, roasters, turkeys, broiler breeds, heritage lines and special needs lines, hatchery and processing plant) and an equine herd: (standardbreds, thoroughbreds and Welch cross ponies).

GENERAL DUTIES include: Poultry: health observation skills; artificial insemination; natural breeding; incubation; hatching; chick processing; vaccinating; brooding; rearing; health checks; handling/catching; weighing; crating; transporting; euthanizing; assisting in composting; further processing as required; following animal utilization protocols; assisting researchers; entering data; laundry; power washing; basic repairs to penning, feeders, equipment, flooring, and buildings; basic plumbing; ventilation control adjustment/setting curves; cleaning; rodent control; manual manure handling; tractor operation.
Equine: supporting the equine herd of horses and ponies will include skills for recognizing the following: sickness, injury, lameness, heaves and other health concerns. Activities encompass reproduction including: breeding, semen collection and assisting with artificial insemination; foaling; nutritional needs; ventilation; handling; restraining; hoof trimming; loading; transporting; vaccinating; worming; pasture management; sand paddock management; inventory control; animal utilization protocols; assisting researchers; fence building/repairs including electric fencing/fencers; basic repairs to building, flooring, and paddock shelters; basic plumbing; tractor operation; rodent/bird control; also occasional feed preparation, following formulation recipes, adding ingredients, mixing bulk and bagging research rations at the Arkell feedmill. Note: The relative scale of operations is weighted predominately towards poultry (i.e.75-80%) and less towards equine (20-25%).

Incumbents must be prepared to work as required in weather extremes, with exposure to odours, noise, dust, gases, and chemicals in accordance with all Health and Safety precautions and procedures; participating in all Health & Safety activities; and other duties as assigned. The job involves frequent lifting and a diverse range of motions required for a wide-variety of activities.

Requirements of this position include: Associate Diploma in Agriculture and two years of current working experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience encompassing a full range of responsibilities with maintaining an equine herd and a commercial poultry flock. Additional requirements include: good communication and positive interpersonal skills; be an excellent team player; be adaptable; dependable; a quick learner; and demonstrated ability to function in a mature manner with other staff in a team setting, be safety conscious, computer literate and attentive to detail. A valid Class G driver’s license is required. Experience with one or more other species would be an asset. In emergency situations the incumbent may be expected to help (with proper training) in other locations on station i.e Swine/Feed Mill. This flexibility may be required to cover workloads during peak periods, weekends, vacation schedules or emergency staff shortages. Normal work week is 40 hours, individual shifts are 8 hours. Work on weekends and holidays as scheduled. First Aid and CPR preferred.

Position Number    447-0100
Classification        OSSTF/TARA, District 35 Salary Band 5*
Salary Range        $23.73 Minimum (Level 1)
$26.50 Normal Hiring Limit (Level 3)
$32.11 Job Rate (Level 7)

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review

Posting Date: 2014 07 23
Closing Date: 2014 08 05