Students interested in working with ornamental plants at nurseries, or with entomology, pathology and other plant health projects this summer in horticulture, these postings are for you!

Read more about summer student opportunities with both OMAFA and Landscape Ontario and how to apply:

1. Field Research Assistant (OMAFA) – Multiple available, closing Feb 10
2. Landscape Ontario Nursery Scout – 1 position available, closing Jan 23

Field Research Assistant (OMAFA) – Multiple available, closing Feb 10

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness – Agriculture Development Branch in Guelph is seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic, and energetic students to apply for our summer positions! These summer student positions will provide an excellent opportunity for those interested in early career experience in horticulture production, pest management, plant pathology, entomology, research or the agricultural service sector.

Positions working with OMAFA as a summer research assistant will provide the opportunity to learn about plant diseases, insect pests, and production practices while also helping to develop key digital tools for the horticulture sector.

Successful candidates will be responsible for both field and office work. Field work includes setting up research plots, scouting for pest issues, recording insect trap data, and assisting in data collection from May to the end of August. Office work will include data entry, developing our CropIPM database as well as literature reviews.

The nursery crop field research assistant position will be based out of Guelph, with additional positions in entomology, pathology and plant health of various horticulture crops also based out of the Guelph OMAFA office. Applications are open now! Follow the link below to apply online. Only applications received through the Ontario Public Service Career Portal (link below under how to apply) will be accepted.

Organization: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
Division/Branch: Economic Development Division / Agriculture Development Branch
Position Title: Field Research Assistant (various available in horticlture)
Job Term: Temporary for up to 18 weeks
Locations: 1 Stone Road, Guelph, Ontario
Salary: Level 2 – $18.45 / hour, based on a 36.25 hour work week
Start Date: April 20^th, 2026 to May 4^th, 2026

Please review the qualifications for this position. What we are looking for: 

• You work independently or as part of a team; you plan, organize and prioritize your work to meet competing deadlines.
• You are willing to travel to rural locations (frequently not accessible by public transportation).
• You are familiar with farming and or interested in horticulture crop production.
• You enjoy working in an outdoor environment with physical activity involved.
• You apply your interpersonal skills to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
• You apply your observational skills and attention to detail to conduct research, field monitoring, data collection and entry.
• You are able to apply your written communication skills to prepare a variety of documents (e.g. reports, factsheets, and articles).
• You are familiar with computer-based software applications including Word and Excel.
• In your application, please list any relevant courses you have taken or are taking that relate to plant production, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, pesticides, IPM, or horticulture.

Requirements:

• You must have an Ontario full G Driver’s License and a good driving record.
• You must demonstrate how you meet the eligibility criteria, skills and experience we are looking for clearly, completely and concisely. We rely on the information you provide to us.
• You must be currently enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary school, or have completed all academic requirements for graduation within 6 months of first day of employment.
• You must be a resident of Ontario.
• You must be eligible to work in Canada.

How to Apply:

• You must apply via the Ontario Public Service Career Portal. The full job position can be found here:  https://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Preview.aspx?Language=English&JobID=239757
  
• When applying, be sure to select from the list of speciality areas, including Nursery Crops, Entomology, Pest management, or others well as the locations you are able to be based out of.
• Closing Date: February 10th at 11:59 PM – Late applications will not be accepted
• If you have problems applying through the link above, please contact: Cassie Russell (Nursery and Landscape Specialist) at this email address.

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Landscape Ontario Nursery Scout – 1 position available, closing Jan 23

Organization: Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association
Position Type: Summer student
Job Term: Temporary (1 position for 18 (max 19) weeks)
Location: Southern Ontario, preference to be based out of Guelph
Salary: $ 21 / hour inclusive of benefits, based on a 40h work week
Start date: Tuesday April 28, 2026
End Date: August 28, 2026

Are you interested in getting hands-on work experience in horticulture? This summer scouting position will provide an excellent opportunity for those interested in a career in horticulture, pest management, entomology and/or pathology. This position will provide opportunities to support pest management issues within Ontario’s ornamental nursery sector.

Duties:

• Duties will primarily focus on regular visits to ornamental nurseries across Southern Ontario as well as independent data collection, organization, and development of daily scouting reports.
• Office work may include assisting with the production of technical information such as newsletters, blogs, etc. and use of digital tools to share research results.
• Potential opportunities to assist with summer applied research conducted by both the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) and Landscape Ontario.
  

Qualifications:

Please review the qualifications for this position. You must demonstrate how you meet the
eligibility criteria, skills and experience we are looking for clearly and concisely. What we are
looking for:

• You apply your keen attention to detail to compile information, check the accuracy of records and complete data entry in a timely manner.
• You must work well independently with little supervision; you plan, organize, and prioritize your work to meet competing deadlines.
• You apply your written communication skills to prepare regular reports with clear and concise language.
• You apply your interpersonal skills to work within a multi-disciplinary team and with Landscape Ontario nursery growers.
• You apply your oral communication skills to provide regular updates on daily activities and any problems or questions encountered.
• You are familiar with computer-based software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Google Docs to perform data entry, prepare reports, track progress, and compile information. Familiarity with Zoho forms is an asset.
• You are comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions.
• You have a minimum level Ontario G2 Driver’s Licence (G preferred) and either have your own vehicle OR be eligible to rent a vehicle in Ontario
• Experience in crop scouting or a background in plant production, integrated pest management (entomology and/or pathology) or another related discipline that applies this knowledge is an asset.

How to Apply:

• You must demonstrate how you meet the eligibility criteria, skills and experience we are looking for clearly and concisely.
• You must be a resident of Ontario.
• You must be eligible to work in Canada.
• You must be between 20-30 years of age on the first day of employment.
• University students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• You must provide your cover letter and resume electronically to Dr. Jeanine West – jwest@landscapeontario.com in any of the following formats: PDF, WORD, plain or rich-text format (.pdf, .doc, .docx, .txt and .rtf).
• Applications are accepted until Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:59pm
• Questions about the Landscape Ontario Nursery Scout position can be directed to Dr. Jeanine West via email. Only candidates who demonstrate they meet the criteria and are considered for an interview will be contacted.
  
  

Come join the team this summer!