Careers at the Ontario Soil Network

Job Opportunities

At the Ontario Soil Network, we are steadfast in our commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices that foster healthy soils and resilient ecosystems. Our team is composed of passionate professionals who are dedicated to fostering a positive impact on the agricultural landscape of Ontario.

Soil Health Technician 

Location: The location of the work will be a combination of sampling days, remote work and in-field networking and learning opportunities.  The Soil Health Sampling Specialist will conduct soil sampling in York and Durham (and possibly Niagara) and surrounding regions beginning in May and lasting 1.5-2 months. There will be opportunities for a wide variety of work, including remote and in-field learning. Travel will be provided by the Soil Sampling Lead out of Guelph, ON. Depending on travel time/distance, lodging will be provided, and accommodation information will be shared as part of the interview process. All soil sampling equipment, sampling consumables, and packaging and shipping costs will be provided by project partners. 

Term: 16 weeks 

Salary: $17-$19/hour, based on a 37.5 hour work week and commensurate with experience. 

ABOUT THE POSITION & ORGANIZATIONS 

The Ontario Soil Network (www.ontariosoil.net) is a dynamic and collaborative organization dedicated to promoting sustainable soil management practices across the province. Our mission is to enhance soil health through peer networks, using the strength of the network to support lasting adoption of sustainable practices. As a network of passionate farmers, we strive to foster knowledge sharing, innovation, and advocacy in soil stewardship. Through workshops and communications projects, we aim to empower Ontario’s agricultural community with the tools and information they need to make informed decisions and implement sustainable soil management practices. Join our passionate and dynamic team to be at the forefront of agricultural innovation and contribute to enhancing soil health and ensuring a thriving and sustainable future for Ontario’s farming community. 

The OSN is recruiting Soil Health Technicians to assist with soil health sampling. This project has a dynamic team of soil scientists, researchers and educators, working together to assess and promote beneficial management practices (BMPs) on farms in Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe to increase climate resilience, improve biodiversity, and build productivity and profitability for farmers. The project will develop practical and effective measurements for assessing the status of a farm’s soil health and provide a way to evaluate progress over time. Soil sampling to establish the benchmarks will be conducted over 2 months from mid-May to mid-July 2024, which requires conducting sampling and documenting management practices for approximately 130 sites.  

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Learning: 

• Gaining foundational understanding of soil-landscape relationships by using soil survey data and engagement with local experts. 
• Assessing suitability of sampling locations with respect to project sampling design (i.e., fit within priority soil health groups and management systems) using maps and in-field assessments.  
• Collecting and shipping soil samples to laboratory for soil health analyses using slide hammers, core samplers, and push probes/augers. 
• Stay updated on advancements in agricultural research, technologies, and best practices. 

2. Networking: 

• Traveling across the York and Durham region (and possibly Niagara) to conduct soil sampling.  
• Engage with farmers, agricultural extension services, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to promote research and best practices in agriculture. 
• Collaborate with other non-profits, research institutions, government bodies, and industry organizations. 

3. Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Support staff to conduct workshops, training sessions, and outreach programs to educate stakeholders on research findings and advancements. 
• Support comms staff in the development of educational materials, publications, and outreach materials to communicate research outcomes to a wider audience. 

4. Data Management and Analysis: 

• Recording and managing metadata on soil samples and site characteristics.  
• Collect and analyze data and support the preparation of reports. 

5. Reporting: 

• Reporting regularly to research and demonstration coordinator, as well as the GreenBelt Soil Sampling Lead during sampling months. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education: Current student or graduate with a Bachelors degree in soil science, agronomy, environmental sciences, natural resource management, or a related field. Candidates with field-based experience is an asset. Soil sampling and safety training will be provided.  

Specific Skills and Knowledge: 

• Knowledge of soil formation and soil-landscape relationships is desired (e.g., soil mapping or collegiate soil judging experience).  
• Enthusiasm for meeting agricultural managers/farmers and to learn about soilscapes and row crop management practices. 
• Ability to characterize basic soil morphology in the field. Training will be provided.  
• Experience with data collection and analysis.  Training will be provided. 
• Understanding of agricultural management practices. 
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to lift 35 lbs. and complete physically demanding work in a variety of environmental conditions, including summer heat and humidity.  
• Applicants must be authorized to work in Canada.  

• Valid G2 driver’s license and have access to a reliable car for regular travel to various locations within Ontario is an asset. 

APPLYING: 

Applications should include a resume only and be received no later than April 22, 2024. You are encouraged to apply early as applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. 

OSN thanks all applicants for their interest, but only successful candidates will be contacted. 

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.  If you have any questions or require accommodations during the application process, please contact tori@cag-c.com so that we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure equal opportunities for participation. 

To apply, please submit your resume and to tori@ontariosoil.net. 

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