Farmer

Do you have a green thumb and love of animals? Put your horticultural and animal husbandry skills to the test while supporting rehabilitation programming for inmates! The Farmer will plan, coordinate and supervise an industrial farming operation at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre (TBCC).

Note: Work is to be performed onsite and may be required during evenings, weekends and holidays based on operational needs.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Refer to the “How to apply” section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?
In this role you will:
• Estimate, purchase and regularly inventory materials, and supplies including livestock, equipment, seeds, fertilizer, tools and fencing
• Supervise and train inmates in the preparation of acreage, planting of crops, fertilizing, seeding, monitoring growth and watering, and applying insecticides
• Supervise and train inmates in animal husbandry, including preparing and measuring feeding rations, removal of waste, feeding operations, and ensuring proper ventilation in agricultural buildings
• Supervise and train inmates in the greenhouse operations such as seeding, potting, fertilizing, watering, temperature control, lighting and ventilation
• Lead the planting of an orchard, from site preparation through to harvesting fruit
• Oversee cultivation, planting and growing of Indigenous ceremonial medicines and vegetables for Indigenous ceremonies
• Oversee the cleaning, maintenance and repair of machinery, tools, equipment and work areas
• Snow clearing, salting, grading and sanding of roads, parking lots and walkways
• Operate various types of equipment on property including dump trucks, tractors, front end loaders, etc.
• Ensure the custody, control, security and safety of all inmate program participants

How do I qualify?
Mandatory
You must have:
• A valid Class G Ontario Driver’s License, as recognized by the Province of Ontario
• Ability to operate farm machinery and equipment
• Standard First Aid certification or the ability to obtain it

Farming Knowledge and Skills
You have:
• Knowledge of farming, composting, solar power usage, and root crop, orchard, fruit and vegetable production
• Ability to instruct and train inmates in animal and plant husbandry
• Experience operating machinery, and agricultural and animal husbandry equipment
• Knowledge of industrial farming procedures and practices
• Understanding of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ministry Correctional Services Act, and related regulations, policies and procedures

Technical Skills
You are able to:
• Operate farm equipment, machinery, and manual/power tools
• Perform minor repairs and recommend purchases of equipment

Communication and Inter-Personal Skills
You can:
• Assess work performance of inmate program participants and provide comments/recommendations to staff
• Convey information to inmate program participants through formal and information instruction
• Complete reports and maintain logs and production records

Problem Solving and Evaluative Skills
You have the ability to:
• Analyze, assess and resolve issues related to the planning and coordination of production
• Review and report on the quality of work performed by inmate program participants
• Monitor and procure inventory