Department / Team: Research Reports To: Senior Manager, Research Programs and Operations Classification: Part-time (8–16 hours/week); Term ending March 31, 2027 Location: Guelph, Ontario; Hybrid Compensation: $25/hour
Job Summary / Purpose:
The Agricultural Climate Modelling Intern supports greenhouse gas (GHG) modelling and applied agricultural research activities delivered through the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF). The role will support the collection, quality control, modelling, analysis, and interpretation of farm operational, soil health, and GHG data used to assess the environmental outcomes of agricultural Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs). Working with OSCIA Research and Knowledge Transfer staff, farmer cooperators, service providers, and other project partners, the Intern will develop and evaluate farm-specific GHG and carbon models using HOLOS and the DeNitrification and DeComposition (DNDC) model. The position will contribute to model calibration and validation, regional BMP assessment, program reporting, and the translation of modelling results into practical information for Ontario agriculture. This internship is primarily data- and modelling-focused, with opportunities to support related research, reporting, and knowledge translation activities as required.
Key Responsibilities & Duties:
Greenhouse Gas Modelling and Analysis
- Build, calibrate, and validate farm-specific models for carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions using HOLOS and the DeNitrification and DeComposition (DNDC) model.
- Evaluate the impact of agricultural BMPs on modelled GHG emissions and carbon outcomes across Ontario agricultural regions.
- Document modelling assumptions, parameters, methodologies, limitations, and results to support reproducibility and technical review.
- Collaborate with OSCIA Research and Knowledge Transfer staff, researchers, academic partners, service providers, and other technical experts to maintain sound modelling and analytical practices.
Data Management and Quality Assurance
- Assemble, organize, clean, and quality control datasets from farmer cooperators, project service providers, research partners, and publicly available sources.
- Identify data gaps, inconsistencies, and quality concerns and work with project staff and partners to resolve issues where possible.
- Maintain clear data documentation, file organization, version control, and records of data sources and transformations.
- Follow OSCIA requirements related to data governance, confidentiality, security, privacy, and information sharing.
OFCAF Activity 4 Research and Program Support
- Contribute technical information, analyses, tables, figures, and summaries for internal reports, funder reporting, research reports, and project documentation.
- Participate in project meetings and provide updates on modelling progress, data requirements, findings, and emerging issues.
- Support other applied research activities as required.
Collaboration and Knowledge Translation
- Support interpretation of modelling results and identification of key findings relevant to agricultural BMP performance and greenhouse gas mitigation.
- Work with OSCIA’s Knowledge Translation and Transfer staff to translate key modelling outcomes into clear, practical information for farmers, agricultural professionals, funders, and project stakeholders.
- Contribute to presentations, technical summaries, fact sheets, reports, or other knowledge transfer products as appropriate.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Currently completing a graduate degree in an agricultural, environmental, or closely related discipline such as climate change, soil science, agronomy, environmental science, agricultural systems, or a related field. Preference may be given to candidates completing a PhD.
Specific Experience:
- Experience with, or demonstrated ability to learn, agricultural greenhouse gas or carbon modelling tools. Experience with HOLOS and/or DNDC is strongly preferred.
- Experience organizing, cleaning, quality controlling, and analyzing research datasets.
- Understanding of agricultural production systems, soil carbon, and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Experience with statistical analysis, preparing technical reports, research summaries, and research data management principles, including data sharing and data security.
- Experience with data visualization, research data interpretation.
- Understanding of data sharing, data security, confidentiality, and research data management principles.
- Experience preparing presentations, or scientific communications is an asset.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge:
- Understanding of GHG emissions, carbon sequestration, soil carbon, and agricultural BMPs.
- Understanding of applied research methods, agricultural modelling software, data quality assurance, statistics, and scientific interpretation.
- Knowledge of Ontario agriculture and agricultural production systems is considered an asset.
Skills:
- Strong data management, analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
- Proficiency with HOLOS and DNDC, or demonstrated capacity to become proficient quickly.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and statical software (i.e., R or Python).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to technical accuracy and detail.
- Strong organization, documentation, and time-management skills.
Abilities:
- Ability to work independently while seeking guidance appropriately and contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and meet project deadlines.
- Ability to identify data or modelling issues, investigate possible causes, and propose practical solutions.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when working with research and farm-level data.
Behavioural Competencies:
- Adaptability: Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to learn in a changing research and program environment.
- Ethical Behaviour: Ensure personal behaviours align with the Association’s core values and code of conduct.
- Relationship Development: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and project partners.
- Effective Communication: Speak, listen, and write clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner.
- Teamwork Development: Work cooperatively with others to achieve shared project objectives.
- Initiative: Assess and initiate appropriate tasks independently while recognizing when direction or technical input is required.
- Time Management and Organization: Set priorities, organize work, and monitor progress toward deadlines.
- Problem-Solving: Approach challenges analytically and focus on practical solutions and continuous improvement.
- Foster Sustainability: Support work that improves the viability and sustainability of rural Ontario and Ontario agriculture.
- Continuous Learning: Participate actively in professional development and learning opportunities.
Working Conditions:
- Hybrid work model combining remote and in-office work, with the position based in Guelph, Ontario.
- Part-time schedule of approximately 8–16 hours per week; work schedule may vary based on project requirements and academic commitments.
- Work is primarily computer-based and requires prolonged sitting, typing, data analysis, and screen time.
- Home office settings require dependable high-speed internet to support virtual meetings, data work, and online collaboration.
- Occasional travel to research sites, meetings, or project events may be required.
- May require occasional work outside standard business hours to support project meetings or time-sensitive deliverables.
- Must maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling farm-level, research, partner, and organizational information.
