Job Description

Job Summary

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation is Nova Scotia's development agency focusing on the food sector. Our mission is to support success, transformation and economic development in Nova Scotia's agriculture, seafood, and food and beverage sectors. That means our team of bright, engaged specialists are always learning, always evolving, and always ready to take on a new challenge. So, what are you waiting for? Come Grow with us.

Summer Research Assistant

Do you have an interest in learning more about agriculture and supporting agriculture development in Nova Scotia? At Perennia, we look for highly energetic students with initiative and drive, who are looking for an opportunity to gain valuable experience and develop their competencies while working as part of a great team. We believe students are the very people who will help shape the industry and our future direction. Perennia's mission is to support growth, transformation and economic development in Nova Scotia's agriculture, seafood, and food and beverage sectors.

To assist in this effort, we are seeking full-time Summer Research Assistants who will work as part of the Field Research Team in support of our Agriculture Extension Division. The successful candidate will be exposed to a variety of agriculture projects. The student will work closely with the Field Research staff and with commodity specialists; gain valuable experience with trials and statistical principles related to trial conduct in in-field settings; and will have an opportunity to learn about agronomic practices and see agriculture production within their local region.

We have open positions based in

Kentville and Truro. Both locations will require some travel within each office's regional area (travel expenses reimbursed) and occasional travel around Nova Scotia. Project work will require extended periods of time outdoors as well as data entry and project preparation as needed.

Principal Responsibilities

The Summer Research Assistant's responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Assist in setup, planting, maintaining, and harvesting of trials and demonstrations Assist in spraying and application of agricultural products Accurately collect, enter, and manage data Assist with field tasks including soil sampling, insect collection, pest identification, GPS mapping and other activities as needed Assist with tours at demonstration sites

The ideal candidate will be:

Currently enrolled in an agriculture or related science degree (Environmental Science, Biology), minimum completion of first year of undergraduate study Highly motivated with the ability to work independently Organized and have strong time management skills Detail oriented Able to communicate effectively Comfortable working outside in the elements Certified in first aid
This position will run from the beginning of May to end of August. The work week will be 35 hours per week, with some flexibility in working hours required. Early mornings, late afternoons and occasional weekend work is expected from time to time.

Candidates are required to have:

A valid Class 5 Driver's License Reliable and consistent access to a vehicle Capability of lifting up to 20 kg
To apply for this position at Perennia, please email a combined PDF cover letter and resume noting potential start date if you were the successful candidate tocareers@perennia.ca by noon on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Only those candidates who move onto the interview phase will be contacted.

For more information or to learn about Perennia visit perennia.ca

Perennia is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Types: Fixed term contract, Seasonal
Contract length: 16 weeks

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2026-01-19
Expected start date: 2026-05-04