OPG Project Assistant (Summer Student)

Who we are:

The GVF Group of Companies empowers farmers to produce meat, milk, and eggs profitably and sustainably for the advancement of human lives, nutrition and health.

Founded in 1960, GVF specializes in the formulation, manufacture and sale of high quality, leading-edge mineral premixes for swine, dairy, beef and poultry producers. We create opportunities for livestock & poultry farms to be more profitable by providing innovative products, programs and services which lower feeding and livestock producers costs, maximize animal performance, and increase nutritional and commercial value of our customers products; meat, milk and eggs.

Today the GVF Group is comprised of seven divisions: Grand Valley Fortifiers, Fortified Nutrition, Farmers Depot, Direct Source Commodities, Valley Feeds, True Foods and On Farm Business Intelligence.

Ours is a family business that cares about its employees and its community. We make sure that all our staff get what the best-in-class team members deserve: benefits, good wages, and respect. Whether through our charitable work, or our dedication to staff, GVF is committed to living out our principles and values.

Why we have this role:

This summer position supports an ongoing OPG (oocysts per gram) project focused on optimizing poultry nutrition and on-farm management. You’ll gain valuable field and lab experience while working alongside experienced nutrition professionals.

This role offers hands-on exposure to applied research, commercial poultry nutrition, and real-world on-farm experience.

Working with us:

This is a 4-month summer student placement running from May through August 2026. As a member of our Nutrition Team, your typical working hours will be Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour unpaid lunch break. You will work primarily from your home base, with occasional visits to our Head Office in Cambridge for sample drop-off and analysis. Because this role includes on-farm responsibilities, travel will be required throughout Wellington County, Waterloo, Perth, Middlesex, Brant, and Hamilton, with farm locations located within approximately two hours one-way from Cambridge. Mileage will be reimbursed for all required travel, and a valid Canadian driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle are required.

What you’ll do:

• Collect fecal samples from poultry farms following established protocols
• Accurately complete farm visit documentation
• Label, organize, and store samples for analysis
• Perform OPG counts using microscopy and record results
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment during sample processing

Your background includes:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, or a related field
• On-farm experience is considered an asset
• Ability to identify parasite oocysts under a microscope
• Experience with OPG analysis (asset)
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Genuine interest and passion for the poultry industry
  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs
• Strong curiosity and desire to learn, research, and ask questions
• A valid Canadian driver’s license and access to a vehicle

Why work with us: 

• Canadian family-owned and operated company
• Competitive student wages
• Hands-on, real-world experience in commercial poultry nutrition and on-farm research
• Mentorship and learning opportunities alongside experienced nutrition professionals
• Exposure to applied research, data analysis, and customer-facing work
• Store discount at Valley Feeds
• Be part of a company that values integrity, innovation, and giving back

Living Our Values:

• Passion: Serving customers innovatively and well.
• Humble Confidence: Confidently choosing to forgo our status, deploy our resources and use of influence for the good of others before ourselves.
• Integrity: Consistently honest while honouring commitments with our customers, co-workers and suppliers.
• Professional: Committed to excellence in the way we lead, serve and relate.
• Caring: With a servant heart, truly caring for customers and co-workers. Find satisfaction in assisting with others’ challenges and joy in witnessing their success.

All interested applicants are asked to apply with a copy of their resume. We thank all applicants for their interest however, only candidates considered for the position will be contacted for an interview.