Agriculture Summer Student

The Peace River Forage Association (PRFA), the Peace Region Forage Seed Association (PRFSA), and the BC Grain Producers Association (BC Grain) are three non-profit, producer run groups that strives to support producers through regionally relevant applied research and extension programs. The missions of our groups center around supporting the forage, forage seed, as well as the grain and oilseed industry in northeastern BC and beyond. Our goal is to support agricultural systems that are profitable, regenerative, and sustainable. We are fortunate to work with a network of innovative producers across our industries. Our producer groups are also partners of the Peace Region Living Lab, a unique and producer-centred long-term federally supported project.

We are looking for an ambitious and hard-working Summer Agriculture Research Technician to be part of our team. Someone who has a genuine interest in the agriculture industry, applied research and working with innovative producers in the Peace Region.

As a Summer Agriculture Research Technician, you will work closely with the managers of all three organizations. You will have a unique opportunity to build your knowledge of the forage, forage seed, and grain industry, gain hands-on experience in applied research projects, learn about extension event organization and implementation. There are also opportunities to run social media campaigns, build social license for agriculture, and contribute to producer publications.

If you enjoy a diversity of work, a fast-paced work environment, and doing something different every day, you will appreciate the fieldwork associated with ag research! Some of your duties would include assisting with taking field samples of various soil health indicators, crop residue measurements, plant and weed identification, yield measurements, accurate data collection and entry, taking notes on field observations, operate a weigh wagon, interact with a diverse group of producers, and support field work related to various projects for the three partner groups. Field duties will be carried out in variable weather conditions and sometimes in remote areas.

You will also provide support in the planning, coordination and implementation of tours, workshops, and field days put on by the three organizations for local farmers and agronomists and get to listen to some great speakers! A portion of your time will be spent in the office helping with social media campaigns, planning for events/tours, writing newsletter articles about projects and field experiences, as well as the compiling, analyzing, and reporting of project data generated from research projects.The ideal candidate would have the following attributes/skills:

· Curiosity (the more the better)

· Genuine interest in agriculture, on-farm experience will be considered an asset

· Ability to work under difficult conditions in remote locations

· Personal vehicle available for use

· Proficiency with MS Office products, comfortable with modern technology

· Local to the BC Peace Region with knowledge of areas in the region

· Industry-typical safety certification (e.g. Level 1 First Aid, WHMIS)

· Valid diver’s license in good standing (driver’s abstract required prior to commencement of employment)

Educational requirements

• Post Secondary education related to agricultural sciences are preferred

Drug & alcohol screening may be required upon commencement of employment.

Job Type: Temporary

Job Location Fort St. John, Dawson Creek BC

Required license or certification: Class 7 N Drivers license.

Work Remotely

• No

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract, Seasonal
Contract length: 17 weeks

Salary: From $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Secondary School (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• 7N (required)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Fort St. John, BC

Application deadline: 2024-03-17
Expected start date: 2024-05-06