Address
SalaryAbout Olds College of Agriculture and Technology
At Olds College of Agriculture and Technology we value our people and are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. Olds College provides quality education in an environment that is designed to promote academic excellence and student success. There are many reasons to join Olds College and build a meaningful career in a community that is innovative, diverse and welcoming.
The Opportunity:
The Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) is the scientifically acclaimed applied research division of Olds College. OCCI works with industry partners, other research organizations, and the College’s Smart Ag Ecosystem to define and execute applied research projects. OCCI’s goal is to accelerate the development and adoption of agricultural technologies and practices to improve productivity and sustainability of food production. OCCI’s current focus is on broadacre, dryland crop production, beef production, and sheep production with a focus on integrating technology and utilizing data for better management decisions.
The OCCI Research Assistant(s) will provide support for a variety of project activities in crop production, environmental stewardship, livestock production, and smart ag/digital ag. Throughout the employment term, employees may work on a variety of projects. The employees will work closely with the team at OCCI, faculty experts, and the Olds College Smart Farm staff, and other internal and external stakeholders. Employees are accountable to the College’s research policies and procedures as well as the code of conduct.
The smart ag/digital ag research team will be engaged in a variety of activities that may include: precision broad acre seeding, spraying, spreading, harvest activities, in field activities such as crop/environmental sensing equipment monitoring and maintenance, crop scouting activities like disease assessment and crop staging, general observational & digital data collection, literature reviews, knowledge transfer, and project report writing collaboration.
The crop production research team will be engaged primarily in small plot field, greenhouse and laboratory research. Under supervision, work may include field preparation, research study set up, seeding, weeding, watering, sampling, data collection (including photos), measurements, data entry and presentation of research findings to colleagues.
The environmental stewardship research team will be engaged primarily in water quality monitoring, research and management of industrial stormwater ponds and feedlot cattle operation runoff retention ponds.
The livestock research team will be engaged in applied research activities related to production, animal health and welfare, and environmental sustainability. Specifically, innovative technologies and management practices will be explored to answer important, industry-relevant research questions within beef cattle and sheep production systems.
PLEASE INCLUDE A COVER LETTER stating which research area you are most interested in: Smart Ag/Digital Ag, Crop Production, Environmental Stewardship or Livestock Production.
Key Job Functions for all research teams:
- Assist with the coordination of day-to-day operations of research activities
- Support project activities including field work, laboratory studies, and literature reviews
- Support data collection, data entry, data management, and reporting for assigned projects and activities
- Assist and contribute to communication and outreach activities including lunch ‘n learn presentations, tours and field days and participation in the college’s annual educational expo “AgSmart”
Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required for all research teams:
Required post-secondary education and two years experience in agriculture, environmental sciences, or related field
- Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
- Familiarity with agriculture technologies and experience in equipment operation and cropping systems
- Proven capability for collaborative partnership development and teamwork
- Effective communication skills
- Physically fit, organized and detail-oriented with the ability to work under minimal supervision in a dynamic environment
- Computer skills, including storing research data appropriately in databases, farm management information systems and/or statistical analysis programs, and/or GIS and extracting relevant reporting and/or analysis are considered an asset.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google applications
- Experience with agricultural research and data collection would be considered an asset
- Project Management experience considered an asset
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license
Health and Safety:
Conditions of Employment:
- Current criminal reference check that is free of any offenses.
- Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.
The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the key job functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It is not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements and, as such, other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the research manager.
The successful candidate must be willing to work flexible hours and on campus. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Open until suitable candidate is found but interviews will begin in January
We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
