Technician, Research

Olds College • Olds, AB

9h • CA$57,231 - CA$68,050 • Onsite

About The Position

This position will support the OCCI crops team with planning, preparing, executing (data and sample collection) and managing applied research studies. This includes scientific experiments carried out outdoors on small plots or strip plots, or indoors in laboratories, growth chambers, modified shipping containers or greenhouses. The Research Technician I will assist with data handling and management, including data organization, preliminary data analyses, report writing and information dissemination. This position will also share the responsibility for training and mentoring students, interns, and temporary or casual workers.

Requirements

• Minimum of two (2) years of post-secondary education from an accredited institution in an applicable field (such as Agriculture, or allied sciences) required.
• Class 5 driver’s license.
• Must possess Pesticide Applicator License (Agriculture) within 3-5 months of the date of hire.
• Minimum of two (2) years of fieldwork, and laboratory or greenhouse experience, or specific research experience involving agriculture.
• Knowledge and operating skills associated with various agricultural equipment especially related to small plot studies, and general crop production practices.
• Strong communication skills with team members, clients, and subcontractors is essential.
• Focus on teamwork and integration within multidisciplinary teams on a wide range of projects.
• Ability to prioritize workflows and manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight timelines.
• Computer literate and familiar with Microsoft Office Suite including excel and other softwares related to data analysis and Google applications.
• Acts ethically, openly, honestly, and respectfully to build and maintain an environment of trust, safety, and well-being.
• Engage in Continuing Education (CE) and/or Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs annually, including certification and re-certification programs and maintaining professional designations.
• Actively promotes equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging throughout the campus and our communities and serves as a real ally to all.
• Must work outdoors to some extent across all seasons, withstanding exposure to severe rain, snow, heavy heat, or winter cold.
• Current Criminal Reference check with a Vulnerable Sector Check that is free of any offenses.
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to planning and execution of new field-based small-plot research experiments and demonstrations projects.
• Actively contribute to the development, review, and update of science-based research field level, Greenhouse and Lab protocols and procedures.
• Develop, review, and update task-specific workplace hazard assessment documents.
• Assist with indoor or outdoor crop-related applied research and extension projects under the guidance of OCCI research staff.
• Support monitoring, sampling, measuring, and recording observations throughout research projects.
• Manage data collection, storage, and organization.
• Safely handle and apply agricultural pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemical products, including proper storage, cleanup, and disposal.
• Ensure field measurements and research data points are logged accurately with high attention to detail.
• Assist with organizing the day-to-day scheduling, update to-do activities list, resource assignment, and other requirements of active research trials.
• Maintain personal and project accountability to the established research policies and procedures of Olds College.
• Safely and carefully operate agronomic research equipment (tractors, cultivators, seeders, sprayers, applicators, mowers, swathers, combines, etc.).
• Assist with maintenance, regular cleaning, calibration, and routine inspection of research equipment.
• Assist with rationale and purchase of new equipment needs and modifications as needed.
• Initiate, outline, and draft comprehensive project data sheets and documents customized to funding and stakeholder requirements.
• Attend specialized client briefings and technical review meetings as requested to document requirements.
• Present formal and informal project insights, clearly to internal teammates and research managers.
• Prepare for and participate in demonstration projects and field days and annual extension events such as AgSmart or knowledge-transfer days and tours to share research outcomes with producers.

Benefits

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)
• Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits
• Health/Personal Spending Account
• Generous Vacation Leave
• Paid Holiday Closure
• ‘Olds College in the Community’ volunteer leave
• Professional development and opportunities for growth, including employee and family tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree