Research Technician Jobs

About The Position

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