Summer Research Assistant

About Olds College of Agriculture and Technology

Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been offering high quality hands‑on education for over a century. Through our core programming including continuing education, online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

The Opportunity

Student Research Assistant - temporary, full‑time

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement” Job Classification : Clerk I

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, the research assistant(s) may work on a variety of projects. The research assistant(s) will work closely with the team at OCCI, faculty experts, and the Olds College Smart Farm staff, and other internal and external stakeholders. Students are accountable to the College’s research policies and procedures as well as the code of conduct.

Research assistant(s) on 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.

Research assistant(s) on 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.

Research assistant(s) on 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.

Research assistant(s) on 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.

Key Job Functions

• 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

Education / Experience / Skills / Knowledge Required

Conditions of Employment

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.

Apply By January 31, 2026

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.

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