Technician, Research

About Olds College of Agriculture & 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 - Technician, Research (full-time, permanent)

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

This position will support OCCI crops team with planning, preparing, executing (data and sample collection) and managing assist in applied research studies, including scientific experiments carried out in the outdoors on small plots or strip plots, or indoors in laboratories, growth chambers, modified shipping containers or greenhouses situated on campus, off-campus on Olds College property, or on external cooperator property. Upon conclusion of indoor or outdoor experiments or studies, the Research Technician I will assist with data handling and management, including data organization, preliminary data analyses, report writing and information dissemination to farmers, the agricultural industry, the agro-services industry, agrologists, academics and the public. Finally, this position will share the responsibility for training and mentoring students, interns, and temporary or casual workers.

Key Job Functions:

Research: Field Data Collection & Management

• Contribute to planning and execution of new field based small-plot research experiments and demonstrations projects
• Actively contribute to the development, review, and update 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
• Quality Verification: Ensure field measurements and research data points are logged accurately with high attention to detail

Operations & Protocol Assistance

• Daily Coordination: Assist with organizing the day-to-day scheduling, update to-do activities list, resource assignment, and other requirements of active research trials.
• Research Adherence: Maintain personal and project accountability to the established research policies and procedures of Olds College.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• 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
• Safely and carefully operate agronomic research equipment (tractors, cultivators, seeders, sprayers, applicators, mowers, swathers, combines, etc.)
• Assist with rationale and purchase of new equipment needs and modifications as needed

Documentation & Search Support

• Technical Writing: Initiate, outline, and draft comprehensive project data sheets and documents customized to funding and stakeholder requirements.
• Meeting Administrative Support: Attend specialized client briefings and technical review meetings as requested to document requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement & Extension

• Scientific Reporting: Present formal and informal project insights, clearly to internal teammates and research managers.
• Knowledge Transfer: Prepare for and participate in the demonstration projects and field days and annual extension events such as AgSmart or knowledge-transfer days and tours to share research outcomes with producers

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required:

• 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
• Where applicable, 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

Conditions of Employment:

• 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.

Olds College offers a competitive benefit plan:

• 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

Open until suitable candidate found

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.