Manager, Competitive Ag Show & Rodeo Teams

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 - Manager, Competitive Ag Show & Rodeo Teams (full-time, permanent)

The overall purpose of this job is to provide leadership and operational management for the Olds College Competitive Agricultural Show Teams (including but not limited to Red Angus, Sheep), and Rodeo Team.

Reporting to the Dean of the Werklund School of Agriculture and Technology, the OC Ag Manager contributes to the College's success by fostering high-level collaboration across academic departments, research teams, and external stakeholders. Ultimately, this role enhances the student experience, while driving the profitability, growth, and reputation of the programs.

Leadership will include the coordination of facilities used by the various OC Ag teams with the scheduling office and Smart Farm. In addition, they will coordinate the maintenance of these spaces (arena, penning, etc) and provide leadership to students in their support of these functions.

Key Job Functions:

Livestock Leadership and Management:

• In coordination with the Smart Farm, support daily care, health, and nutrition for all livestock species (e.g., cattle, sheep, equine) connected to the Competitive Ag Show Teams, develop and implement breeding programs, vaccination schedules and protocols, and waste management protocols, maintain precise records of animal inventory, performance metrics, and veterinary treatments for livestock used by Competitive Ag Show Teams.
  

• Responsible for the accurate and timely documentation, tracking, and reporting of all competitive ag and rodeo student injuries, safety incidents, and animal welfare practices in accordance with college policies and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

• Manage and oversee the submission, renewal, and strict adherence to Animal Use Protocols (AUP), collaborate directly with the IACUC to ensure all Competitive Ag Show Teams and Rodeo Team activities, livestock management, policy, protocols, and related operations comply with IACUC Committee standards and national welfare guidelines.

• Act as the primary liaison between academic instructors and the Smart Farm team and IACUC. Lead ongoing communications and participate in meetings with stakeholders to align instructional, curriculum, and farm operational needs, while resolving any day-to-day operational challenges to ensure mutual success.

• Sets clear team goals and objectives and ensures effective execution.

Facility and Arena Management

• Manage and supervise the OC Ag Show Teams and Rodeo Team users in the riding arena, livestock facilities, and equine penning/corrals, ensuring all competitive ag team facilities are well-maintained, safe, and fully functional.

• Coordinate and support the Scheduler (Registrar's office), Smart Farm, Facilities, and other key users and stakeholders to develop the arena use schedule, coordinate equipment needs, balancing student club activities, community events, private clinics, and external competitions/livestock shows.

• Arrange times and protocols for the use of the arena for OC Competitive Ag Show team horses, Rodeo Team and livestock at Olds College.

• Work with college risk management to secure adequate insurance/liability coverage and ensure strict compliance with all safety and occupancy regulations.

• Provide functional oversight for staff and student employees working within the Competitive Ag Show Teams (including but not limited to Red Angus and Sheep) and Rodeo Team facilities, guiding activities and ensuring smooth operational flow and adhere to protocols.

Competitive Ag Show Team and Rodeo Team Management

• Serve as the primary liaisonfor internal campus departments and external partners, proactively resolving issues to maintain trust and ensure seamless day-to-day operations.

• Collaborate with stakeholders utilizing Competitive Ag Show Team and Rodeo Team facilities and spaces to maintain the highest standards of service, safety, and quality for all users.

• Work collaboratively with Rodeo Coaches, Faculty Leads, and students across all Olds College Competitive Ag Show Teams and the Rodeo Team to foster a culture of teamwork and excellence.

• As the designated institutional lead, you will identify operational needs, oversee student conduct, and manage discipline and accountability matters to ensure overall safety.

• Provide oversight and direction to all personnel involved with events, including arena designates/staff, Smart Farm staff, contractors, and student volunteers.

Administration & Stakeholder Relations

• Strategic Planning: Chair the planning team (Smart Farm staff, faculty, and administration) to progress Olds College’s long-term OC Ag livestock management goals.

• Financial Management: Under the guidance of the Dean, develop OC Ag Show Team and Rodeo Team budgets, actively monitoring and managing variance reports.

• Sponsorship & Advancement: Foster long-term relationships with community members, alumni, and local businesses to drive sponsorship for the Competitive Ag Show Teams and Rodeo Team.

• Institutional Collaboration: Collaborate with academic departments and research teams to focus on the overall profitability, productivity, and sustainability.

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required:

• A diploma or degree in Animal Health, Agricultural Production, Science, Management or a related area is required.

• An equivalent combination of relevant education, skills, and experience will be considered.

• 5+ years of progressive management experience in mixed farming or ranching operations, combined with deep knowledge of leading agricultural technologies. Must demonstrate authentic, hands-on experience in farm or ranch operations with direct experience in rodeo management.

• 5+ years of proven experience in leading and managing teams.

• Proficiency in livestock management, including a deep understanding of cattle and equine health, safe handling practices, and committed to upholding strict animal welfare standards. Demonstrated competence in budget management, policy documentation, and record keeping.

• Leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively and in team situations is essential.

• Computer literacy including experience with Microsoft Office and the Google suite.

• Actively promotes equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging throughout the campus and our communities and serves as a real ally to all.

• Makes decisions with the College’s interests in mind, while demonstrating inclusivity, openness, transparency, civility, and respect.

• Able to stand and bend for long periods of time and lift 50+ lbs.

• Ability to express farm production concepts effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to work collaboratively and in team situations.

• Budgeting and financial decision-making ability.

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.