Research Technician, Crop Development Centre

Research Technician, Crop Development Centre

The spring wheat, specialty wheat, and canary seed breeding group in the Crop Development Centre works as a team to deliver improved crop varieties to support farmers and the agriculture industry in western Canada. These breeding programs have a rich history of developing new varieties and making a positive impact on Canadian agriculture.

Primary Purpose : This position supports the activities of the bread wheat, specialty wheat, and canary seed breeding programs in the Crop Development Centre. This position will also support research activities conducted both in-field and in controlled growing conditions.

Nature of Work : This position is based in the Crop Science Field Lab and reports to the CDC Spring Wheat Program Scientist, Adam Carter, and Technician, Alvin Lingelbach.

This position will work independently with limited supervision to meet research and breeding goals. Tasks are varied throughout the year and require some knowledge of field-based research and experience operating farm equipment. The Technician may be asked to support graduate students and collaborators with data collection from experiments.

Increased work loads are often driven by the influence of weather on field-based agriculture research. During times of higher workloads, particularly around seeding and harvest, overtime will be expected during some weekends and evenings. Work is often physically demanding and requires standing for long periods of time. The Technician must be physically capable of lifting 25 kg.

Work will be conducted in both indoor laboratories and outdoors in fields. The Research Technician may be exposed to extreme temperatures, dust, loud noises, and agricultural chemicals (eg. herbicides, seed treatments). The Research Technician, with support from their supervisor, will be expected to remain aligned with the University safety procedures under these conditions.

The Research Technician will take care of their own safety and ensure the safety of their fellow workers. This includes following all standard operating procedures, and use of good judgement. Caution when operating and working around University equipment or vehicles is required. The Technician will be expected to identify and work on solutions to workplace hazards.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities : The Research Technician will be responsible to work with a team to establish, maintain, and harvest wheat breeding nursery and field plots. This includes sample organization, greenhouse management, post-harvest quality analysis, and assistance with crossing. The Research Technician will be expected to operate small plot equipment such as tractors, plot seeders, sprayers, and plot combines.

Overtime work, including evenings and weekends, will be required during busy periods at planting (May) and harvest (August / September).

The Research Technician will be expected to work with limited supervision. Training will be provided to accomplish assigned work, as required. The Technician will protect their safety and the safety of others by following proper protocols and exercising good judgement.

Education : High school diploma.

Licenses : Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Experience : Experience with data collection and management, field trial maintenance, operation of small plot equipment, and sample processing is an asset. Experience with handheld and desktop computers and software including Microsoft Excel and Word is also an asset.

Skills : Ability to operate small plot equipment. Strong communicator and interpersonal skills to be a core member of a positive team environment. Well organized and able to manage time efficiently.