Field Crops Technician

Position Details
Position Information

Position Title	Field Crops Technician
Department/Unit	Plant, Food and Envir Sciences
Location	Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posting Number	S137-24
Employee Group	NSGEU Local 77
Position Type	Regular, On-Going
Duration of Contract (if applicable)
Employment Type	Part Time
Full-time Equivalency (FTE)	0.5 FTE
Salary	$25.91 - $32.80 per hour ($47,154 - $59,693 per annum, 35 hours per week). This is a 0.5 FTE position so annual salary will be pro-rated to $$23,577 - $29,846.50 (17.5 hours per week).
Classification	T7
Provisional Statement	This is a provisional classification. Formal regular review classification procedures may be initiated at any time by the incumbent or supervisor after the incumbent has worked a minimum of six months in the role.
About Dalhousie University	Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.
Job Summary	The Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University is a small research-intensive campus located in Truro, NS. Offering technical, undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, environment and related life and social science disciplines, the Faculty of Agriculture educates future leaders and generates knowledge and innovative solutions for healthy, sustainable societies. Reporting to the Outdoor Classroom and Landscape Manager, the Field Crops Technician will provide technical expertise and support for outdoor crops research and teaching, maintain the Plumdale research facility and orchard, and provide technical support for field crops research.
Key Responsibilities	Co-manage the Plumdale Field Research Facility, orchard and other field research and teaching facilities. Manage pesticide storage (inventory, maintaining labels and SDS, ensuring proper disposal, user compliance). Maintain inventories and field plans. Maintain and help in repairs of field and feed/seed processing equipment such as small tractors, implements, grounds equipment, and seed processing equipment. Provide equipment training for student assistants and other staff. Engage in and provide equipment and technical services for field layout, planting, spraying, harvesting, storage of plants and plant products, and field crop production. Manage the department vehicle fleet, ensuring maintenance, repairs and cleaning are performed as needed, and maintaining maintenance/repair records. Provide materials and/or deliver technical aspects of lab sections for various department courses as required. Assist 4th year undergraduate and graduate students in the technical aspects of their projects. Move and demonstrate equipment for external partners as required. Drive bus/vehicles for class field trips as required.
Note	This position may require work outside of regular office hours, especially during field season, e.g. early morning and late evening work may be required during peak times. Scheduling and compensation will be in accordance with the collective agreement. The incumbent will be exposed to pesticides and chemicals as well as the hazards inherent to working with vehicles or large equipment, and will be required to work outdoors and operate equipment in inclement weather. Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.
Required Qualifications	Diploma in Plant Science, Horticulture, Agricultural Mechanization or a related field with 3 years relevant experience in field crop production and management of plants/crops (or equivalent combination of training and experience). Demonstrated understanding of field research. Experience operating small field equipment and demonstrated commitment to safe work practices. Strong teamwork, interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills. Proven attention to detail while multi-tasking and working independently. Have or be able to obtain within 3 months of start date: valid NS class 4 license with condition 15 endorsement; Pesticide Applicator License; WHMIS training; Emergency First aid; and respirator fit-testing. Ability to lift objects up to 30lbs regularly and up to 50 lbs occasionally, as well as driving vehicles and equipment for extended period of time.
Assets	Undergraduate degree with a major in Plant Science, Horticulture or other related field.
Job Competencies	The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular: - Self-Awareness & Professionalism - Integrity - Respect & Inclusion - Adaptability - Knowledge & Thinking Skills
Additional Information	Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.
Application Consideration	Bargaining unit employees (NSGEU local 77) are given priority consideration and will be notified on the status of their application following assessment. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit. We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or Human Resources.
Diversity Statement	Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity .

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies	One (1)
Open Date	04/29/2024
Close Date	05/13/2024
Open Until Filled	No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting	https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/16467