Research Technician

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 Research Technician may be asked to supervise other staff, including part-time and summer students, while they perform tasks of moderate complexity. This supervision will be done in coordination with the Senior Technicians of the program. The Technician may also be asked to support graduate students and collaborators with ideas and technical knowledge to support their goals.

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 laboratory’s 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. In particular, 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 organisation, 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, and to be capable of supervising summer students and part-time staff to accomplish tasks throughout the year. The Technician will protect their safety and the safety of others by following proper protocols and exercising good judgement. 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or related field.

Licenses: Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Experience: Experience with data collection and management, field trial setup, field trial maintenance, and sample processing is an asset. Must have experience with handheld and desktop computers and software including Microsoft Excel and Word.

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.

Department: Crop Development Centre
Status: Term with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $23.53 - 31.83 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 5
Posted Date: 4/8/2024
Closing Date: 4/22/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Yes
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable