Temporary Seasonal Research Assistant - Lacombe, Canada - Olds College

Olds College
Olds College
Verified Company
Lacombe, Canada

2 weeks ago

Sophia Lee

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Sophia Lee

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Description

About the Western Crop Innovations (WCI) formerly known as the Field Crop Development Centre
WCI is located in Lacombe, Alta. and has been developing enhanced cereal varieties for feed, forage, malt, food and bio-industrial uses since 1972.

Recognized as a world-class research facility, WCI focuses on producing new barley and triticale varieties, as well as maintaining a vast source of germplasm.


The Opportunity:


The research assistant position is part of a technical team that supports cereal crop research at the Field Crop Development Centre, Lacombe, AB.

Under the direction of senior technical staff, provide support to the breeding programs to carry out key tasks for the identification and advancement of elite material in a field based research program.

The primary focus of the position is field research operations supporting the breeding programs; however, the job impacts multidisciplinary research teams at the Centre providing general support to all areas.





NOTE:
This is a temporary 4 month position.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES:


  • Support plot planting operations ensuring accurate and efficient planting of research trials
  • Provide support to cereal development performing crosses to develop new material.
  • Assist senior technical staff in note taking and data collection, with the ability to work independently.
  • Assist with the purification of breeding nurseries by identifying and removing variants from the research trial plots.
  • Routine farm maintenance, mowing roadways, trimming fencelines, moving irrigation pipes, and cleaning equipment and supplies.
  • Provide support to harvest operations, assisting with combine crews, and operation of binding and stationary threshing equipment. Other harvest methods used will be cutting of plant material and
  • Assist with greenhouse and growth cabinet experiments by preparing growing media, filling and cleaning pots, planting and harvesting.
  • Maintain trials through mowing, weeding, etc. and provide support for site for field tours
  • Provide general support to all areas of the cereal breeding program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:


  • Requires minimum High School education.
  • Applicable postsecondary training in Agriculture or related sciences or directly related experience an asset
  • Knowledge of or the ability to learn cereal hybridization techniques.
  • The ability to follow safe work practices and procedures.
  • The ability to operate small horsepower tractors, and plot maintenance equipment is desirable.
  • The ability to work outdoors in varying environmental conditions, exposure to noise, grain dust, pollen, and lift upwards of 50 lbs for extended periods during harvest.
  • The ability to work within a team, follow protocols set out by senior technical and scientific staff and seek clarification when needed.
  • The job requires attention to detail and the ability to identify and remove plant variants within cereal crops.
  • Basic computer skills for data collection and entry.
  • A valid Class 5 driver's license is required

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:


  • Some work outside of regular College operating hours may be required.
  • Must be able to frequently travel during the workday.
  • Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.
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