Research Assistant- Cereal Crops (Temporary)

About the Western Crop Innovations (WCI) formally know 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 is part of a technical team that supports cereal crop research at a large and diverse research Centre. Under the direction of senior technical and scientific staff, provide support to the breeding programs to carry out key tasks for the development and advancement of elite material. 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: Temporary until March 31, 2025.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES :

• Assist senior technical staff in note-taking, data collection, and plant hybridization.
• Support plot planting operations ensuring accurate and efficient planting of research trials.
• Assist with the purification of breeding nurseries by identifying and removing variants from the research trial plots, and collect detailed descriptions of breeding material.
• Assist with greenhouse and growth cabinet experiments by preparing growing media, filling and cleaning pots, planting, and harvesting.
• Provide support to field 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 individual head selection.
• Assist with the weighing, cleaning, and testing of harvested research trials utilizing various seed cleaning tools as well as bar code readers, scales, and seed testing equipment for collection of seed quality traits.
• Maintain trials through mowing, weeding, etc., and provide support for field tours
• Routine farm maintenance, mowing roadways, trimming fence lines, moving irrigation pipes, assisting with collecting and testing of forage silage samples, and cleaning equipment and supplies.
• Provide general support to all areas of the cereal breeding program with the ability to work independently.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES :

• Requires Post-Secondary education, or High School education with 3 years of experience in agriculture research.
• A basic understanding of small field plot research techniques and knowledge of cereal grain phenotypic traits would be desirable.
• Competency to operate small horsepower tractors, and plot maintenance equipment is desirable. The ability to operate larger scale farm equipment would be an asset, as well as the ability to safely and competently trailer small equipment on the highway.
• 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.
• The ability to work in a safe manner, utilizing proper personal protective equipment, and ensuring your worksapce is safe for yourself and team members.
• 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.