About Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been offering high quality hands-on education for over a century. Through our core programming including continuing education, online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

About the Olds College Centre for Innovation

Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) is the applied research division of Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with a focus on agriculture and smart ag technology. Industry partners connect with OCCI for support in the development and testing of innovative products in core areas: crop production, livestock production, environmental stewardship, cereal breeding and technology integration.

The Opportunity - Senior Manager, Smart Farm (permanent, full-time)

The Smart Farm Senior Manager is responsible for planning, operating, and managing the agricultural production activities on a 3,300-acre mixed crops and livestock enterprise in two provinces (Alberta and Saskatchewan). The Manager provides leadership that fosters the implementation of leading-edge farm production practices and technologies. The role contributes to the College's success by ensuring a high degree of collaboration with academic departments, research teams, and external stakeholders, focusing on profitability, productivity, and sustainability.

Key Job Functions:

Strategic Leadership and Team Management

• Provide leadership for the Smart Farm team (staff, contractors, partners) by modelling leadership in a complex environment and managing performance.
• Set clear team goals and objectives aligned with the organization's vision, strategy, and safety mindset.
• Champion a positive and inclusive work culture, promoting teamwork, collaboration, and open communication
• Creates team spirit and helps to direct individuals toward achievement of team and organizational goals. Inspires others to do their best, develop professionally, and contribute to the success of the leadership team.
• Work with the College’s People & Culture team and VP External Relations & Research to ensure the Smart Farm operations team is structured, supported, and resourced for success in a dynamic and continuously evolving environment.
• Actively promote and reinforce practices that prioritize the well-being and safety of all individuals at Olds College, show a proactive attitude towards safety measures, continuously striving to enhance safety protocols and procedures to ensure the highest standards of protection, collaborate with colleagues to instill a culture of shared responsibility and accountability when it comes to maintaining a safe and secure work setting.

Smart Farm Operations and Planning

• Lead the planning and management of the 3,300-acre mixed crops and livestock enterprise, including developing and communicating the annual and three-year crop and livestock plans.
• Utilize Smart Ag technologies, sensors, and data to inform operational decision-making, overseeing the purchase and marketing of all operational inputs and commodities.

Financial and Administrative Compliance

• Manage the farm operating budget, ensuring monthly and annual revenue and spending targets are met, and establish mitigation plans to address performance gaps.
• Provide oversight of farm infrastructure and capital planning , ensuring all Smart Farm operations and assets are compliant with relevant regulations (e.g., OHS, CCAC).

Academic, Research, and Industry Relations

• Ensure that teaching, learning, and applied research requirements related to Smart Farm Operations are understood, communicated, and effectively organized for project execution and course delivery.
• Ensure that applied research and demonstration requirements as they relate to Smart Farm Operations are understood, communicated, and organized for effective project execution and efficient Smart Farm operations.
• Build and maintain strong industry relationships in collaboration with the Development, Academic, and Research teams to professionally represent the College and Smart Farm

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required:

• A diploma or degree in Animal Health, Agricultural Production, Science, Management or a related area is required. An equivalent combination of relevant education, skills, and experience will be considered.
• Minimum 7+ years of experience managing a progressive mixed farming operation with a focus on the use of leading agricultural technologies. Minimum 7+ years of proven experience in managing teams is required.
• Ability to work collaboratively and in team situations is essential.
• Strong budgeting and financial decision-making ability is required to manage the farm operating budget.
• Ability to express farm production concepts effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Computer literacy, including experience with Microsoft Office and the Google suite, is necessary.
• Demonstrate a strong dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity by actively seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds, and continuously striving to create a culture of respect and understanding

Conditions of Employment:

• Current Criminal Reference check with a Vulnerable Sector Check that is free of any offenses.
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.

Olds College offers a competitive benefit plan:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)
• Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits
• Health/Personal Spending Account
• Generous Vacation Leave
• Paid Holiday Closure
• ‘Olds College in the Community’ volunteer leave
• Professional development and opportunities for growth, including employee and family tuition waivers

Please apply by April 9, 2026

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.