About Olds College of Agriculture and 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.

The Opportunity: Research Assistant, Direct Field Study - temporary, full-time

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement” Job Classification: Clerk I

The Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) is the scientifically acclaimed applied research division of Olds College. OCCI works with industry partners, other research organizations, and the College’s Smart Ag Ecosystem to define and execute applied research projects. OCCI’s goal is to accelerate the development and adoption of agricultural technologies and practices to improve productivity and sustainability of food production. OCCI’s current focus is on broadacre, dryland crop production, beef production, and sheep production with a focus on integrating technology and utilizing data for better management decisions.

The OCCI research assistant(s) will provide support for a variety of laboratory, greenhouse and plot-scale field research activities associated primarily with cereal, oilseed and pulse crop production. Throughout the employment term, employees may work on a variety of projects. The employee(s) will work under the direction and guidance from OCCI’s Crops Applied Research Program Research Scientist. Furthermore, the Research Assistant may be called upon occasionally to provide assistance to other Olds College researchers, Smart Farm staff or other college employees. This position is accountable to the college research policies and procedures, as well as its code of conduct.

Key Job Functions:

• Assist with the coordination of day-to-day operations of research activities
• Support project activities including field work, laboratory studies, and literature reviews
• Support data collection, data entry, data management, and reporting for assigned projects and activities
• Assist and contribute to communication and outreach activities including lunch ‘n learn presentations, tours and field days
• Act ethically, openly, honestly, and respectfully to build and maintain an environment of trust, safety, and well-being
• 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
• Actively promote and reinforce practices that prioritize the well-being and security of all individuals at Olds College and show a proactive attitude towards safety measures, continuously striving to enhance safety protocols and instill a culture of shared responsibility and accountability when it comes to maintaining a safe and secure work setting.

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required:

• Must be currently enrolled in Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and have completed at least one year of post-secondary education in an agriculture-related field
• Must currently be enrolled in an agriculture DFS program at Olds College
• Has at least two years of agricultural crop production or field experience
• Familiarity with agricultural crop production systems and technologies in the Canadian Prairies
• Proven capability for collaborative partnership development and teamwork
• Experience with agricultural crop production research, and related standard operating procedures and protocols, including measurements and sampling, would be considered an asset
• Proficiency using computer-based software applications to facilitate research data management, is a desirable attribute
• Effective communication skills both verbally and written

Conditions of Employment

• Willing to work flexible hours that may occur outside regular College hours - some evening and weekend work may be required
• Must be able to work on research projects (located indoors or outdoors) for up to three hours at a stretch, with minimal supervision
• This is an on-campus position
• Current Criminal Reference and vulnerable sector check that is acceptable to the College
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the key job functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It is not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements and, as such, other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the research manager.

Please apply by August 6, 2025

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.