Agriculture Extension Specialist, Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy

Job summary

Lead and contribute to research planning, data collection and analysis, and the development of academic and policy outputs on agri-food topics. Translate research into accurate, accessible public and educational materials, support knowledge-mobilization activities and events, and collaborate with internal and external partners.

Job details

Description The Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Agriculture Extension Specialist. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension. Reporting to the Centre Director, this position is a senior researcher role contributing to the research and translation of the Simpson Centre's Agricultural Literacy Program for Healthier People and Planet. The Research Associate will collaborate with The Simpson Centre's Project Coordinator, Data Analyst, Marketing and Communications Coordinator as well as part-time Research Assistants to work towards the goals of the program and deliver on planned outputs. We are seeking a candidate who is skilled in agriculture extension. The research associate will be responsible for coordinating and executing activities focused on the conversion of research findings into plain language material while maintaining technical accuracy and scientific rigor, including the development of public-facing and educational materials for a wide range of stakeholders and scientific literacy levels. Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to): Research and Mentorship: Provide input into the long-term research direction of the program including advising on multi-year research objectives Provide agricultural expertise to support research on a range of agri-food topics Contribute to and lead aspects of data collection and analysis across a range of agri-food topics, including supervising data collection and analysis supported by undergrads Contribute to designing research protocols and contribute to mixed methods work alongside The Simpson Centre Data Analyst Contribute to and lead aspects of developing written research outputs including academic articles, reports, policy briefs, as well as public facing deliverables for general audiences Maintain familiarity with the University of Calgary's Research Ethics Board (CFREB) guidelines and ensure compliance with TCPS Maintain research data management practices including secure storage, documentation, and version control of qualitative datasets Research Translation and Knowledge Mobilization: Contribute to the translation and adaptation of research content across various public-facing deliverables Support initiatives to mobilize research findings for a range of public audiences including policymakers, journalists, consumers, and through schools Contribute to the development of educational agri-food resources aligned with the Alberta K-12 curriculum in collaboration with internal and external partners Support research preparations for and participate in public-facing agricultural engagement events including, but not limited to, Aggie Days and Stampede Collaborate with internal UCVM researchers, staff, and faculty within the context of the program objectives Collaborate with external partners within the context of the program objectives Qualifications / Requirements: A minimum credential of a Masters degree in a field related to veterinary medicine, agricultural sciences, agricultural extension, agricultural education, science and technology studies, science communication, or public policy, or acceptable combination of education and experience 5 years of experience in agricultural extension and stakeholder engagement within Canada's agricultural sector. Graduate research, internships and comparable work may contribute to this experience A strong working knowledge of the Canadian agricultural sector Familiarity with social science research and experience investigating technical topics from a societal or-multistakeholder perspective Experience translating technical or scientific content for non-specialist audiences, such as through extension materials, presentations, or media interviews Experience in qualitative research including methodologies such as but not limited to structured reviews, thematic analysis, and data visualization, will be considered an asset Experience related to computer programming will be considered an asset (e.g., python, R) Experience in curriculum or program development will be considered an asset Experience with long-term research planning and supporting the objectives of multi-year research programs Experience supervising and providing mentorship early career researchers such as undergraduate students Ability to collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team Ability to demonstrate tactfulness, a collaborative nature, and professionalism while working with a variety of stakeholders, especially around polarizing topics Self-directed, enthusiastic and honest in performance of duties Application Deadline: October 27, 2026 We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted. This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 2. For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. About The University Of Calgary UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca. The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do. The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary. As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]). Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

What you’ll do

Lead and contribute to research planning, data collection and analysis, and the development of academic and policy outputs on agri-food topics. Translate research into accurate, accessible public and educational materials, support knowledge-mobilization activities and events, and collaborate with internal and external partners.

Requirements

A master's degree in a relevant field, or an acceptable combination of education and experience, is required, along with five years of agricultural extension and stakeholder-engagement experience in Canada's agricultural sector. Candidates should have strong sector knowledge, experience communicating technical content to non-specialists, and the ability to conduct research, mentor students, plan multi-year work, and collaborate across disciplines.

Listed skills

• Mentorship · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred
• Qualitative research · Preferred
• Cross-Functional Collaboration · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Agricultural Extension
• Agricultural Sector Knowledge
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Research Planning
• Data Collection
• Data Analysis
• Qualitative Research
• Mixed-Methods Research
• Research Protocol Design
• Research Ethics Compliance
• Research Data Management
• Science Communication
• Knowledge Mobilization
• Curriculum Development
• Mentorship
• Cross-Functional Collaboration

Job areas

• Agriculture
• Science & Research
• Education
• Environmental & Sustainability
• Government & Public Sector

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