Job Title: NARF Research Agronomist
Job Objectives:
- To conduct and co-ordinate field research and demonstration projects on behalf of the Northeast Agriculture Research Foundation (NARF).
- To represent NARF and uphold their commitment to provide high quality information to support technology transfer to area farmers and industry agronomists
Job Description:
The Research Agronomist will conduct field research and demonstration projects under the direction of the NARF Operations Manager. Duties during the spring, summer, and fall months will mostly consist of outdoor field work, such as marking out trials, seeding, plot maintenance, scouting, spraying, data collection, harvesting plot samples, etc. Duties during the winter months will consist of processing harvest samples, compiling and submitting data to collaborators, developing project proposals, developing technology transfer materials, attending winter meetings, and preparing for the upcoming field season.
Job Responsibilities:
- Assist with acquiring seed, fertilizer, crop protection products, plot marking, sample collection and storage materials and supplies.
- Assist with calibration of equipment to ensure accuracy of treatment applications.
- Assist with preparing seed, fertilizer, and other crop inputs in preparation for seeding or application in field trials
- Assist with developing protocols and organizing data spreadsheets
- Perform plot maintenance, which includes hand weeding, mowing, and spraying
- Ability to scout for weeds, insects, and disease in various grain and forage plots
- Collect data in field trials as per protocol guidelines
- Harvest field plots, and dry, clean, grind and weigh harvested material as required per trial protocols.
- Keep a detailed daily work log and provide regular updates on work progress to the Operations Manager
- Positively represent NARF and promote the interests of NARF with funding partners and technology transfer clients.
- Assist with planning and organizing technology transfer events and materials, such as field days, winter meetings, and factsheets
- Assist with project development, which includes developing proposals for future research and demonstration projects.
Job Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have a degree or diploma in Agriculture and/or equivalent experience. Masters of Science would be considered an asset. Eligibility to become a practicing agrologist as recognized by the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists is desired. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required. The candidate must have the ability to work independently, strong leadership skills, ability to work in a team environment, demonstrate time management skills, and written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge and experience in field research and operating small plot equipment would be considered an asset. The candidate must hold a valid class 5 driver’s license. Knowledge and experience in report writing and presentation delivery is desired. Experience with statistical analysis and data management is considered an asset. Candidate must be a permanent resident of Canada. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of farming practices in the prairie region and have well developed communication skills to be able to communicate effectively with the research community as well as producers. Pesticide Applicators Licence is an asset but can be provided on the job.
Salary and working conditions: The starting salary will be commensurate with level of education and experience. Typical hours worked will be 40 hours a week, with the potential for overtime during seeding and harvest. The start date for this position is open for discussion with the option to begin employment anywhere from late February to late April of 2023.
Email resume and cover letter or for more information to:
Brianne McInnes, Operations Manager (neag.agro@gmail.com)