Research Technician

**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 Field Crop Development Centre**

The Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC) 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, FCDC focuses on producing new barley and triticale varieties, as well as maintaining a vast source of germplasm.

**The Opportunity - Research Technician, Cereal Breeding**

This is a technical position providing support to the Barley and Triticale breeding program at the Field Crop Development Centre for the development of new and improved cereal varieties. This position will be part of a technical team conducting field-based research involving plot production, data collection, seed purification and processing. The position will also provide support to a multi-disciplinary team within the Field Crop Development Centre comprising the disciplines of biotechnology, plant pathology, and quality. The position is also expected to provide high level technical support to other aspects of the breeding program in field plot production and indoor growth environments.

**Key Job Functions**:

- Preparing seed for planting in an accurate and efficient manner.
- Supporting planting operations through field layout and field preparation.
- Data collection throughout the growing season on various phenological and agronomic traits.
- Utilizing hybridization techniques to create new crosses of breeding material.
- Harvesting of research trials utilizing various methods invloving plot combines, single row cutters, and individual head selection.
- Processing of harvested seed from plots to provide additional data and clean pure seed source for further multiplication.
- Operation of plot scale research equipment for execution and maintenance of plots including tractors, planters, sprayers, and harvesting equipment.
- Recognize and distinguish phenotypic characteristics of developing lines and purify seed sources
- Carry out planting and harvesting of plant material in indoor environments.
- Collecting laboratory data on plant and seed characteristics, phenotypes and genotypes.
- Formatting data to assist with preparation of reports, scientific papers, and analyses.
- Operation of a variety of seed cleaning equipment.
- Operate lab equipment and computers to compile data.
- Assist with field operations, field days, and farm maintenance as necessary.
- While no direct supervision exercised, there may be the requirement to coach and mentor seasonal and summer staff in specific tasks such as seed processing and plot maintenance.

**Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required**:

- This position requires post-secondary education in Agriculture or related sciences, preferably a Bachelor degree, or a Diploma with 3 years direct experience in crop research.
- Good knowledge of cereal grains research environment.
- Knowledge of field and plot research techniques.
- Skilled at emasculation and pollination of cereal crops to make new hybrids.
- Knowledge of cereal plant morphology and genetic phenotyping.
- Attention to detail, organizational and planning skills.
- Ability to work both in a team environment and independently.
- Ability to operate small equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
- Strong focus on maintaining a safe workspace and adhering to safe work practices.

**Conditions of Employment**:

- Current Criminal Reference check that is free of any offenses.
- Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.

May be required to do lifting, repetitive physical work and work in adverse weather conditions. Some work outside of regular College operating hours may be required. 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. Other duties may be assigned.