Agricultural Technician

**Position Details**:

- Position Information**Position Title**
- Agricultural Technician - Field Crops

**Department/Unit**
- Agriculture - Dean's Office

**Location**
- Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada

**Posting Number**
- S37-23

**Employee Group**
- NSGEU Local 77

**Position Type**
- Regular, On-Going

**Duration of Contract (if applicable)**

**Employment Type**
- Full Time

**Full-time Equivalency (FTE)**
- 1.0

**Salary**
- $24.32 - $30.85 per hour ($44,264 - $56,140 per annum, 35 hours per week)

**Classification**
- T7

**Provisional Statement**
This is a provisional classification. Formal classification procedures will be initiated by the Job Design Unit in approximately six months.

**About Dalhousie University**
- Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

**Job Summary**
- The Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University is a small research-intensive campus located in Truro, NS. Offering technical, undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, environment and related life and social science disciplines, the Faculty of Agriculture educates future leaders and generates knowledge and innovative solutions for healthy, sustainable societies. Reporting jointly to the Operations Manager and the Programs and Finance Manager, and under the day to day direction of the Field Crops Coordinator, the Agricultural Technician performs the day to day tasks pertaining to the Field Crop Unit consistent with the standards and objectives of the teaching, research, outreach and production activities of Dalhousie University.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Operate large scale farm machinery, including properly matching and utilizing various tractor and implement combinations. Perform and document routine maintenance, repairs, and pre-operational checks. As required, schedule external service and repair, and order and acquire parts and supplies.
- Provide** **snow removal and salting operations for the Agricultural Campus.
- Provide technical or functional guidance to staff, students and student employees, faculty, volunteers and visitors working within the Field Crops unit, ensuring proper and safe execution of tasks. Engage in on-going learning to ensure skills, knowledge and practices are current, relevant and appropriate.
- Support teaching and research programs (e.g. through technical support, demonstrations, data collection) as directed by faculty and instructors in support of their research and experiential learning opportunities for students.
- Adhere to all relevant Faculty and University policies and procedures such as occupational health and safety, Environmental Farm Plan.

**Note**
The incumbent must be available to work flexible and irregular hours including overtime, weekends and holidays as required to complete time sensitive tasks. This position also requires being on standby and part of an on-call schedule for snow removal operations. Scheduling and compensation will be in accordance with the collective agreement.
The incumbent will be regularly exposed to machinery, organic and biological materials, products and amendments (eg. fertilizers, pesticides, manure, salt, lubricants, cleaners), animals, extreme temperatures, dust, noise, heights, odors, and confined spaces.
Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Dalhousie’s vaccine mandate has been suspended at this time, and employees no longer need to provide proof of full vaccination. However, health and safety risks to our community will continue to be monitored and a vaccine mandate may be reinstated if necessary.

**Required Qualifications**
- Diploma in Agriculture, Plant Science, Animal Science, Environmental Science or Engineering from a recognized agricultural or related institution with 2-3 years’ relevant experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
- Experience and knowledge in sustainable crop production and best management practices, as well as in the operation and maintenance of large-scale farm machinery, and** **snow removal equipment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills as well as the ability to work both independently and as a team player.
- Strong initiative, judgement, organizational and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of or willingness to train in nutrient management planning, precision agriculture and other agricultural areas as required.
- Valid Class 5 Nova Scotia driver’s license.
- Have or obtain within 6 months of hire: Class