Instructional Assistant/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 School of Life Sciences & Business**

The School of Life Science & Business provides dynamic high-tech, hands-on learning opportunities in support of animal health, business and horticulture. The School is also home to the National Meat Training Centre and the Olds College Botanic Gardens. A variety of certificates, diplomas and applied degrees are granted from the School of Life Science & Business. Fields of study offered within the School of Life Science & Business are: Animal Health, Business, Equine, Horticulture, and the National Meat Training Centre.

**Purpose of Position**:
This position will be a full time position where approximately half of the year will be spent supporting our Horticulture and Turfgrass programs as an Instructional Assistant and the other half of the year will be spent fulfilling Research Technician duties at our Prairie Turfgrass Research Centre.

**The Opportunity**:
0.5 FTE Instructional Assistant, Horticulture (and related programs) and 0.5 FTE Research Technician for Prairie Turfgrass Research Centre

Instructional Assistants are responsible for assisting instructors in the learning environment leading to student success by preparing, distributing equipment and materials; demonstrating skills; assisting students; and performing additional tasks as required.

The Research Technician responsibilities will involve overseeing general field maintenance of both intensive turf research plots and facility grounds at the Olds College Turf research site. This role also provides on-site working-knowledge and technical support for turfgrass research as directed by Principal Investigators and Research Technicians.

The Prairie Turfgrass Research Center (PTRC) is a multidisciplinary research, teaching and extension facility located on the Olds College campus. Research trials focusing primarily on turfgrass and environmental science are conducted on site by numerous departments and organizations and often engage in partnerships and collaborations with other research institutions and funding agencies. Teaching and outreach programs also take place at the PTRC, including classes for the Continuing education department, and workshops/seminars for the turfgrass industry at industry events.

**Key Job Functions**:

- Instructional Assistant (AUPE Instructional Assistant)_- Provide direct support to Instructors in assigned programs.- Support the delivery of Instruction by:
- Ordering, purchasing, inventory update of materials and supplies for assigned classes- Co-ordinate and/or carry out the collection, preparation of materials/ supplies required for instruction- Set up and take down labs- Prepare and maintain materials for student study purposes- Maintain required records- Provide in-class and lab assistance, not involving direct instruction- Assist in exam monitoring
- **Participate as a member of Instructional Support Teams and other College groups/ teams**:

- **Assist with College events, promotion / recruiting activities**:

- Research Technician (AUPE Technician I)_- Providing technical support and expertise in the planning, implementation and delivery of station led performance and trials adhering to turf management principles and best practices.- Collaborate with other college departments to contribute to and complete various projects.

**Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required**:
- Minimum of two years of post-secondary education_ _in applicable field; Degree preferred- Minimum of three years experience in the horticulture and/or arboriculture industry- Pesticide Applicators License an asset- Proven capability for collaborative partnership development and teamwork- Demonstrate a strong dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity. This includes 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.- Demonstrated ability to use technology including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and the internet.- A willingness to learn and/or maintain current knowledge of relevant technology is required- Strong organization and time management skills as well as an eye for detail.- Must be able to process and co