Research Associate

**Description**:** Grow what's next. Grow your future.**

For more than 90 years, our flagship seed brand, Pioneer® has been a globally recognized leader in the agriculture industry. Innovation and quality seed products start with the dedicated teams at our field research centers who are experts in their field of study.

As a Research Associate (RA), you will be a key contributor for a variety of activities at the Edmonton research center. You will play a key role in supporting all projects at the research center through activities including experiment planning, data collection and analysis, and field operations including planting, field maintenance and harvest.

**Responsibilities - What You will Do**:

- Lead experiment setup and execution of canola yield trials which can include prioritizing tasks, driving efficiency and maintaining data quality.
- Canola trial operations would include experiment management, seed setup, planting, plot maintenance, data collection, harvest, and data analysis.
- Ability to operate equipment for trial execution throughout Alberta. This may include tractors, combines, planters, drones, sprayers, forklifts, tillage implements, seed processing and lab equipment.
- Phenotyping and data collection, data and image analyses, and data quality assurance and integrity.
- Manage and execute selected safety programs, active contribution to site safety, and ensure others are working safely.
- Follow specific protocols to collect, analyze and distribute large volumes of data.
- Collaborate with experiment managers to summarize results of experiments, communicate data quality concerns, and recommend actions.
- Effectively communicate with growers, coworkers, key customers and management.
- The success of the research program may require weekend work and overtime during critical planting, harvest, spraying periods.
- May manage and direct the work of temporary and seasonal employees.
- Contribute to maintaining a respectful work environment.
- Provide support for other research projects as assigned.
- Potential future opportunity to work with UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) data collection activities.
- Potential for future Class 1 driver license training

**Qualifications**:** Requirements - What Skills You Need**:

- Preference to a degree or technical diploma in agriculture or a related scientific field with experience in agronomy, biology, plant-breeding or an applicable discipline. Agricultural equipment operation, an Alberta class1 driver's license, or experience with commercial motor vehicle operation is an asset.
- Technologically Savvy: Competency with standard Microsoft Office programs and capacity to learn new technologies and software. Handling of large volumes of data will be required.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work well with diverse groups of people.
- Results Driven: Self-motivated and ability to initiate projects, improvements, decisions, and problem solving. Detail-oriented, strong time management and organizational skills.
- Safety Oriented: Commitment to excellent safety and risk management practices

**Physical Requirements**: Will be required to do physical lifting and work outdoors in varying ergonomic environments. Must be capable of lifting 50 pounds. Completion of the Alberta Pesticide Applicator licensing is an asset.

**Scheduling Requirements**: Willing and able to work a flexible schedule including overtime hours and possibly weekends during seasonal peaks

**Driver's License**: Alberta Class 5 or equivalent minimum, with an acceptable driving record, and ability to participate in a CMV program.