Research Associate – Feed and Forage Barley Breeding

Research Associate – Feed and Forage Barley Breeding (1 year maternity cover)

Western Crop Innovations (WCI) is the future of crop innovation in Canada. This federally registered not for profit organization began operations April 1, 2024. It is carrying on the rich history of the Field Crop Development Centre which has been developing new higher yielding and more climate and disease resistant varieties of cereal grains since 1973 at its lab and research farm in Lacombe, Alberta.

WCI is hiring a full-time temporary (12-month maternity leave) Research Associate, Feed and Forage Barley Breeding based on-site in Lacombe, AB. This position supports the Feed and Forage Barley Breeding activities and delivers essential support to the overall operations of Western Crop Innovations (WCI). The role entails working closely with the WCI Barley Breeder and senior technical staff to plan, organize, and execute technical activities critical to the Feed and Forage program’s success, playing a crucial role in developing new and improved barley varieties for producers in Alberta, the prairies, and beyond.

Job Type: This is a full-time role (36.25 hrs per week), working onsite, for a one-year term (May 12, 2025 to May 29, 2026).

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Work alongside the breeder to support day-to-day activities and to ensure smooth program operations.
2. Support plot seeding operations ensuring accurate and efficient planting of research trials.
3. Assist in growth room planting, monitoring and harvesting of program material.
4. Perform note taking and data collection on plots – ensuring accuracy of the feed and forage material.
5. Undertake seed purification of elite lines, taking thorough description notes and roguing offtypes.
6. Maintain trials through mowing, weeding, etc. and provide support for site for field tours.
7. Support harvest operations, assisting with combine crews, and operation of binding and stationary threshing equipment.
8. Prepare harvested seed samples for further data collection and planting, including seed cleaning, head threshing, seed lab analysis, and seed put up.
9. Work with the breeder to prepare data for scientific interpretation.
10. Provide general support to all areas of the cereal breeding program.
11. Other duties as required.

Experience and qualifications:

1. A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, in a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
2. Hands on experience with equipment and processes such as operating research combines, binders, and seed cleaning equipment.
3. Understanding of a plant breeding system for self-pollinated crops.
4. Experience with data collection and analysis.
5. Organization and problem-solving skills to manage priorities, timelines, and workloads.
6. Current Driver's license with experience in equipment moving.

What we offer:

Hourly pay in the range of $22 to $25/hour, based on education and experience, plus 4% vacation pay paid out each pay period.

Western Crop Innovations supports a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.