Research Technician, Precision Ag

About Olds College Of Agriculture And 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 Olds College Centre For Innovation

Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) is the applied research division of Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with a focus on agriculture and smart ag technology. Industry partners connect with OCCI for support in the development and testing of innovative products in core areas: crop production, livestock production, environmental stewardship, cereal breeding and technology integration.

The Opportunity - Research Technician, Precision Ag (full-time, temporary)

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement Job Classification: Technician 1 (40)

OCCI is working with the Olds College Smart Farm (OCSF) to enhance the Smart Agriculture Applied Research Program to support projects that develop and validate technologies and practices which improve productivity and sustainability of food production focusing on data utilization for better management decisions.

The Research Technician (Precision Agriculture) will work on smart agriculture technology integration focused on crop production. The research technician will work closely with the research team, faculty experts, the Olds College Smart Farm team and is accountable to the research policies and procedures of Olds College.

Key Job Functions

1. Assist in all aspects of equipment data up & down loading, verification of equipment setup parameters, processing, generating maps, field management zones, etc.
2. Assist in geospatial processing of data sets in platforms like SMS, ArcGIS, Q-GIS and more
3. Assist with data entry and recordkeeping within multiple farm management software
4. Assist with the coordination of day to day operations of applied research projects, including the development of protocols, scheduling activities, coordinating with other departments, and engaging with internal and external stakeholders
5. Perform field tests per prescribed procedures, processes, and standards
6. Perform data collection, organization and project management for research trials and Smart Farm activities
7. Present project findings to internal and external stakeholders with opportunities for public knowledge transfer events
8. Initiate and write project documents such as project charters, protocols, literature reviews, summary reports, and factsheets based on specific project, funding, and stakeholder requirements
9. Collaborate with other college departments to contribute to and complete various projects.
10. Work with Olds College faculty, providing raw and processed data for classroom use, and act as a subject matter expert or guest lecturer for student learning
11. Assist in other duties as requested by the Manager Smart Ag Applied Research and/or Project Lead as applicable (e.g.: attend client meetings, background information data searches, development of project proposals, etc.)
12. Actively promote and reinforce practices that prioritize the well-being and security of all individuals at Olds College and show a proactive attitude towards safety measures, continuously striving to enhance safety protocols and instill a culture of shared responsibility and accountability when it comes to maintaining a safe and secure work setting.
13. Acts ethically, openly, honestly, and respectfully to build and maintain an environment of trust, safety, and well-being.
14. Demonstrate a strong dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity by 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.

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required

1. Minimum of two years of post-secondary education in applicable field (Precision Agriculture); Degree preferred or equivalent in practical experience
2. Experience in broad acre cropping practices of the Canadian Prairies is required
3. Experience with precision agriculture tools used in large farm operations is essential
4. Knowledge in working with different monitors and types of OEM equipment for the implementation of Precision Agriculture tools, including:
1. Setting and optimizing equipment guidance lines, uploading of guidance lines in equipment
2. Uploading and use of variable rate prescriptions into seeding and spraying equipment
3. Exporting of as-applied equipment files from seeding, spraying, tillage, and yield files from combines and other equipment
4. Calibration and use of combine yield and moisture sensors
5. Remote monitoring and control of equipment displays
5. Experience using programs like SMS, ArcGIS and or QGIS is required
6. Expert in digital technologies and efficient with Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications
7. Proactive, well organized, detail-oriented, professional with excellent analytical skills and the ability to work with minimal supervision
8. Familiar with technologies used for precision ag applications including GPS equipment, soil sensing equipment, imagery, and or field mapping applications
9. Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with team members, clients, partner producers, and subcontractors is essential
10. Focus on teamwork and integration within multidisciplinary teams on a wide range of technically challenging projects
11. Ability to prioritize workflows and manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight timelines
12. Conscious of safe working procedures around large farm equipment
13. Class 5 driver’s license is required
14. Previous farm experience/agricultural education considered an asset.

Conditions Of Employment

1. Will be required to work outdoors to some extent in all seasons, e.g., rain, snow, heat, cold, etc.
2. Occasional overtime work in evenings and weekends is expected during seeding, spraying, and harvest seasons
3. Occasionally will be required to work from the Olds College Smart Farm Saskatchewan site for short periods of time as needed
4. Current Criminal Reference check that is free of any offenses
5. Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.

Term: this is a full-time contract position to June 30, 2026 with a possibility of extension.

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.

Open until suitable candidate found.

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.