PLSC Senior Field Technician, Plant Sciences

PLSC Senior Field Technician, Plant Sciences

Primary

Purpose:

The Pea, Chickpea, Bean, and Soybean breeding programs at the Crop Development Centre, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan requires a Field Research Technician who will work as part of a team to support development of improved pulse crop varieties and pulse crop research.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the breeders the candidate will be involved in all aspects of the Pea, Chickpea, Bean and Soybean breeding programs. Travel to off-station sites and overtime including early mornings, evenings and weekends will be required at certain times of the year particularly during planting, spraying and harvesting. Work with agricultural pesticides will be required. Must be able to lift up to 25kg.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Duties will include seeding, pesticide application, plot swathing, combine harvesting, pathway spraying, seed storage maintenance, and other duties as required. The successful candidate must be willing to work outdoors, work flexible hours during planting, spraying and harvesting, and be willing to travel outside of the Saskatoon area. The successful candidate will be expected to supervise junior staff members.

Education: A degree or diploma in agriculture or a related field of study.

Licenses: Candidates must hold a valid class 5 driver’s license. Candidates should have or be willing to obtain WHMIS, First Aid, CPR training and G (heavy trailer) driver’s license endorsement.

Experience: Experience in field-based crop research, operating small plot equipment such as tractors and combines, pesticide application, application timing and crop scouting required.

Skills: Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Must be able to drive a truck and trailer. Proficiency with common business computer programs will be an asset. Experience with data management and analysis will be an asset. This position requires a motivated, reliable and well-organized person able to work in a multi-disciplinary group environment.