Research Technician, Plant Sciences

Job description and duties: The technician will work as part of a research team to support breeding and development of improved durum and spring wheat varieties. The successful candidate will be responsible for contributing to the establishment of breeding and yield nurseries, maintenance and harvest and sample organization. Operation of small plot equipment including tractors, plot seeders, sprayers, and plot combines may be required. Overtime work, including evenings and weekends will be required at certain times. The successful candidate will report to a senior technician in the breeding program. Qualifications and Experience : An undergraduate degree or diploma in agriculture and work experience in a plant-breeding and/or field based research environment including experience in operation of small plot equipment, data collection and management is preferred. Grade 12 with relevant farming experience will also be considered. Applicants with a . or Ph.D. will not be considered. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in data collection and data organization, as well as demonstrated experience with data management including the use of MS-Excel®, MS-Word®, and related database software as well as a good working knowledge of desktop and handheld computers and software. Ideally, the successful candidate will possess good mechanical skills. The candidate must be willing to work outdoors, work flexible hours during the growing season, and be willing to travel outside of the Saskatoon area. Must be able to lift and carry up to and including 25 kgs. Candidates must hold a valid class 5 license. The position requires a motivated, reliable and well organized person able to work in a multi-disciplinary group environment. Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communications skills in the English language.