Plant Science Flax Breeding Technician

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Canada is seeking a Plant Science Flax Breeding Technician to support varietal development within the Flax Breeding Program. The successful candidate will engage in field plot establishment, harvest, and data collection, with outdoor work, flexible hours, and supervising casual staff. The ideal applicant has a minimum grade 12 diploma and experience with research plots. Join a diverse team and contribute to innovative agricultural research.

Qualifications

• Valid class 5 driver's license required.
• Willingness to obtain a class 5G endorsement and pesticide applicator certification preferred.
• Experience with research plots and small-plot equipment is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Engage in field plot and nursery establishment, harvest, and data collection.
• Maintain field materials and supervise casual staff.
• Tasks may involve using research equipment and limited travel outside Saskatoon.

Skills

Motivated

Reliable

Organized

Good interpersonal skills

Problem-solving ability

Team collaboration skills

Education

Minimum grade 12 diploma

Coursework in Agriculture or related fields

Tools

Small tractors

Job description

Plant Science Flax Breeding Technician

The Flax Breeding Program at the Crop Development Centre, part of the Department of Plant Sciences, is highly successful, with our varieties cultivated on approximately 80% of the flax acres in Western Canada.

Primary Purpose: The Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan seeks a Research Technician to support varietal development within the Flax Breeding Program.

Nature of Work: The successful candidate will engage in field plot and nursery establishment, harvest, and data collection, including laboratory work on fiber and grain quality. Responsibilities also include maintaining field materials and supervising casual staff. The role requires outdoor work, flexible hours, and overtime during peak seasons.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Willingness to work outdoors, flexible hours during peak times, mechanical aptitude, and adaptability to learn new tasks are essential. Tasks may involve using research equipment, limited travel outside Saskatoon, and lifting up to 25 kg.

Education: Minimum grade 12 diploma; coursework in Agriculture or related fields is advantageous.

Licenses: Valid class 5 driver’s license required; willingness to obtain a class 5G endorsement and pesticide applicator certification is preferred.

Experience: Experience with research plots and small-plot equipment, such as small tractors, is an asset.

Skills: Motivated, reliable, organized, independent worker with good interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability, and team collaboration skills.

Additional Details

• Department: Plant Sciences
• Status: Term, 1 year with potential extension
• Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
• FTE: 1.0
• Posted Date: 8/1/2025
• Closing Date: 8/14/2025
• Number of Openings: 1
• Work Location: On Campus

The University values diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates, including Indigenous peoples, to apply. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. Verification of Indigenous membership/citizenship may be required, and the university acknowledges its location on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis, respecting Indigenous communities and cultures.