Program Technician, Agriculture

University of the Fraser Valley; Abbotsford; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

University of the Fraser Valley is seeking a relief technician to support the delivery of livestock courses under the Agriculture department during the Fall 2026 semester. Responsibilities include preparing supplies, maintaining barn and equipment, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, and assisting instructors in class and on field trips.

The role requires a Diploma in Agriculture (or equivalent), 3 years of related experience, a valid BC Driver's License, skidsteer operation, WHMIS

Qualifications

• Diploma in Agriculture (or equivalent) from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• Three (3) years related experience, preferably in a commercial agriculture facility and/or post-secondary teaching environment.
• Must hold a valid BC Driver's License and own (or have access to) a vehicle.
• Licensed to operate a skidsteer with implements (forks, buckets, mowers, augers, tillers, etc) and a 3-point hitch on tractors.
• Training in WHMIS and workplace safety regulations is necessary.
• Physical fitness sufficient for moderate manual labour, and physical exertion including pushing, lifting and assisting large livestock frequently.
• Must be highly motivated, detail oriented, and have good organization, able to prioritize tasks and efficiently accomplish goals and objectives with minimum supervision.
• Basic computer proficiency required.
• Strong written and oral communication skills essential.
• Required to work in environments exposed to noxious fumes, dust, loud noise, heights, and equipment with moving parts that requires employee to be cognizant of all safety protocols & procedures inherent in their field, making use of PPE.
• Required to work in inclement weather conditions ranging from extreme cold periods of rain, snow, ice, freezing rain, high winds, to extreme hot periods and heat waves.

Responsibilities

• Assists instructors in delivering course specific learning outcomes by preparing supplies and materials beforehand and assisting during scheduled class time including on field trips.
• Maintains barn facilities including animal water supply systems, livestock feed delivery systems, livestock environmental systems, and heavy equipment.
• Ensures compliance of all lab equipment and procedures with regulatory agencies such as the Animal Care Committee, Biosafety Committee and WorkSafeBC.
• Sets up and maintains equipment and facilities for lab experiments and demonstrations; ensures materials, equipment and supplies are prepared and available for students and instructors use; maintains up-to-date inventory.
• Attends Agriculture Department meetings and provides updates/concerns/feedback on status of facilities, supplies, and student conduct to dept. head and faculty.
• Communicates in a respectful and professional manner with all members of the team, department, University community and external partners.
• Collaborates effectively as a team member, including sharing information, cross training and interpersonal cooperation.
• Demonstrates respect for all members of the UFV community, actively contributing to an environment of acceptance, accessibility and inclusivity of others.
• Actively engages in learning and activities related to actioning indigenization and understanding the impact of colonialism and the purpose of reconciliation.
• Participates in committees and project teams as required.
• Undertakes related duties as assigned, consistent with the job grade of the position.

Skills

Strong written and oral communication

Detail oriented

Good organization

Ability to prioritize tasks

Basic computer proficiency

Education

Diploma in Agriculture (or equivalent)

Tools

Skidsteer operation

Vehicle operation (BC license)

WHMIS training

Job description

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Agriculture department head, the relief technician will support the delivery of livestock courses over the course of the Fall 2026 semester.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists instructors in delivering course specific learning outcomes by preparing supplies and materials beforehand and assisting during scheduled class time including on field trips.
• Maintains barn facilities including animal water supply systems, livestock feed delivery systems, livestock environmental systems, and heavy equipment.
• Ensures compliance of all lab equipment and procedures with all internal and external regulatory agencies such as the Animal Care Committee, Biosafety Committee and WorkSafeBC.
• Sets up and maintains equipment and facilities for lab experiments and demonstrations; ensures that materials, equipment and supplies are prepared and available for students and instructors use as required; maintains up-to-date inventory.
• Attends Agriculture Department meetings and provides updates/concerns/feedback on status of facilities, supplies, and student conduct to dept. head and faculty.
• Communicates in a respectful and professional manner with all members of the team, department, University community and external partners.
• Collaborates effectively as a team member, including sharing information, cross training and interpersonal cooperation.
• Demonstrates respect for all members of the UFV community, actively contributing to an environment of acceptance, accessibility and inclusivity of others.
• Actively engages in learning and activities related to actioning indigenization and understanding the impact of colonialism and the purpose of reconciliation.
• Participates in committees and project teams as required.
• Undertakes related duties as assigned, consistent with the job grade of the position.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Agriculture (or equivalent) from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• Three (3) years related experience, preferably in a commercial agriculture facility and/or post-secondary teaching environment.
• Must hold a valid BC Drivers License and own (or have access to) a vehicle.
• Licensed to operate a skidsteer with implements (forks, buckets, mowers, augers, tillers, etc) and a 3-point hitch on tractors.
• Training in WHMIS and workplace safety regulations is necessary.
• Physical fitness sufficient for moderate manual labour, and physical exertion including pushing, lifting and assisting large livestock frequently.
• Must be highly motivated, detail oriented, and have good organization, able to prioritize tasks and efficiently accomplish goals and objectives with minimum supervision.
• Basic computer proficiency required.
• Strong written and oral communication skills essential.
• Required to work in environments exposed to noxious fumes, dust, loud noise, heights, and equipment with moving parts that requires employee to be cognizant of all safety protocols & procedures inherent in their field, making use of personal protective equipment such as ear plugs, safety glasses, respirators, and gloves.
• Required to work in inclement weather conditions ranging from extreme cold periods of rain, snow, ice, freezing rain, high winds, to extreme hot periods and heat waves.

About UFV

The University of the Fraser Valley is located on the traditional territory of the Halq'eméylem-speaking peoples. We express our gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in Stó:lo Tém:éxw (Stó:lo Land; Stó:lo World). In all that we do, UFV strives to support and honour the Stó:lo peoples goals of self-determination and well-being on these lands. A commitment to Indigenization and Reconciliation is core to our institutional Vision and Integrated Strategic Plan: IYAQAWTXW - which means House of Transformation. This commitment includes the goal of centering Indigenous ways of knowing throughout our organization, recognizing our responsibilities to community, and a multi-year plan to increase the number of Indigenous faculty, staff, and administrators working at UFV.

UFV has campus locations in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, and Hope in the beautiful British Columbia, and in Chandigarh, India. Recognized as one of BC's top employers, UFV offers a combination of career and lifestyle benefits. Join a team of 1,400 passionate professionals who value integrity, inclusivity and excellence. At UFV, you will serve a vibrant community and shape the future of 15,000 students.

Indigenization, equity, and diversity are essential to our work as a university. A diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented and marginalized. At UFV, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we proudly serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, members of groups that experience discrimination due to race, colour, place of origin, ancestry, and/or religion, persons who identify as women and 2SLGBTQ+, and persons with disabilities. We invite applicants to complete a confidential self-identification survey as part of the application process. All questions are voluntary, with an option to decline to answer. Information will be used to support efforts to broaden the diversity of the recruitment process, and results are not shared with the selection committee. Inquiries about the survey may be directed to [e-mail]. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

UFV is committed to the principle of equity in employment.