Research Assistant

Farming Smarter; Lethbridge; On-site; CAD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Farming Smarter in Alberta seeks three motivated individuals for 8- or 12-month term positions to support applied agricultural research. You will gain hands-on experience in crop trials, field operations, data collection, and GIS mapping while collaborating with researchers and industry professionals.

Responsibilities include planning and maintaining trials, operating equipment, establishing plots, collecting data, and assisting with reporting.

Qualifications

• Reliability, punctuality, and ability to work outdoors in varying weather.
• Attention to detail and strict adherence to research protocols.
• Strong organization and multi-tasking in a fast-paced setting.
• Effective communication with team members and supervisors.
• Willingness to learn and contribute both independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Assist planning, establishment, monitoring, and completion of field trials.
• Operate field equipment and ensure safe handling and transportation.
• Establish and maintain research plots, label accurately, and manage sites.
• Collect data on crop growth, yield, weed pressure, and pests; assist entry and QA.
• Calibrate and care for equipment; support facility and equipment organization.
• Support special projects, demonstrations, events, and routine reporting.

Skills

Reliable

Punctual

Outdoor work

Detail-oriented

Organized

Strong communicator

Independent and team player

Education

Post-secondary program in agriculture or related field

Tools

Operating agricultural equipment

Job description

Term: 8- or 12-month term position, withthe possibility of continuation based on company needs and individualperformance.

Openings: 3 positions available

Hours: Monday - Friday, 40 hours/week (someovertime may be required)

Compensation: $19-$23 per hour

Accelerate your career by joining our research team!

FarmingSmarter is seeking three enthusiastic, hardworking individuals to join our teamin 8- or 12-month term positions to support our research programs. This is anexceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in applied agriculturalresearch while working alongside industry professionals and researchers. Asmembers of our team, successful candidates will develop practical skills incrop research, crop and pest identification, irrigation management, soil healthand assessment, data collection and analysis, precision agriculturetechnologies, sprayer applications, GIS mapping, project management andassociated skills such as planning, coordination, scheduling, and reporting,communication, leadership, and more.

Duties& Responsibilities:

Research Trial Support

• Assistwith the planning, establishment, monitoring, maintenance, and completion offield-scale and small-plot research trials.
• Supportresearch projects focused on crops, agronomy, soil health, and agriculturalinnovation throughout the term.

Field Equipment Operation

• Receivetraining in the safe operation of research equipment, including loading/unloadingand transportation.
• Operateside-by-sides, tractors, plot seeders, sprayers, mowers, and other researchequipment and follow training and certification requirements.

Plot Establishment & Maintenance

• Prepareand weigh seed, fertilizer, and other trial materials.
• Seedand establish research plots according to protocols.
• Flag,stake, and label plots to ensure accurate identification and data collection.
• Maintainresearch sites through mowing, trimming, weeding, irrigation management, andother field activities.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Collectaccurate data on crop growth, yield, weed pressure, pest activity, soilconditions, and other research measurements.
• Assistwith data entry, quality assurance, and preliminary analysis.

Equipment Calibration & Care

• Calibrate,maintain, and clean equipment to ensure safe and effective operation.
• Assistwith routine maintenance and organization of research facilities and equipment.

Additional Duties

• Supportstaff with special projects, demonstrations, field events, and other duties asrequired.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Reliable,punctual, and comfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Detail-orientedand able to follow research protocols and instructions accurately.
• Organizedand capable of managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Astrong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Positive,motivated, and eager to learn.
• Ableto work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

Requirements:

• ValidClass 5 driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract.
• Enrollmentin, or completion of, a post-secondary program in agriculture, environmentalscience, biological sciences, or a related field is considered an asset.

Assets:

• Previousfarm, agricultural, or research experience.
• Experiencewith small-plot field trials.
• Knowledgeof crops, weeds, pests, or agronomy.
• Experienceoperating agricultural equipment.

Why Join Farming Smarter?

Gain Valuable Experience

Workdirectly on applied agricultural research projects that impact producers acrossWestern Canada. Learn project management and associated skills, includingplanning, coordination, scheduling, and reporting. Develop technical skillsthat are highly valued by employers in agriculture, agronomy, research, andagri-tech.

Learn from Industry Leaders

Receivementorship and training from experienced researchers, agronomists, and industryprofessionals.

Build Your Network

Connect withfarmers, researchers, innovators, industry partners, and colleagues passionateabout advancing agriculture.

Enjoy a Supportive Team Environment

Join acollaborative workplace that values learning, curiosity, innovation, andpersonal growth.

Competitive Compensation

Competitivehourly wages based on education and experience.

About Farming Smarter:

Farming Smarter exists to drive agricultureinnovation at the farm level. We support a community of innovators throughindependent agronomic testing, applied research, scientific knowledge, andmeaningful industry connections. We are a trusted source for the regionaladaptation of profitable and resilient crops, cropping systems, and managementpractices. Our culture is practical, farmer-focused, and grounded in real-worldresults. We encourage curiosity, creativity, and continuous learning,recognizing that innovation requires testing new ideas, learning from setbacks,and adapting to change. As a flexible and responsive organization, we'recommitted to helping farmers remain competitive and successful in anincreasingly complex agricultural landscape.