Research Technician, Plant Sciences

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon invites applications for a Research Technician in Plant Sciences to support breeding and development of durum and spring wheat varieties on campus.

You will help establish breeding and yield nurseries, maintain plots, manage samples, and operate small plot equipment as needed. Overtime evenings/weekends may be required; you report to a senior technician in the breeding program. Flexibility during growing seasons is expected.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or diploma in agriculture with field research experience.
• Grade 12 with farming experience considered.
• Experience with data collection and data management preferred.
• Proficiency with MS-Excel/Word and related database software.

Responsibilities

• Support breeding and development of durum and spring wheat varieties.
• Establish breeding and yield nurseries and manage samples.
• Operate small plot equipment when required.
• Work overtime, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Report to a senior technician in the breeding program.

Skills

Data collection

Data management

MS Excel

MS Word

Database software

Education

Undergraduate degree or diploma in agriculture

Grade 12 with farming experience

Tools

Small plot equipment operation

Tractors

Plot seeders

Sprayers

Plot combines

Job description

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 M.Sc. 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.

Department: Plant Sciences
Status: Term 2 years with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $23.53 - 32.94 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable):
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 5
Posted Date: 7/28/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location:On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.

We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.

The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.