Seasonal Research Assistant - Crop Development

Nutrien; Watrous; On-site; CAD 20,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Nutrien in Watrous, Saskatchewan, is offering a seasonal role in seed breeding and crop development for spring to fall 2027. This position provides hands-on experience with field trials, plot preparation, seed treatment, and data collection to support breeding programs.

Ideal candidates are curious, safety-minded, with a high school diploma and a valid Class 5 driver’s license; farm exposure is a bonus. This is a ground-floor opportunity to grow a career in agricultural science with Nutrien.

Qualifications

• Curious and eager to learn about plant science and agriculture.
• Detail-oriented and safety-conscious.
• Able to work outdoors in varying conditions.

Responsibilities

• Gain practical experience in seed breeding and crop development.
• Prepare plots, treat seed, and set up field trials.
• Operate small plot field equipment and maintain yield trial sites in multiple locations.
• Learn field data collection techniques and plant evaluation methods.
• Understand the lifecycle of seed development from planting to harvest.
• Develop skills in teamwork, communication, and agricultural problem-solving.
• Build confidence in applying classroom knowledge to real-world agricultural challenges.

Skills

Seed breeding

Field trials

Data collection

Teamwork

Safety-conscious

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Nutrien is a leading provider of crop inputs and services, and our business results make a positive impact on the world. Our purpose, Feeding the Future, is the reason we come to work each day. We’re guided by our culture of care and our core values: We put safety first. We act with integrity. We are stronger together. We deliver with excellence.

Nutrien Ag Solutions is the retail division of Nutrien, providing full-acre solutions through our network of trusted crop consultants at more than 2,000 locations in North America, South America, and Australia. For more than 150 years, we have been helping growers achieve the highest yields with the most sustainable solutions possible, offering a wide selection of products, including our proprietary brands: Loveland Products, Inc.; Proven®Seed and Dyna-Gro®Seed; as well as financial, custom application and precision ag services.

Through the collective expertise of our nearly 26,000 employees, we operate a world-class network of production, distribution, and ag retail facilities. We efficiently serve growers’ needs and strive to provide a more profitable, sustainable, and secure future for all stakeholders. Help us raise the expectation of what an agriculture company can be and grow your career with Nutrien and Nutrien Ag Solutions.

Job Summary

This is a seasonal role that will work between May-August 2027 or April-October 2027. Multiple positions are available including four month (summer) contracts, and six month contracts.

If you’re curious and eager to learn about plant science and agriculture, Nutrien offers seasonal, full-time opportunities to gain practical experience in seed breeding and crop development. Located in Watrous, Saskatcehwan, this role is more than just a job—it’s a chance to plant the seeds of a growing career in Feeding the Future!

What You’ll Do

• Gain practical experience in seed breeding and crop development
• Prepare plots, treat seed, and set up field trials
• Operate small plot field equipment and maintain yield trial sites in multiple locations
• Learn field data collection techniques and plant evaluation methods
• Understand the lifecycle of seed development from planting to harvest
• Develop skills in teamwork, communication, and agricultural problem-solving
• Build confidence in applying classroom knowledge to real-world agricultural challenges

What You’ll Bring

• Curious and eager to learn about plant science and agriculture
• Show initiative and take pride in your work
• Can adapt to outdoor, hands‑on tasks in varying conditions
• Detail-driven, reliable, and safety‑conscious
• Value teamwork and communication
• Bring a positive attitude and a willingness to contribute to the success of the team
• Have a high school diploma + Class 5 driver’s license
• Having farm equipment or ag research experience is a bonus

The estimated salary that Indeed, Glassdoor and LinkedIn lists does not represent Nutrien’s compensation structure.

Nutrien is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

This job will remain posted until filled. In accordance with Nutrien policies, you will be required to undergo a background check, and may be required to undergo a substance test. While we appreciate all applications we receive, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Applicants must meet minimum age requirements, as permitted by law.

Please be advised that pre‑screen interviews may be transcribed (there will be no audio or video recording) and that artificial intelligence tools may be used to summarize the transcript of the discussion. These tools will not be used to make or influence hiring decisions. Biometric identifiers and biometric information will not be captured. If you wish to request an alternative process or a reasonable accommodation, please contact the recruiter identified in this posting.

Our Recruitment Process: Application > Resume Review > Pre‑screen/Interview > Offer > Pre‑Employment Conditions > Welcome to Nutrien