Smart Farm Lead Hand

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology; Olds; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is seeking a Smart Farm Lead Hand to manage daily operations of their Smart Farm. This leadership role focuses on crop production, animal care, and ensuring effective delivery of agricultural services while promoting a culture of safety and collaboration among the team. Applicants should have relevant education or extensive experience in agriculture, including leadership and communication skills.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)

Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits

Health/Personal Spending Account

Generous Vacation Leave

Paid Holiday Closure

'Olds College in the Community' volunteer leave

Professional development opportunities and tuition waivers

Qualifications

• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work extended hours outdoors.
• Computer literate; familiar with Microsoft Office and Google applications.
• Class 3 Driver's license with Air Endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and coordinate farm tasks.
• Lead crop production activities and monitor animal welfare.
• Ensure compliance with safety policies and promote a respectful workplace.

Skills

Crop production

Animal husbandry

Leadership

Communication

Customer service

Education

Minimum of 2 years of post-secondary education in a related field

Equivalent 5 years of related work experience in mixed livestock and land-based farm operation

Job description

About Olds College Of Agriculture & Technology

Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been offering high quality hands-on education for over a century. Through our core programming including continuing education, online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

The Opportunity - Smart Farm Lead Hand, Full-time, permanent

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement Job Classification: Technician 3

The Olds College Smart Farm is a critical component of the College’s Smart Agriculture Ecosystem. The Lead Hand will work closely with the Smart Farm Manager and Assistant Manager to provide leadership and direction of daily and weekly operational activities in all aspects of Olds College Smart Farm to meet its operational goals related to teaching, research, demonstration, and productivity. This position ensures the safe and effective delivery of services to academic programming and the Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) and other user groups, promoting sound business practices and ensuring a culture of collaboration that encourages implementing new technologies and leading primary production practices.

Key Job Functions

Front-Line Supervision of Operations (60% of weekly time)

• Oversee day to day operations of the Smart Farm - this leadership position will realize success by coordinating, delegating, and tracking daily tasks while ensuring scheduling and project objectives are achieved
• Oversee and carry out duties related to setting-up for labs, assisting with labs, and assisting with research projects on the farm
• Lead daily team safety and communication meetings including working with the team to review workplace hazards and ensure effective controls are in place before work begins and in accordance with Olds College Safety Management System and policies
• Ensure work is carried out in a timely and safe manner
• Actively promote a Respectful Workplace, Code of Conduct and Health and Safety policies, to create optimal work conditions
• Lead and support execution of daily farm operational tasks including both crop and livestock production, utilizing appropriate equipment, machinery, and tools required to safely and effectively perform these tasks
• Coordinating contractors and custom operators for routine farm activities and asset maintenance
• Assess, prioritize and delegate resources within a dynamic work environment to ensure both day-to-day operations and project-based initiatives are completed under tight deadlines
• Oversee cleaning and maintenance of facilities and equipment, including the development of routine maintenance schedules and coordination of personnel and resources
• Drive accountability from Farm operations team in timely record entry of all operations databases (livestock, cropping, equipment), utilizing the appropriate software, tools, and decision support platforms (HerdTrax, SheepTrax, Trimble)
• Provide input and recommendations with crop planning, grazing plans, feed forecasting, and livestock breeding plans
• Create work schedule for team of unionized farm laborers
  
  

Crop Production, Animal Husbandry & Care (40% of weekly time)

• Forecast and lead cropping activities through the coordination of internal equipment operators and external custom field operations during the growing season
• Arrange crop input deliveries that align with relevant field activities, as appropriate
• Lead grain inventory management, including recording harvested grain truck weights and monitoring stored grain
• Monitor animal welfare and health in feedlot and in pasture; perform or assign treatments as required
• Lead calving and lambing operations with assistance from farm staff and academic teams
• Monitor animal condition during pen checking, watching for illness, and in the event of illness working to determine cause - ensure leading practices of care provided to all livestock on campus
• Report any health status changes to the Smart Farm Manager and Assistant Manager including recommendations to escalate to vet consultation
• Work collaboratively with the Smart Farm Assistant Manager to liaise with external consultants and service providers as needed
  
  

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required

• A minimum of 2 years of post-secondary education in a related field or a minimum of 5 years related work experience in a mixed livestock and land-based farm operation
• Ability to stand and bend for extended periods of time and lift 50+ lbs
• Crop production experience with a base knowledge of agronomic principles and practices
• Demonstrated animal husbandry experience and ability to ensure livestock well-being including the diagnosis and treatment of any health concerns in a pasture and feedlot setting
• High performance standards with excellent work ethic
• Organized, detail-oriented professional with leadership experience and an ability to work with minimal supervision
• Strong communication and customer service skills with co-workers, clients and subcontractors
• Demonstrate a strong dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity by actively seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds, and continuously striving to create a culture of respect and understanding
• Computer literate and familiar with Microsoft Office and Google applications
• Class 3 Driver's license with Air Endorsement - comfortable operating trailers including large farm equipment
  
  

Conditions Of Employment

• Current Criminal Reference check that is free of any offenses
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies
• Available to work outside of regular office hours including weekends plus a rotation for “on-call” for after hours call outs
  
  

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the key job functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It is not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

Olds College Offers a Competitive Benefit Plan

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)
• Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits
• Health/Personal Spending Account
• Generous Vacation Leave
• Paid Holiday Closure
• ‘Olds College in the Community’ volunteer leave
• Professional development and opportunities for growth, including employee and family tuition waivers
  
  

Open until suitable candidate found

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.