Summer Research Assistant

Olds College; Olds; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Student Research Assistant to support various research activities in agriculture and environmental stewardship. The role requires post-secondary education and experience in agriculture, offering a comprehensive opportunity to engage in applied research initiatives. Tasks include data management, fieldwork, and collaboration with industry experts. The position emphasizes inclusivity and staff well-being. Applications are welcomed from diverse backgrounds, with a deadline of January 31, 2026.

Qualifications

• Requires two years of experience in agriculture, environmental sciences, or related field.
• Experience with agricultural research and data collection is an asset.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with coordination of daily operations of research activities.
• Support data collection, entry, and management for assigned projects.
• Contribute to communication and outreach activities.

Skills

Agricultural research

Data collection

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Post-secondary education in agriculture or related field

Job description

About Olds College of Agriculture and 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

Student Research Assistant - temporary, full‑time

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement. Job Classification: Clerk I

The Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) is the scientifically acclaimed applied research division of Olds College. OCCI works with industry partners, other research organizations, and the College’s Smart Ag Ecosystem to define and execute applied research projects. OCCI’s goal is to accelerate the development and adoption of agricultural technologies and practices to improve productivity and sustainability of food production. OCCI’s current focus is on broadacre, dryland crop production, beef production, and sheep production with a focus on integrating technology and utilizing data for better management decisions.

The OCCI research assistant(s) will provide support for a variety of project activities in crop production, environmental stewardship, livestock production, and smart ag / digital ag. Throughout the employment term, the research assistant(s) may work on a variety of projects. The research assistant(s) will work closely with the team at OCCI, faculty experts, and the Olds College Smart Farm staff, and other internal and external stakeholders. Students are accountable to the College’s research policies and procedures as well as the code of conduct.

Research assistant(s) on the smart ag / digital ag research team will be engaged in a variety of activities that may include: precision broad acre seeding, spraying, spreading, harvest activities, in‑field activities such as crop / environmental sensing equipment monitoring and maintenance, crop scouting activities like disease assessment and crop staging, general observational & digital data collection, literature reviews, knowledge transfer, and project report writing collaboration.

Research assistant(s) on the crop production research team will be engaged primarily in small plot field, greenhouse and laboratory research. Under supervision, work may include field preparation, research study set up, seeding, weeding, watering, sampling, data collection (including photos), measurements, data entry and presentation of research findings to colleagues.

Research assistant(s) on the environmental stewardship research team will be engaged primarily in water quality monitoring, research and management of industrial stormwater ponds and feedlot cattle operation runoff retention ponds.

Research assistant(s) on the livestock research team will be engaged in applied research activities related to production, animal health and welfare, and environmental sustainability. Specifically, innovative technologies and management practices will be explored to answer important, industry‑relevant research questions within beef cattle and sheep production systems.

Key Job Functions

• Assist with the coordination of day‑to‑day operations of research activities
• Support project activities including field work, laboratory studies, and literature reviews
• Support data collection, data entry, data management, and reporting for assigned projects and activities
• Assist and contribute to communication and outreach activities including lunch ‘n learn presentations, tours and field days

Education / Experience / Skills / Knowledge Required

• Requires post‑secondary education and two years experience in agriculture, environmental sciences, or related field
• Experience with agricultural research and data collection would be considered an asset
• The ability to take independent action, seek out new tasks or projects, and approach challenges with a positive, can‑do attitude.
• Solid verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate information clearly and professionally.
• Organized and detail‑oriented with the ability to work under minimal supervision in a dynamic environment
• Act ethically, openly, honestly, and respectfully to build and maintain an environment of trust, safety, and well‑being
• 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
• Actively promote and reinforce practices that prioritize the well‑being and security of all individuals at Olds College and show a proactive attitude towards safety measures, continuously striving to enhance safety protocols and instill a culture of shared responsibility and accountability when it comes to maintaining a safe and secure work setting.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid Class 5 drivers’ license required or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire
• Willing to work flexible hours that may occur outside regular College hours - some evening and weekend work may be required
• Able to meet the physical demands of the role, including lifting up to 50 lbs, stand / bend for extended periods of time, and perform manual labor indoors and outdoors in varying conditions.
• This is an on‑campus position
• Current Criminal Reference and vulnerable sector check that is acceptable to the College
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies

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 and, as such, other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the research manager.

Please apply by January 31, 2026

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.