Technician, Smart Farm

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology; Olds; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Olds College is seeking a Technician for the Smart Farm to join our team. This full-time, temporary role supports day-to-day operations, data collection, and applied research, working with the Smart Farm Management Team to implement field-scale technologies and decision-support tools.

The position involves animal care, crops, and equipment oversight, plus collaboration with research and academic staff. Applicants should have a diploma in ag production or related field, at least two years of farm

Qualifications

• Diploma or equivalent in Ag Production, Ag Management or related credential with 2 years of farm experience.
• Ability to legally drive farm vehicles with Class 3 license and Air brake endorsement.
• Willing to work holidays and weekends.
• Experience with equipment operation and maintenance.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work collaboratively and lead in teams.
• Digital ag literacy with experience in ag tech/software.
• Physically able to lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors in variable weather.
• CSA safety footwear and WHMIS training.

Responsibilities

• Complete daily animal care tasks including feeding and monitoring health.
• Coordinate crops inputs delivery and harvest/storage with management.
• Operate field equipment and farm vehicles; maintain equipment.
• Support data collection, analysis, and reporting for applied research.
• Ensure health and safety policies are followed and hazards reported.

Skills

Digital ag literacy

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Diploma in Ag Production or related credential

Tools

Farm vehicle operation (Class 3)

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 -Technician, Smart Farm (full-time, temporary)

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement Job Classification: Technician 1 (40)

The Olds College Smart Farm (OCSF) integrates opportunities for student learning, applied research and industry partners into a commercial scale sheep, beef cow/calf, beef feedlot, cash-crop and grazing operation. OCSF works directly with Olds College Centre of Innovation (OCCI) to conduct applied research projects, validate technologies and practices to improve productivity and sustainability of food production with a focus on utilizing data for better management decisions. OCSF also directly supports the teaching and learning programs of students across all three (3) academic schools including Continuing Education.

The Smart Farm Technician will contribute success to the Olds College ecosystem, positioning Olds College as a leader in Smart Agriculture by applying progressive tools and techniques in day-to-day operations and applied research. This individual will work alongside research and academic teams in day-to-day operations of the Smart Farm. Together with the Smart Farm Management Team, the Technician will support the implementation, optimization, and operation of field scale technologies, data, and decision support tools in day-to-day operations of the Smart Farm. This role will have ongoing involvement with additional internal teams ensuring successful planning, execution, and results reporting.

Key Job Functions:

Animal Care

• Complete feeding and bedding requirements daily.
• Monitor animal health and perform treatments as required.
• Preparation and movement of cattle and sheep for student labs.
• Maintain production and treatment records on electronic databases.
• Check and repair existing fences and new fence construction.
• Work with Farm Supervisor to develop feeding and processing procedures.
• Monitor pasture conditions and rotate livestock as needed.

Crops

• Work with the Assistant Manager and vendors to schedule delivery and pick-up of cropping inputs.
• Work with the Assistant Manager and contractors to coordinate harvesting and storage of grains and forages.

Equipment

• Operate farm equipment in the field as well as around farmyard (tractor, seeder, sprayer, combine, bale shredder, feed truck, skid steer, loader, stock trailer, etc).
• Drive and operate vehicles requiring Class 3 operator’s license and/or Q endorsement (air brakes).
• Operate farm equipment that features precision agriculture technology, such as GPS centering services
• Perform general facility and equipment maintenance.

Other Key Responsibilities

• The Technician will ensure the protocols, data collection, data analysis, reporting, and overall operational execution is aligned with leading industry practices, project charters and Smart Farm Operational requirements.
• Demonstrate a strong approach and support with customer service. This will require thinking creatively on methods or approaches to coordinate operational activities with other stakeholders.
• Ability to balance and prioritize in a fast paced workplace working on multiple initiatives or tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Provide support to the Smart Farm Management team, external contractors, and the larger Smart Ag ecosystem in all business operations.
• Support, but at times lead, the planning, management, implementation, optimization and operation of field level and livestock-based technologies or projects.
• Identify opportunities for improvement or future applied research.
• Acts ethically, openly, honestly, and respectfully to build and maintain an environment of trust, safety, and well-being.
• Actively promotes equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging throughout the campus and our communities and serves as a real ally to all.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety:

The employee is responsible for being aware of health and safety responsibilities and expectations as outlined in college policy, departmental and area procedures, and provincial legislation. The employee will attend training as required by the supervisors and conduct work in a manner that protects the health and safety of themselves and others. The employee will report health and/or safety concerns or hazards to the supervisor of the Health and Safety Committee.

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required:

• Diploma or equivalent in Ag Production, Ag Management or other Ag industry credential and 2 years of related work experience on a farm or crop operations; an equivalent combination of education and experience maybe be considered
• Ability to legally drive and operate farm vehicles requiring Class 3 operator’s license and/or Air brake endorsement.
• Willing to work some holidays and weekends.
• Experience with equipment operation and maintenance is required.
• Ability to express concepts effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively and informally lead in team situations.
• Possess a high digital ag literacy through experience with ag technology and software programs.
• Comfortable to use the Google Suite of applications including other digital tools for records management and decision making.
• Able to identify goals and objectives and is self-motivated with critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrates advanced innovation skills, is independent yet highly collaborative with others
• Able to stand and bend for long periods of time and lift 50+ lbs.
• Physically able to work outdoors and under harsh weather conditions.
• Candidates must provide and wear CSA approved safety footwear.
• Ability to complete all necessary WHMIS or other safety training requirements.

Conditions of Employment:

• Current Criminal Reference check that is free of any offenses.
• 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. Other duties may be assigned.

Open until suitable candidate is 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.