Job Description

The Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University is a small research-intensive campus located in Truro, NS. Offering technical, undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, environment and related life and social science disciplines, the Faculty of Agriculture educates future leaders and generates knowledge and innovative solutions for healthy, sustainable societies. Reporting to the Outdoor Classroom and Landscape Manager, the Field Crops Technician will provide technical expertise and support for outdoor crops research and teaching, maintain the Plumdale research facility and orchard, and provide technical support for field crops research.
Key Responsibilities

• Co-manage the Plumdale Field Research Facility, orchard and other field research and teaching facilities. Manage pesticide storage (inventory, maintaining labels and SDS, ensuring proper disposal, user compliance). Maintain inventories and field plans.
• Maintain and help in repairs of field and feed/seed processing equipment such as small tractors, implements, grounds equipment, and seed processing equipment. Provide equipment training for student assistants and other staff.
• Engage in and provide equipment and technical services for field layout, planting, spraying, harvesting, storage of plants and plant products, and field crop production.
• Manage the department vehicle fleet, ensuring maintenance, repairs and cleaning are performed as needed, and maintaining maintenance/repair records.
• Provide materials and/or deliver technical aspects of lab sections for various department courses as required. Assist 4th year undergraduate and graduate students in the technical aspects of their projects.
• Move and demonstrate equipment for external partners as required. Drive bus/vehicles for class field trips as required.

NoteThis position may require work outside of regular office hours, especially during field season, e.g. early morning and late evening work may be required during peak times. Scheduling and compensation will be in accordance with the collective agreement.The incumbent will be exposed to pesticides and chemicals as well as the hazards inherent to working with vehicles or large equipment, and will be required to work outdoors and operate equipment in inclement weather.Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.
Required Qualifications

• Diploma in Plant Science, Horticulture, Agricultural Mechanization or a related field with 3 years relevant experience in field crop production and management of plants/crops (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Demonstrated understanding of field research.
• Experience operating small field equipment and demonstrated commitment to safe work practices.
• Strong teamwork, interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Proven attention to detail while multi-tasking and working independently.
• Have or be able to obtain within 3 months of start date: valid NS class 4 license with condition 15 endorsement; Pesticide Applicator License; WHMIS training; Emergency First aid; and respirator fit-testing.
• Ability to lift objects up to 30lbs regularly and up to 50 lbs occasionally, as well as driving vehicles and equipment for extended period of time.

Assets

• Undergraduate degree with a major in Plant Science, Horticulture or other related field.

Job CompetenciesThe successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie\'s core competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:- Self-Awareness & Professionalism
- Integrity
- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills
Additional InformationDalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.
Application ConsiderationBargaining unit employees (NSGEU local 77) are given priority consideration and will be notified on the status of their application following assessment. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or Human Resources.
Diversity StatementDalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi\'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit .Posting Detail InformationNumber of Vacancies One (1)
Open Date 04/29/2024
Close Date 05/13/2024
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to PostingSupplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).Documents Needed to ApplyRequired Documents * R\xc3\xa9sum\xc3\xa9 / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Optional Documents * Cover Letter

Dalhousie University