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 Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will support field and laboratory activities for the Innovative Waste Management (IWM) Research Laboratory.
Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and complete chemical extraction of soil and organic waste samples. Prepare samples for total carbon and nitrogen, inorganic N or P, heavy metal, organic contaminant, and other analyses.
• Prepare samples for gas analysis and miscellaneous wet chemistry analysis. Assist with water and nutrient analysis. Assist graduate students with sample analysis as well as field research.
• Compile, post, and summarize data analysis results to data server.
• Participate in the testing of methodologies associated with analysis. Prepare Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documents.
• Collect soil and organic waste samples. Assist with set up and greenhouse gas monitoring of agricultural field sites and the harvesting of various agricultural crops.

Note
The incumbent must be available to work flexible and irregular hours including overtime, weekends and holidays as required to complete time sensitive tasks. Scheduling and compensation will be in accordance with the collective agreement.
The incumbent will be regularly exposed to loud equipment and dust, as well as to inclement weather, and a range of field conditions regularly during field season (approximately April to November).
Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.
Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Soil Science or other environmentally relevant area plus approximately one year's relevant experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience) working with processing soils for chemical analysis.
• Experience in Soil Science or Environmental Science including knowledge of and experience in soil sampling methods, chemical analysis of soil samples, and analysis of greenhouse gas emissions from soil.
• Experience in and understanding of basic laboratory procedures, quality assurance/quality control procedures and SOP development with a demonstrated knowledge of chemistry.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team with solid communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Ability to lift and move soil samples between 5 to 10 kg on a regular basis, as well as to walk up to approximately 1 km regularly during field season (approximately April to November).

Assets

• Valid Nova Scotia Class 5 drivers license.

Job Competencies
The 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
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills
- Communication
Additional Information
Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.
Application Consideration
Bargaining unit employees for NSGEU local 77 are given first consideration and will be notified regarding the status of their application. All other applicants will be considered when there is no qualified internal candidate.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Diversity Statement
Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (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. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit
If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed .
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies One (1)
Open Date 10/08/2025
Close Date 10/17/2025
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents * Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Optional Documents * Cover Letter

Skills Required