Job Description

Seed Production Research Manager, Plant Sciences
Primary Purpose: The position is primarily responsible for the administration and management of seed production and distribution of crop varieties developed by the Crop Development Centre (CDC). The position interacts closely with CDC plant breeders, distributors of CDC varieties, producer groups, and industry stakeholders and will involve supervision of full-time and seasonal staff.
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Field Superintendent, the Seed Production Research Manager works closely with the CDC plant breeders, the CDC Manager, and CDC Director. The Seed Production Research Manager is responsible for the development, management and monitoring of breeder seed production plots as part of CDC variety release agreements. The work is independent in nature and requires a high level of accuracy and excellent organizational skills. The successful candidate will be guided by the CDC Seed Quality Assurance Manual, within the framework of the Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA) Circular 6 certified seed production procedures and the Seed's Act of Canada. The manager will be accountable for maintaining an accurate inventory of all varieties and be involved in required University of Saskatchewan's year end audits.
Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Efficiently manage and organize breeder seed production plots giving strong attention to detail.
• Work independently and continue to improve the design of infrastructure and management of inventory to enable the seed production facility to have a strategic focus for long term planning.
• Responsible for hiring, training, and supervising full time and seasonal staff.
• Require exceptional detail to acquire and maintain CSGA crop certificates, pedigreed seed tags, germinations, and other required government and internal records.
• Familiarity and compliance with Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production (CSGA, Circular 6).
• Maintain an accurate inventory of seed in collaboration with the University's Finance audit.
• Accountable for the ongoing maintenance and implementation of the Seed Production Research Manager's Quality Assurance Manual.
• Compliance with University of Saskatchewan and industry's safety standards to ensure a safe working environment.
• Collaborate with CDC plant breeders, Director and CDC Manager to ensure timely release of high quality breeder seed to CDC commercialization partners.
• Facilitate and maintain collaborative relationships regarding evolving industry practices with key external CDC stakeholders, seed companies, and producer groups.
• Model a high standard of performance and outcomes; ensure positive, diverse, and inclusive work environments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education: A degree, preferably with specialization in an appropriate discipline (Plant Science, Agriculture, and/or Business Administration) is highly desirable. Equivalent demonstrated experience may be considered.
Licenses: Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists (SIA) membership preferred, or ability to obtain. 5G trailer license preferred, or ability to obtain. A Pesticide Applicator license is an asset.
Experience: A minimum of five years of progressive experience in a plant breeding or pedigreed seed production. Knowledge of seed production and processing of one or more crop types associated with the CDC would be considered a strong asset. The position requires demonstrated knowledge of agronomic practices (including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides), agricultural equipment and seed processing equipment. Knowledge of seed production regulations according to guidelines from CSGA, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and Seeds Canada. Prior management and/or supervisory experience is required
Skills: Proven ability to work effectively in a team-based environment is critical. Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving and inter-personal skills; the ability to collaborate with a wide range of people; strong interpersonal skills and the capacity to build consensus and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders; the ability to interpret and communicate information to a variety of stakeholders; attention to detail and high level of accuracy; effective organizational skills. The candidate will demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills with a heightened sensitivity to emerging issues and evolving industry practices and policies.
Department: Plant Sciences
Status: Term 2 years with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $70,687.50 - 99,001.50 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 8
Posted Date: 2/2/2026
Closing Date: 2/13/2026
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: .
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please for assistance.

Skills Required