Field Technician

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.

Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

The opportunity:

The University of Manitoba is looking for a Field Technician. This position is responsible for preparing experimental materials for planting or deployment in the field and will establish, maintain, and harvest field research plots. The Field Technician is required to select equipment and identify optimum timing for field research activities including collecting, organizing, and processing research samples.

The Technician will be trained in drone imaging activities including planning and conducting drone imaging flights and collecting data. The incumbent will process drone images and extract data from drone imagery to prepare reports, conduct image analysis for the PI, and assist the PI in developing standard operating procedures. The Technician may be required to assist graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in the execution of their project research work.

The qualifications and experience we’re looking for:

• B.Sc in an agriculture-related discipline required.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Class 3 driver's license required.
• Three years of directly related experience required.
• Experience conducting agronomic research required.
• Experience conducting drone operations, collecting data, and processing drone data required.
• Experience using and maintaining field and lab research equipment required (hand-held and hydraulic soil samplers, weather stations and data loggers, GPS, soil and plant grinders, grain cleaning equipment).
• Experience collecting and organizing agronomic field data and samples, maintaining trial history records, and basic data summary statistics required.
• Experience conducting on-farm or interdisciplinary research required.
• An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Current working knowledge of common agricultural crop production practices used in Western Canada required.
• Sound knowledge in digital image processing and hands-on experience in imaging software required.
• Agronomic/weed research techniques (soil sampling, biomass harvesting, weed identification, plant stand assessment, crop phenology ratings, scouting for crop pests) required.
• Experimental record keeping, data compilation, summary statistical analysis required.
• Creating spreadsheets (Excel) and presentations (PowerPoint). Word processing to create summary reports (Word), summary statistics and graphing data (Excel and SAS/R) required.
• Exercise sound judgment when solving field research problems required.
• Multi-tasking and time management skills required.
• Strong effective communication skills (written and verbal) required.
• Ability to train and supervise summer students required.
• Ability to assist with graduate student projects required.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team required.
• Physically capable of performing the duties as assigned, which may include mobility (walking, kneeling, bending), moderate to heavy lifting (50 lb seed or fertilizer bags), and working outside in hot/wet/cold conditions during the field season.
• Satisfactory work record, including satisfactory attendance and punctuality, is required.

Why the University of Manitoba?

Along with being one of Manitoba’s top employers, we are proud to provide a collaborative and enriching work environment. In addition to a strong compensation package with a competitive salary, the University provides an exceptional workplace that includes:

• Comprehensive group benefits and pension plan.
• Competitive vacation time.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• A full spectrum of professional development opportunities.

Closing Date: January 17, 2025

Applications will only be accepted if you apply on UM Careers.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $46,865.00-$67,285.40 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2025-01-20