Overview
Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) is seeking a permanent, full-time Field Research Specialist to join our dynamic team and serve our farmer members who grow wheat, winter wheat, barley, corn, sunflower, and flax in Manitoba.
The Field Research Specialist is responsible for the execution and management of MCA’s sunflower variety performance trials and the Manitoba Corn Committee trials. This individual will also collaborate with MCA’s sunflower breeder to manage Manitoba-based activities of MCA’s confection sunflower breeding program and will work alongside the research and extension team to support MCA’s Research on the Farm Program. This position will report to the Research Program Manager – Special Crops.
This role requires an enthusiastic and motivated individual with a passion for agriculture, strong communication skills and a positive, team-oriented attitude. For the right individual, this position will provide unique opportunities to further develop MCA’s field research initiatives.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support MCA’s strategic plan, including its vision, mission and strategic objectives.
- Manage MCA’s confection sunflower breeding program, including field operations, data management and collaboration with MCA’s sunflower breeder. Lead extension activities, sharing advancements with relevant stakeholders.
- Coordinate activities related to MCA’s sunflower variety performance trials (VPT) and the Manitoba Corn Committee (MCC) trials, including stakeholder engagement, coordination with trial contractors, statistical analysis, reporting and extension.
- Foster working relationships with farmer participants for strip-trial, and sunflower nursery locations.
- Maintain equipment and relevant facilities for safe and effective operations.
- Support MCA’s Research on the Farm Program through protocol development, statistical analysis, and extension assistance.
Qualifications
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and oral, are imperative.
- Completed post-secondary education in agriculture or related discipline, M.Sc. a strong asset.
- P.Ag. qualification or eligible and working towards obtaining P.Ag. qualification.
- Strong understanding and familiarity with Canadian agriculture and agronomy practices.
- Interest and enthusiasm to network and build relationships within the agricultural industry.
- Demonstrated experience in field crop research methodology, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
- Ability to operate small-scale agricultural research equipment.
- Minimum valid Manitoba Class 5 driver’s license; Class 3 considered an asset.
- Experience working for a not-for-profit organization and board of directors considered an asset.
Company Information
Please forward resume and a letter of interest by e-mail to [email protected]. Application deadline is 4:30 p.m. CDT on February 14, 2025.
We thank all applicants for their interest in the position. Only those selected for an interview will becontacted.