Practicum Student - Crop Research (Vermilion)

Applying for a Job

As a global leader in student-managed learning opportunities, we are committed to developing leaders at Lakeland College. It’s something we excel at because of our exceptional team. Their passion and commitment to academic excellence, innovation and achievement is what sets Lakeland apart, as an educator and an employer. Join our team and be part of helping our students take the lead not only into the future, but today.

Key Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of Robyne Davidson, Research Scientists in Pulse Crop, Haider Abbas, Research Scientist in Canola, Balwinder Kumar, Research Scientist in Cereals and the crop research associate, you will provide technical support for seeding, weed management, data collection, harvest, and sample processing of small plot research projects. The successful candidate will contribute to the management of over 45 trials, designed to investigate the best management practices relevant to the region.

• The primary projects that this position will support include:

1. Investigating the agronomics of lupin production as a high-protein pulse crop for Alberta;

2. Evaluating the Weed-It precision spraying system for effective and economical crop production;

3. Evaluating the field-scale adaptability of fall-seeded winter cereals compared with spring-seeded annual forages for livestock production;

4. Investigating barley-clover underseeding systems for improved forage and cropping-system productivity; and

5. Evaluating soil amendments for the remediation and improved productivity of saline and sodic agricultural soils.

• During the practicum, you will work closely with other students and research staff and will be involved in other projects.

• Major tasks involve soil sample collection, collecting, processing, and organizing agronomic and soil data, operating plot research equipment (including but not limited to tractors, seeders, sprayers, harvesters, etc.), applying pesticide treatments, and maintaining trials according to research protocols and crop stage guidelines.
• Other duties include entering data in Excel sheets, transporting equipment, maintaining project photo databases, assisting with research event coordination, and assisting scientists during extension events.

• Research activities are to be performed safely with attention to detail.

Job Requirements

• A current student enrolled in or a recent graduate of a Diploma/Degree in Agriculture Technology, Crop Science or a related field.
• Experience with cropping systems including seeding, pesticide management, pest identification, crop staging, and weed identification. Previous research experience is an asset.
• A basic understanding of research designs, data-collection methodologies and an aptitude for emerging technological applications or tools.
• Experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong interpersonal, networking, time management and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and discipline in collecting and recording observations for building datasets.
• Travel to field daily for observations and site management, and evening or weekend work in peak season.
• Previous experience operating farm equipment is an asset but not required.

Keys to Your Success

• Self-motivated; curious with ability to work under minimal direction to prioritize and execute tasks; professional accountability.
• Effective goal setting with solid organizational and planning skills.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude; ability to lead and motivate others and be committed to collaboration.
• Valid class 5 license, willingness to haul a trailer or flatbed, and safe driving record.

Additional Information

Up to 2 full-time positions 6-8 months (May-Oct or May-Dec; >960h) practicum positions based in Vermilion, AB, are available commencing between April 26 and May 3, 2027. Lakeland College offers an attractive remuneration package. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Competition will remain open until suitable candidates are found. All resumes are to be submitted electronically on our website www.Lakelandcollege.ca

For further information, please contact Francois Paradis, Dean of Applied Research at 780-853-8571 or Carolyn Jackson, Research Associate, Crop Applied Research at [email protected].