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Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been offering high quality hands-on education for over a century. Through our core programming including continuing education, online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

The Opportunity - Research Associate, Data Scientist in Digital Agriculture

The Research Associate – Data Scientist in Digital Agriculture will be involved in several projects focused on data collection, management, processing, and utilization for crop and livestock production. This position will be responsible for data management, including quality control, analysis, visualization, modeling, and contributing to formal and informal project reports. In addition, this position will provide technical support to field or laboratory-based research activities. The position will work closely with the research teams, faculty experts, and the Olds College Smart Farm team and is accountable to the research policies and procedures of Olds College.

Term: this is an hourly (flexible hours) position with the expectation that hours will not exceed a half-time role. It is a term position to June 30, 2024 with a possibility of extension and converting to full-time depending on project needs and qualification of candidate.

Key Job Functions:

• Data collection, processing and management, supporting the hyperlayer data project and other projects and initiatives focused on data collection and utilization.
• Development of new projects in collaboration with team.
• Initiate and write project documents based on specific project, funding, and stakeholder requirements.
• Present project findings to internal and external stakeholders with opportunities for public knowledge transfer events
• Initiate and write project documents based on specific project, funding, and stakeholder requirements.
• Collaborate with other college departments to contribute to and complete various projects.
• Assist with the coordination of day-to-day operations of applied research projects, including the development of protocols, scheduling activities, coordinating with other departments, and engaging with internal and external stakeholders
• Assist in other duties as requested by the Manager Smart Ag Applied Research and/or Project Lead as applicable (e.g.: attend client meetings, background information data searches, development of project proposals, etc.)

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required:

• Minimum of four years of post-secondary education in applicable field; Advanced Degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) required
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a data scientist or analyst role
• Experience with digital agriculture processes such as zone delineation and prescription mapping.
• Pro-active, well organized, detail-oriented, professional with excellent analytical skills and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of precision agriculture technologies and their application for improved productivity
• Familiar with technologies used for precision agriculture like GPS, soil sensing equipment, satellite imagery, computational modelling, drone imagery and/or field mapping applications.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with team members, clients, and the general public is essential.
• Demonstrated proposal, grant and/or scientific writing expertise.
• Focus on teamwork and integration within multidisciplinary teams on a wide range of technically challenging projects. Displays honesty, integrity, and a strong sense of ethics in all decision and actions. Excels as a team player.
• Computer literate and familiar with Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications. Computer modeling and experience with programs like ArcGIS and/or SMS is an asset.
• Class 5 driver’s license
• Previous farm experience/agricultural education considered an asset

Conditions of Employment:

• May be required to work outdoors to some extent in all seasons, e.g. rain, snow, heat, cold, etc.
• Current Criminal Reference check that is free of any offenses.
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the key job functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It is not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.