Term: 8- or 12-month term position, with the possibility of continuation based on company needs and individual performance.

Openings: 3 positions available

Hours: Monday – Friday, 40 hours/week (some overtime may be required)

Compensation: $19–$23 per hour

Accelerate your career by joining our research team!

Farming Smarter is seeking three enthusiastic, hardworking individuals to join our team in 8- or 12-month term positions to support our research programs. This is an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in applied agricultural research while working alongside industry professionals and researchers. As members of our team, successful candidates will develop practical skills in crop research, crop and pest identification, irrigation management, soil health and assessment, data collection and analysis, precision agriculture technologies, sprayer applications, GIS mapping, project management and associated skills such as planning, coordination, scheduling, and reporting, communication, leadership, and more.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Research Trial Support

- Assist with the planning, establishment, monitoring, maintenance, and completion of field-scale and small-plot research trials.
- Support research projects focused on crops, agronomy, soil health, and agricultural innovation throughout the term.

Field Equipment Operation

- Receive training in the safe operation of research equipment, including loading/unloading and transportation.
- Operate side-by-sides, tractors, plot seeders, sprayers, mowers, and other research equipment and follow training and certification requirements.

Plot Establishment & Maintenance

- Prepare and weigh seed, fertilizer, and other trial materials.
- Seed and establish research plots according to protocols.
- Flag, stake, and label plots to ensure accurate identification and data collection.




- Maintain research sites through mowing, trimming, weeding, irrigation management, and other field activities.

Data Collection and Analysis

- Collect accurate data on crop growth, yield, weed pressure, pest activity, soil conditions, and other research measurements.
- Assist with data entry, quality assurance, and preliminary analysis.

Equipment Calibration & Care

- Calibrate, maintain, and clean equipment to ensure safe and effective operation.
- Assist with routine maintenance and organization of research facilities and equipment.

Additional Duties

- Support staff with special projects, demonstrations, field events, and other duties as required.

Skills and Qualifications:

- Reliable, punctual, and comfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
- Detail-oriented and able to follow research protocols and instructions accurately.
- Organized and capable of managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- A strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Positive, motivated, and eager to learn.
- Able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

Requirements:

- Valid Class 5 driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract.
- Enrollment in, or completion of, a post-secondary program in agriculture, environmental science, biological sciences, or a related field is considered an asset.

Assets:

- Previous farm, agricultural, or research experience.
- Experience with small-plot field trials.




- Knowledge of crops, weeds, pests, or agronomy.
- Experience operating agricultural equipment.

Why Join Farming Smarter?

Gain Valuable Experience

Work directly on applied agricultural research projects that impact producers across Western Canada. Learn project management and associated skills, including planning, coordination, scheduling, and reporting. Develop technical skills that are highly valued by employers in agriculture, agronomy, research, and agri-tech.

Learn from Industry Leaders

Receive mentorship and training from experienced researchers, agronomists, and industry professionals.

Build Your Network

Connect with farmers, researchers, innovators, industry partners, and colleagues passionate about advancing agriculture.

Enjoy a Supportive Team Environment

Join a collaborative workplace that values learning, curiosity, innovation, and personal growth.

Competitive Compensation

Competitive hourly wages based on education and experience.

About Farming Smarter:

Farming Smarter exists to drive agriculture innovation at the farm level. We support a community of innovators through independent agronomic testing, applied research, scientific knowledge, and meaningful industry connections. We are a trusted source for the regional adaptation of profitable and resilient crops, cropping systems, and management practices.

Our culture is practical, farmer-focused, and grounded in real-world results. We encourage curiosity, creativity, and continuous learning, recognizing that innovation requires testing new ideas, learning from setbacks, and adapting to change. As a adaptable and responsive organization, we're committed to helping farmers remain competitive and successful in an increasingly complex agricultural landscape.

📌 Research Assistant (Lethbridge)
🏢 Farming Smarter
📍 Lethbridge