Research and Extension Associate, Organic Regenerative Agriculture

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is hiring a Research and Extension Associate for Organic Regenerative Agriculture. This role involves leading research and extension programming focused on organic-regenerative agriculture, including project design, execution, data analysis, and collaboration with various stakeholders. The position requires a Master's or Doctorate in agriculture or a related field, with expertise in organic practices. Research is conducted at various remote sites.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University

KPU offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers. KPU strives to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning.

JOB OVERVIEW: Research and Extension Associate, Organic Regenerative Agriculture

This role reports to Institute for Sustainable Food Systems Director - Kent Mullinix. The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) is seeking applications for a Research Associate who will be responsible for leading the establishment and execution of field and protected structure-based research, and extension programming primarily focused on organic-regenerative market crop, forage crop and livestock production, and agroecosystem management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Associate, Organic‑Regenerative Agriculture will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, planning, execution of, and reporting on field and protected environment-based crop and stock production research projects. This position also will be responsible for leading the preparation of extension materials and programming associated with research‑sector development projects. The Research Associate, Organic‑Regenerative Agriculture may also, from time to time, contribute to other ISFS sustainable food system research initiatives. Research and extension programming are conducted at various sites remote from campus.

The primary responsibilities of this position include:
• Conceptualization and design of research projects, independently or with project leads/ collaborators.
• Implement and execute experiments, including plot establishment, experimental crop and stock management, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.
• Procure goods and services for the execution of projects.
• Lead or contribute to preparation and submission of grant applications.
• Monitor, assure and report on project budget adherence.
• Assure adherence to grant requirements, stipulations.
• Preparation of reports to granting agencies.
• Supervision of support staff.
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts and presentation materials.
• Collaboration and coordination with other ISFS staff and research staff from collaborating institutions/ organizations.
• Assure a safe, inclusive, amicable work environment.
• Plan and execute extension programming associated with research projects/ organic agriculture focus.
• Interact with various KPU administrative units (e.g. Finance, Human Resources, Office of Research Services etc.) as required.
• Build effective, meaningful relationships with sector organizations and actors.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The successful applicant for this position must:
• Hold a Master or Doctorate degree in agriculture/ plant science (or related field).
• Have expertise and experience in organic‑regenerative crop and stock production.
• Have working knowledge of agroecology, soil management and conservation, ecologically based pest management, farm business management.
• Experience designing and executing crop and stock production, and agroecosystem field research.
• Be proficient in the use of statistical analysis packages.
• Have strong writing skills demonstrated by their technical and/or academic publication record.
• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Have demonstrated ability to work with a high degree of autonomy and with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid work permit.
• Have a valid BC driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle, and be comfortable driving to various research locals.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following will be considered assets:
• Knowledge of the agriculture and food system landscape of BC.
• Experience with project development and management.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize a complex project and effectively plan and execute steps to complete it.
• Grant writing experience and/or training.

SALARY INFORMATION

Anticipated hourly pay rate: $43.31-$50.00

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